All Hails, Christina!

Welcome our latest Valkyrie of the Citadel, Christina. This Kvltress came to the Citadel to drop some exquisite knowledge about black metal, so if you like DSBM and a radical Valkyrie, grab an espresso martini and read on!

Introduce yourself for to our readers, Valkyrie

My name is Christina, and I hail you from Miami! However, I grew up in much grimmer corners of the world (Scandinavia and the UK).

Does your hometown have an active Metal scene?

Miami might not be the first place which comes to mind when you hear the word ‘metal’. However, since it is a touristy city, it means that you have a lot of variety when it comes to the places where you can hang out and the artists who come into town.

How did you discover your love for metal music, and what drew you to the genre?

I spent most of my childhood in Sweden, where metal has always been huge. There were some kids in my neighbourhood who were very into music, some of which even recorded and performed their own. When I hung out with them, they would introduce me to various bands within the genres of metal, rock, punk, and emo mostly. This was how I initially developed a taste for metal, yet as the years went by, I started exploring the genre more by myself and finding other bands I was very into.

Who are your top three favourite metal bands/artists and what makes them stand out to you?

I mainly listen to older stuff, so I’m probably not the best person to go to for current music. However, lately one of the more new-ish bands I have been listening to is Coldworld. I love the ambience of their music and how they combine a crisper sound with much of the vibes you get in older black metal. Another band I have recently gotten into is a Ukrainian one-man depressive black metal band established in 2022 called Neboplachet. I find he masters capturing a feeling of melancholy and beautifully combines it with sudden breakdowns. The third band I would like to bring up is Austere, which is a depressive black metal band from Australia that manage to blend their harsh vocals with a feeling of despair and desolation. What I love about these newer depressive black metal bands is that you can look forward to their newer stuff with the same passion you feel from their first releases.

As a woman in the metal scene, how do you navigate and overcome any challenges or stereotypes you may encounter?

I always make sure I know my stuff. I have read tons of books and watched many documentaries about the music I’m into. Knowledge is power, or so they say.

You’re at a gig, do you mosh, stand at the front crushed against the barriers, or stand in the back, arms folded, nodding along?

Definitely just dancing along somewhere near the back. I can dance to anything.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done at a gig?

So far, the craziest thing I have ever done at a concert is wear a nice pair of heels. I definitely need to step up my game (forgive my pun).

Are there any up-and-coming female-fronted metal bands or artists you'd like to highlight and recommend?

Lately, I have been pretty obsessed with the one-woman black metal band Leschure from the Ukraine. Definitely a great band for all the witches out there, given the occult themes of her music.

Finish this sentence: “___________ is the hottest Metal artist alive!”

I think Angela Gossow is the correct answer.

What’s your favourite piece of band merchandise or memorabilia?

I have a torn-up Darkthrone tee I found on Depop and which I actually wore during a trip to Transylvania. According to its original owner, it got damaged in a moshing pit.

How should a fellow metalhead approach you if they want to know more about your metal tastes?

Comment on my posts about metal. No, actually, don’t do that I probably won’t respond. Hmm I think it would be better to keep up to date with the music screenshots I post on my story and the band tees I wear in my pics. I always make sure I have memorised 3 songs, ha!

Are there any metal albums that you consider underrated or overlooked?

I adore the album Helveteshymner by Blodsrit, but I rarely hear people mention it. It’s one of those “no skips” albums for me.

What is your drink of choice?

Either an espresso martini or straight whiskey. Depending on my mood.

Finally, Rapid Fire Round. Go!!!

Vampires or Werewolves?

Vampires!

Ozzy or Dio?

Ozzy forever.

Corpse paint or leather jackets?

Corpse paint.

Blast beats or guitar solos?

Guitar solos, I can play them over and over.

Metal festival or intimate underground show?

Intimate underground show for sure.

Any final words for our readers?

Feel free to check out my Instagram account: kvltbvnny for a bunch of metal inspired and dark fashion looks and random photos of my favourite metal musicians. Thanks so much for the feature!

We at The Citadel want to thank Christina 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!