TÅKEVANDRER - ''Darkness is definitely a creative source for me''

Sparky
15 minutes ago
5 min read

TÅKEVANDRER emerged from the Austrian Mountains in 2025 and in short order have forged their own individual path that is extreme black metal steadfast in the ideology of profanity and the lunar experience. The three piece create music that surprises and is part of the journey for something that is unique, and reflects the individual in its art.

Taranis (Guitars) ‘’It was about expressing feelings and thoughts through a particular art form. Some of the music was already written months before we decided to bring the project to life. We then spent quite a while searching for the right name and finally settled on "Tåkevandrer." Norwegian isn't our native language, but it felt right immediately. We wanted to mold the project into a form that suited us before presenting it to the public. The real ritual behind it is the creative exchange and the individual processes involved—as well as the fun of simply doing things differently, while the project still retains the dark essence of black metal. Ultimately, everything took shape as it will be on our first EP.

It is true black metal

‘’We all know what "Trve Black Metal" is like and the narrow confines it's bound to. However, in expression and further development, there will be transgressions, and other stylistic influences, but always within a framework that suits us. As a listener, I was rooted in "Trve Black Metal" for a long time, but as a musician, I don't want to remain trapped within it. Now I see it in this way: We draw on a broader spectrum of Black Metal styles and elements. Certainly, the music will consist of both "old" and "new" components and ultimately represent our own interpretation of them. A deep connection to nature is naturally present for us and will continue to play a role in the concept. I would recommend simply paying attention to the feelings while listening and less to any classifications. For me, it's like an alchemic process to create something new, yet somehow familiar. I have my own approach to it, which I won't try to put into words.

'The Fen Exhales' and its video exemplifies this?

‘’It can be seen as a kind of preview of what's to come. It was a good start, a way to convey a feeling. However, all the other tracks on the EP will have their own distinct character. It's important to me personally not to constantly repeat myself.

Cold and mysterious yet also with surprising clean vocals?

‘’Yes — I like surprises in music! Anything else would be boring! Whether we'll continue with the clean vocals as we have been is still undecided. The moment simply has to be right for something like that. The mysterious image, or rather, the aura surrounding it, is a very important aspect for me. Someone recently said to me, "Mystery is an art." I couldn't agree more.

The layers to Takevandrer?

‘’Absolutely, yes! That's also part of the concept. It's intentionally meant to have multiple layers and create a certain depth with lyrics and music. The intention behind the feelings of Takevandrer is something like a consciously chosen outsider status, detached from society and politics, removed from any current events. There are always stories happening alongside it. I like strong individualism as well as this conscious turning away from things that don't suit my taste. I simply want to freely develop my ideas, together with others, and see where the journey leads. To wander through the foggy days to find out what comes after.

Your Upcoming Debut EP? What can we expect from it musically and thematically?

‘’It will deal with personal topics, though the lyrics will remain secret for now. There will also be a limited-edition tape release of 50 copies, which we're producing ourselves. Musically, Takevandrer will show various facets of the sound. I think the EP turned out quite interesting and captures the band's future potential. Attention has also been paid to smaller details in the music. I personally appreciate that in other bands.

The lunar experience as an influence and creative source?

‘’The moon, which gives us the impression of being the sun of the night, shrouded in myths and legends... which is also said to possess and represent various qualities. In any case, the moon has this connection to the realm of night, the "subconscious" or "our unconscious." From the darkness, through this faint light, all the melodies and songs emerge... I myself can only really create music when it's night. I don't want to delve too deeply into occult interpretations, because these topics have really been overused by others over the years. I deliberately leave the question of my thoughts behind this open... just as the moon, with its influences, keeps everything "mysterious."

Hope vs despair? The transformation of the individual through experience?

‘’All these topics play a role... Without practice, there are no experiences and no transformation, and ultimately, no wise conclusions. I am a fan of Gnostic thought and ideas, where it was believed that this world is a kind of prison. Everything is therefore somehow "imperfect" or "flawed." Everything is thus constantly changing. We only progress if we take action and embark on this journey.

The exploration of darkness as a creative outlet?

‘’As mentioned, darkness is definitely a creative source for me. But fundamentally, the very nature of darkness—to be frightening—is an important aspect of everything. Only this can move us forward.

‘’Too much light can also burn or "radiate" us. The embrace of night, the primordial darkness, is therefore much more important and allows us to recover and heal.

The power of Black metal and how you were drawn to it?

‘’The power of black metal... it gripped me very early in my youth, and it never really faded. Therefore, I consider it a matter of honour to make even a small contribution to allowing this energy to develop further.

The importance of presenting a true expression of oneself through your music?‘

’True art can only happen when the artist becomes completely one with what he’s doing. For this to happen, all the factors have to align to capture the perfect moment. It's not always easy... but I try my best. Personally, the most important aspect, "the individuality," which is a fundamental characteristic of this music, is preserved like an aura. After all, that's what I've always loved most about it. So far, this is my interpretation, and I'm also happy to occasionally surprise myself with it. Every track is just a snapshot in time in my eyes, but it's somehow a fundamental character. Therefore, I think that one's own music can ultimately function as a kind of mirror, one that you can never truly see into unless you actually create and realize it.

Do you define extreme music as how much one puts themselves into their art honestly and fearlessly?

That's one of the most important aspects. Everything else is just copy and paste. So many people learn an instrument and spend most of their time learning other people's songs. It's much more exciting to try creating something yourself.

Top 6 favourite albums of all time?

Abigor- Nachthymnen

Dissection- Storm of the Light's Bane

Summoning- Stronghold

Empyrium- Weiland

Ulver- Kveldssanger