All Hails, Abra!
Long time supporter of the Heavy Metal Citadel, massive vinyl collector and all around epic fuckin’ human, Abra has graced us with her presence and joined the Valkyries of the Citadel. Abra is a die-hard Metal fan and she’s got the tastes to prove it. This Swedish Black Metal lover has a library of some of the best sick as fuck metal records around and has a keen ear for what crushes skulls and the latest up and comers. Not only that but her taste in cinematic violence and terror is exceptional! Curious to find out more about this Valkyrie? Check out what she had to say:
Introduce yourself to our readers, Valkyrie
Hey! My name is Abra and I come from one of the worlds biggest exports in music; Sweden. I am, what Danko Jones would call it, a ”professional music listener”, and a vinyl collector. I have records from alot of different genres, but my passion is Black Metal and my collection is starting to reflect that. I’ve always had music as my number one interest. Growing up with two music lovers and vinyl collectors as parents, there was always music in the air (hello Twin Peaks reference!!) and becoming a record collector felt natural (even though my collection is both a lot bigger and cooler, hehe).
What was your first Metal album?
The first black metal album I listened to in full was Watain’s 2010 album “Lawless Darkness”. However if we’re talking about owning on vinyl, it was Mayhem’s “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”. Going further, first metal album I listened to, ever, is probably a Metallica album. And then most definitely “Ride the Lightning”.
Could you share some of your favourite sub-genres of Metal, and why you enjoy them?
Even though my space is more than often occupied by Black metal, I listen to a lot of Death as well, but honestly… blackened death is better. I’ve become less interested in other sub-genres in later years. Within the black umbrella though, I adore post-black/blackgaze, ambient and raw black metal, as well as the ever classic Scandinavian black metal. Some DSBM bands are also some of my favourites, such as Leviathan.
I’ve always thought that there’s something so comforting in delving into a genre of total misanthropy and hatred for most aspects of living, when its what you’ve come to know through life. (I) felt seen and like I found a space where I fit in. And the way this mankind-hating-satan-worshipping underworld express it, is the best. It’s exciting, it’s overwhelming, it’s violent and passionate and hard as fuck (thats what she said?).
Favorite thing I know is turning the volume up to 11 during the SELG DIN DJEL TIL SATAN! part of “Dodsmarsj Til Helvete” by the incomparable Urgehal.
There’s so many bands I want to talk about, that I feel like I need to mention, like Ifernach, Mütiilation, Akhkys, Beherit, the one whom shall not be named… fucking Bathory.
Who are your top three favourite metal bands/artists at the moment, and what makes them stand out to you?
Right now, in 2023, we have an infinite number of bands that release perfect albums pretty much every month, its hard to keep track of them all, and even worse: ranking them. Stand outs for me…well, if we take in consideration concept, live performance as well as soundscape, Gaerea is up there. I was already a huge fan before seeing them live, but seeing them live really solidified their magic.
Another band that I discovered 2 years after their forming: Lamp of Murmuur. Being part of the black metal crowd, its pretty much impossible to escape the amazing LoM. With their sensational discography from the dark, gloomy raw black metal to more of a Trve Norwegian Black Metal inspired masterpiece of an album. I absolutely love the guitar work on most their albums, but mostly on “Melancholy Howls in Ceremonial Pentience”. Perfect synergy between chaos and absolute black metal excellence.
Lastly I’d have to mention my dear Watain, who’s celebrating 25 years of pure dedication. They’re unmatched in their creativity and devoutness of the dark arts. Even after releasing a modern classic and reaching a new level of genius (talking about “Lawless Darkness” of course), they put out another fucking masterpiece 12 years later. I’ve written a review of their latest album The Agony and Esctasy of Watain on my Instagram, so I’ll hold my praise. Its just too fucking good.
I think its so impressive that they still have that ”it” (factor) people talk about. E is nothing short of a musical giant.
As a woman in the metal scene, how do you navigate and overcome any challenges or stereotypes you may encounter?
I’ve come across a few comments about how could I possibly know anything about metal, or having men info-dumping facts I already know, in my life.. but beside getting a few ”did your dad buy those records for you?” Or ”is those your dads records?” every now and again (most recent being last week!), as a collector and black metal fan, I haven’t been taken less seriously as a woman in years. Things have gotten way easier and I truly feel respected and that I have a place in this community. However, all the memes about vinyl collecting, about metal is always centered around men. And everytime I see that ”No female vocals” part of the ”No trends…” thing, I wanna gouge my eyes out. But like I said, things are way better now than how it was many years ago. Cant even imagine how it was before I started listening to this genre.
Tell us about a memorable live metal performance you attended and what made it special for you
Whenever I get the question of my favorite concert memory, my brain always goes to Watain. All 5 times. They’re spectacular live. They give their entire essence into their craft, and every single concert has been a fire-breathing, blood spewing sacrificial ritual where nothing is safe. It’s an experience meant to fully emerge in. Leave your phone in your pocket and take part in one of the best things this world has to offer. Yeah.. I’m a disciple. Number 512 and proud of it. TO THE DEATH!
Are there any female fronted bands you’d recommend to our readers?
Love this question! My favorites who’ve all released new material within the last year or so, are: Fair of the Forgotten, Aara, Hulder and Grot! GET WITH IT!
Do you have a favourite piece of band/artist merch?
My Watain vest with the Sworn to the Dark back patch.
Best vocalist…aaaand go!
Erik Danielsson of Watain, Jon Nötveidt of Dissection and more of a newer voice, Fluss of Aara.
What are some artists, bands, or albums you feel are underrated?
Panphage - Jord
Swedish Panphage deserves more attention and space. Although they’re not active, the three full-length albums are flawless and needs to be in everyone’s collections.
Wothrosch - Odium
This Greek thunderstorm of artistry, vision and pure talent is enough to overpower Zeus. I am a little biased since I’ve collabed with them and know the vocalist personally, but they do deserve more praise. I highly recommend following them on their journey, because this is just the beginning and the aces up their sleeves are acing (is that even a word?).
How do you connect with other metalheads and the metal community?
I mostly connect with other metal fans on instagram where we spend a lot of time sharing and taking about music. We connect through the music. I’m not very social in real life and don’t know too many people who go to the same concerts and myself. Usually go by myself, order a rum and Coke and watch the line-up!
Are there any local bands that you would recommend for our heathen readers?
Änterbila, Nazghor, Wolfcross, Grand Cadaver, Grá, Blodtår, Grafvitnir, Valkyrja (suiting choice huh?), Astrophobos, Ana Argan List, Seid, Ondskapt, Lik, Orecus, Pest.
Any piercings or tattoos you like showing off?
I used to have my ears stretched, not fully back to normal, which I highly regret. However, my tattoos. Love them all. I have alot of tattoos, most proud am I of my horror movie themed leg sleeve (by Ronny Hill @ Age in Stockholm), and my beloved Reinkaos tattoo which I often show off in photos (by a person whom I lost contact with and even lost his name.. he was great though. Did most of my early ones).
Favourite artist/band shirts?
I own a lot of band tees, I do consider myself a t-shirt collector too. Its really hard picking only one as my favorite. However, the one I wear when I’m supposed to ”dress up”, for new years as an example, I always pick my trusty Darkthrone/Transilvanian Hunger t-shirt. It just fits perfect and you cannot deny DT has one of the best band logos out there!
Finally, Rapid Fire Round. Go!!!
Vampires or Werewolves?
Honestly neither. But I do love me some Lost Boys.
Ozzy or Dio
Ozzy
Corpse paint or leather jackets?
Leather jackets (can’t live without them)
Blast beats or guitar solos?
Guitar solos
Metal festival or intimate underground show?
Intimate underground show
We at The Citadel want to thank Abra for taking the time to answer our questions, and give us some insight into her favourite bands, and metal experiences. Welcome into the folds of the Valkyries. RIDE INTO THE FRAY!
