The Norwegian melodic black metal band Vreid returns with their sixth album Welcome Farewell. To get the lowdown on the latest happenings with the group, we checked in with vocalist/guitarist Sture Dingsoyr.

Chad Bowar: How did the songwriting and recording process for Welcome Farewell compare to the typical Vreid album?
Sture Dingsøyr: The process started as usual about 2 years ago when Hvall recorded a “pre-pre” version of the songs.

We all got a copy and started working on the songs. About a year ago or so we all locked ourselves in a cabin in beautiful Skjolden and did another pre-recording of the songs. This was very helpful, because it gives a different “feel” to play the songs live and together instead of alone.

After this the songs were mostly ready and the recording process itself started with laying the drum tracks. I did all the rhythm guitars in my own studio this time which was very comfortable. After that it was more business as usual: laying down the bass, lead and finally the vocals.

How would you characterize the style/sound of this album?
As with all Vreid albums there has been an evolution in both style and sound. I think that Welcome Farewell is a bit more dark and heavy than V, for example, with a lot of ‘90s references. You should certainly check it out yourselves.

What will be your strongest memory of the recording of Welcome Farewell?
It has been a long process, with lots of different memories, but working on it while traveling to both India and Europe (on tour) was inspiring.

What inspired the album title?
The lyrics on the album describes a life cycle through a number of short stories, seen through an existential point of view. Hvall, who has written the album, gets his inspiration from nature, his surroundings, architecture and several historical artists.

How did you go about developing the artwork?
We got contacted by Kim Holm when playing a gig, and he showed us a couple of drawings he had made during the show. We all were blown away. This was something we had to evolve more. From there Kim has done an excellent job in developing the artwork.

How has the early response to the album been?
It has been fantastic. Only positive responses and excellent reviews. Could not be happier about it!

What are your upcoming tour plans?
First we start off with a Norwegian tour in February/March. Then it is off to Europe in April, before the festival season starts. Check out our website for all dates.

You played live in India last year. How was that experience?
That was something quite different, both music and audience wise, from anything we have done before. This was a collaboration with the Indian dancer Rukmini Chatterjee, and the show consisted of both Indian dance/music and Norwegian black metal. We did shows in the big cities in India, where the audience was both young and old. The response was amazing, a lot of fun, and a great way to learn something about the Indian culture.

You last played in the U.S. back in 2011. Any chance of coming back here this year?
Never say never. We do not have any plans as of yet, but we will certainly do what we can to be back in this great country.

Where haven’t you played live that you’d still like to get to?
We still have not played in South America or Japan, that would be great to do sometime.

What has been your most memorable Vreid live show or tour?
Tours differ quite a bit from playing at festivals, they are both fun in different ways. But as festivals go I would have to say Wacken. We played there again in 2011 and it is an amazing festival. Lots of people and the atmosphere is always good.

What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you while on tour?
All kind of stuff can happen on tour, from devoted fans with presents, to the bus falling apart. I remember once in Europe when one wheel fell of the bus. We lost a day, but we made it back on the road again.

How would you compare the metal scene in Norway today compared to say, 10 years ago when you were still in Windir?
Lots and lots of bands are out there now. I think that it is very different now with the digital revolution and all. It’s not easy to sell records anymore. You have to be active in the scene, release albums and play a lot live. You can’t sit on your ass and release one album and think that this is it.

What’s currently in heavy rotation in your MP3 player?
Right now I am listening to the newest Shining record.

Who are your top 5 greatest Norwegian metal bands?
In random order: Emperor, Immortal, Satyricon, Enslaved and Old Man’s Child.

Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Hope you will like our newest album Welcome Farewell, and hopefully we will be back in the U.S. to play in a venue near you. See ya all…and skål!