Interview: Flykt

Interview by Transmontanus

In the increasingly crowded landscape of Extreme Metal, Flykt occupy a space that feels both ancient and immediate, a meeting point between Blackened ferocity, Death Metal weight and an atmosphere steeped in unease. With “Sinister Strain”, the band returns not simply with another collection of songs, but with a work that appears intent on expanding the psychological and sonic boundaries established across their earlier releases.

There is a sense of intent running through the record: riffs that feel less ornamental and more ritualistic, arrangements that favour tension over immediacy, and a darkness that lingers long after the final note has faded. As Flykt continues to refine their identity, “Sinister Strain” feels like a significant chapter, one that invites reflection on where they have come from, where they stand now, and where the path may lead next.

We spoke with the band about the new album, the evolution of their sound, the lessons carried over from previous releases, and the broader view of their career so far.

This Is Black Metal: Hails! And welcome to This is Black Metal. “Sinister Strain” carries a strong sense of atmosphere and psychological weight.

What was the initial spark behind the record, and what did you want listeners to feel when entering its world?

Joel: The initial spark came from the fire we’ve always carried within us, the very same force that first brought this band into existence. It leads the way, and you’re usually better off not questioning it.

As cliché as it might sound, when we write new material, our focus isn’t on what others may or may not feel. The band is, first and foremost, a deeply personal journey. If listeners experience an authentic portrayal of death, rebirth, transformation and elevation, we’ve succeeded in conveying our story.

TIBM: Compared to your earlier releases, this album feels more expansive and deliberate in its pacing.

Was that a conscious shift during the writing process?

Joel: I wouldn’t say it was a conscious decision, at least not at first. As the writing progressed, new ideas emerged that naturally led Sinister Strain in a more expansive direction. We really didn’t rush the process on this album, both by choice and by circumstance, and that gave the songs the space to grow and evolve in ways they otherwise might not have.

Flykt

TIBM: Flykt have always balanced aggression with mood.

How do you approach that balance without allowing one element to overpower the other?

Joel: I think the balance comes from writing instinctively rather than following a concept. One of the things that made me fall in love with Black Metal at an early age was its emotional range, and that naturally finds its way into our compositions. If a song calls for restraint, we let it breathe. If it calls for violence, we don’t hold back. And if beauty is called for, we don’t shy away from it.

TIBM: Looking back at your previous records, what do you think each release taught you as songwriters and as a band?

Joel: The songwriting process, for me at least, has always been pretty much the same. There’s nothing glamorous about it. Hard work, introspection, honesty, persistence and will are key elements here. The material will present itself, whether it’s tomorrow or in seven years. As a band, you draw valuable lessons from each writing and recording process. You gain new insights into every aspect of it; some things are worth keeping, while others will be abandoned.

TIBM: Were there any particular moments during the recording of “Sinister Strain” that changed the direction of the album or revealed something new about the material?

Joel: There were numerous setbacks during the creation of Sinister Strain as a whole, and they all altered the outcome, in one way or another. As mentioned earlier, the rather long writing process made room for some expansion of the material. And other unforeseen bumps in the road placed a greater demand on the band itself to keep things moving forward. The main direction of the album was always there, but all of these circumstances helped shape it.

TIBM: The album title itself suggests something insidious and lingering.

What does “Sinister Strain” represent to you, both musically and thematically?

Joel: It represents a transformative inner journey, one where the outcome was always uncertain. It’s a depiction of will and perseverance, as well as complete surrender. The album is a true representation of Flykt as a band, and the result exceeded all expectations.

TIBM: Extreme Metal can often be driven by instinct as much as precision.

How much of this record was carefully constructed, and how much emerged naturally in the rehearsal room?

Joel: In its current form, Flykt is not a rehearsing band, so the record was written in closed chambers. But despite the long and complicated writing process, I would still say that instinct was very much involved. The actual material is always somewhat of an emerging phenomenon. Sure, it doesn’t appear out of thin air. It demands that you put in the work, but the creation process has a life of its own.

There’s definitely precision involved in assembling everything into its final form, but I’m much more of a passenger when it comes to the actual material; it more or less emerges on its own terms. It would, of course, be much more convenient to have more control over this process, but acceptance is the only sustainable option here.

TIBM: Over the course of your career, how has Flykt’s identity evolved?

Do you feel closer now to the sound you originally envisioned?

Joel: So far, we have only released two albums, and I wouldn’t say our identity has changed that much between the releases. The musical core, as well as the lyrical foundation, remain intact. We incorporated some new musical elements on Sinister Strain that perhaps make it a bit more unconventional than our debut album. Regarding the sound, I feel we’re taking big steps in the right direction with this record.

TIBM: The Underground Metal scene has changed considerably in recent years.

How has Flykt navigated that landscape while maintaining its own artistic integrity?

Joel: I’m not that closely entangled in any scene, and I’m not quite sure what changes you are referring to. If you are talking about the internet and the present digital landscape, it’s mostly a sad story. We tend not to open our mouths unless we have something worth saying, and this helps us keep our integrity. We will not participate in the ongoing popularity contest, where constant meaningless shouting is necessary to stay “relevant”. We want to distribute our music far and wide, and that includes some mandatory marketing, but we strive for quality over quantity in doing so.

TIBM: When listeners reach the end of “Sinister Strain”, what do you hope remains with them, a particular emotion, image, or understanding of Flykt?

Joel: Enlightenment is the first word that comes to mind. Hopefully the album will serve as a tool in escaping the shackles of the mind and of this world.

TIBM: Finally, some last words for your fans outhere?

Joel: Thanks for your support!

TIBM: Thanks for your time!