Dødsdrøm - ''It’s about doing what you want, not what others expect.''
- Sparky
- 24 hours ago
- 4 min read
Ilya Shorokhov (Guitars, Bass)’’The project began with a track I had written while still part of another band. It didn’t fit that project’s vision, so I started looking for someone interested in collaborating on it. I posted in a Discord server full of musicians from around the world. That’s where I met Luke. We talked, I shared my vision, and we immediately clicked — that’s how Dødsdrøm was born.
Dødsdrøm is a project (Australia / Russia) that presents authenticity with experimentation to create a unique sound that is born of black metal that also contains different elements new to the genre. Ilya is joined by the formidable vocal talents of Luke Clarke (Incantus) and Inna Kazhanova
Ilya ‘’I wanted to break away from the trendy, over-polished metal that sounded more like pop — music created as a product rather than an expression. I wanted something real, something that resonates, something I saw through my own lens, not through the eyes of producers, labels, or focus groups. At the same time, I didn’t want to just make “another black metal” album — let’s be honest, the genre is saturated with similar bands, songs, and clichés.
How is this delivered with your new single Resin and the evolution of your music?
‘’Resin is the result of what we’ve been striving for since our first single Taiga. It’s a blend of traditional black metal and our unique atmosphere. When I write, I experiment with genres, trying to extract the best and create something of my own. It’s primarily about the music — I let emotions take over and focus on building an atmosphere. In practical terms, I use classic black metal elements like blast beats and tremolo riffs, but reinterpret them — sometimes in a traditional way, sometimes in a more progressive direction.
The combination of beauty and decay?‘
’It’s all about feelings and perception. Beauty means different things to different people. In music, some see beauty in perfectly engineered sound, pristine vocals, polished studio production.For me, it’s in contrast — black and white tones, noise shaping the sound of a dark forest, dry trees, and howling wind.I’m a huge fan of David Lynch. His films have definitely influenced how I perceive things, including beauty — especially the kind that’s far from conventional.
The importance of ritual and atmosphere?‘
’Absolutely crucial. Without that, it’s hard for me to write. I need to reach a specific state — one that’s shaped by my surroundings and mood. Sometimes I meditate to focus, to visualize a scene, to hear the music before it’s even played.
It is also a pure aggressive assault. The importance of expressing such aggression sonically?‘
’I believe that expressing aggression through music is the healthiest and clearest way to do it — if you know what I mean. Music lets you channel it safely while still making your message heard.
Your ideology and the defiance within your music — are they a reflection of your environment or something larger?
‘’I don’t tie myself to any specific ideology. I don’t like restricting myself with labels or boxes.
Have they always been a priority?
‘’Honesty — absolutely. This kind of music demands honesty with yourself above all. Defiance — yes. It pushes you to explore, to step beyond boundaries, to experiment, to search for your own sound. Uncompromising nature — definitely. It’s about doing what you want, not what others expect.
The importance of presenting a true expression of oneself through your music?
‘’That’s the very reason I do this. I’ve tried to quit a few times, but I always come back — I just have to do it, you know? It’s like something drives me to pick up the guitar and write riffs.I could just play like many others do, but it’s never enough for me.
Do you define extreme as how much one puts themselves into their art honestly and fearlessly?
To me, the perception of “extreme” comes more from the audience than the artist. From the inside, as an artist, there is no such concept.If someone is deliberately trying to be extreme for the sake of it — that feels like posturing.
Will the creation of uncompromising music always be the goal of Dødsdrøm?
Without a doubt. We’re not chasing label contracts or stadium shows. That’s what gives us the freedom to create music on our own terms, the way we want.
Authenticity over fantasy and the terror of the real?
The modern world is too predictable. We’re told what to watch, what to listen to, how to look. These rules define both the beauty and the horror around us. To me, it often feels unnatural — artificial. Authenticity, on the other hand, lets you feel something real. It’s like a breath of fresh air.
Will darkness always consume the light? Or is there hope?
It depends on what darkness and hope mean to you. For me, there is hope — the fact that I can do what I love is already hope. You have to approach all this philosophically.
How did you discover and decide that Black metal is the one true form of expression for you?
I tried a lot of different genres, but through trial and error, I realized that black metal speaks to me the most. It lets you break rules, ignore judgment, charge forward.Even if you’re not a guitar virtuoso, even if you don’t have label money — you still have a voice and a way to express yourself.
Final thoughts and new releases?
Black metal is alive and will live on. It’s not just a genre — it’s much more than that. As for new releases — yes, there will be more singles, maybe even albums. But everything in its time. What matters is that now, we know exactly where we’re heading and what we need to get there.
Top 6 albums of all time?
A Vulgar Display of Power – Pantera
The Dethalbum – Dethklok
Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath
Панихида – Batushka
New Bermuda – Deafheaven
Köld – Sólstafir