All Hails, Liv-Synneva!
Hailing from Germany, Liv-Synneva, our latest Valkyrie, is a lover of all things Gorgoroth, Darkthrone, and Enslaved! Finding her Q-zone in the darkened chambers of Black Metal, Liv-Synneva is a Valkyrie with taste and one who loves to don a sword, put on some corpse paint and listen to the blast beats well into the night. She recently talked to us - I know, can you believe it?! - here's what she had to say:
Introduce yourself to our readers, Valkyrie
My name is Liv-Synneva and I'm from Leipzig, Germany.
Does your hometown have an active Metal scene?
I would say Leipzig has a quite big metal scene, but unfortunately there are fewer and fewer scene clubs, bars etc. here, mostly for financial reasons.
What was your first Metal album?
I grew up with metal music, that's why I can't really remember the very first metal album I've listened to, but I remember that I've listened a lot to "Kings of Metal" by Manowar, "The Number of the Beast" by Iron Maiden or "Fatal Portrait" by King Diamond when I was a little kid. However the album that brought me into the Black Metal scene and had a huge impact on me was "Deathcrush" by Mayhem.
Could you share some of your favourite sub-genres of Metal, and why you enjoy them?
My absolutely favorite subgenre of Metal is Black Metal. I just love that fast drums and guitars and also the screaming vocals. It just gives me the chills.
Who are your top three favourite metal bands/artists at the moment, and what makes them stand out to you?
My top three favorite metal bands at the moment are Gorgoroth, Enslaved and Darkthrone. They influenced the Black Metal scene a lot. Each one has an unique sound and they all released many masterpieces. Even though the sound of Enslaved and Darkthrone changed a bit over the years, they still make very good music, that I still enjoy.
As a woman in the metal scene, how do you navigate and overcome any challenges or stereotypes you may encounter?
I have to say, I never really encountered any challenges or stereotypes. I was never smiled at because I'm a young woman in the metal scene and I was never accused of not having a clue about metal, because I'm a woman or something like that. The people I talked to quickly realized that I actually know pretty much about the scene and music and didn't get the chance to say that stereotype shit.
Tell us about a memorable live metal performance you attended and what made it special for you
There were a few, but the first concert that comes to my mind now is the one I attended in April here in Leipzig last year. I am Morbid were the headliners and Belphegor and Hate were their support. It was my first concert after the Corona pandemic and it just felt so good to be out again. The vibe was awesome there and it was an amazing evening, that just remains in my mind.
Also to mention here, are the concerts of the band Blind Channel I've visited. All of their shows have been amazing, super fun and energetic. Back in September last year I've got the chance to meet them in person at their show in Dresden. It was also a super memorable moment for me.
Are there any female fronted bands you’d recommend to our readers?
I actually don't listen to many female-fronted metal bands, but I can totally recommend the band "Hulder", a solo Black Metal project of Belgium woman as well as the band "Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult" with Onielar as the front woman.
Do you have a favourite piece of band/artist merch?
I think my favorite piece of band merchandise is the "Antichrist" hoodie from Gorgoroth, it was a present from my dad last Xmas.
Best vocalist…aaaand go!
My absolutely favorite vocalist is Dead (Per Yngve Ohlin).
What are some artists, bands, or albums you feel are underrated?
In my opinion Mister Misery's album "A Brighter Side of Death" and the whole band itself is pretty underrated. They have a pretty unique sound and I'm sure King Diamond fans will like them.
How do you connect with other metalheads and the metal community?
I mostly connect with other metalheads via Instagram or group chats.
Are there any local bands that you would recommend for our heathen readers?
To those who like pretty hard and fast Black Metal, I can recommend the band "Hadopelagial" . It's a two-man project from Leipzig and their sound is pretty sick (btw not to be confused with the band "Hadopelagyal", which is also from Leipzig).
And to those who like Thrash Metal more, I can recommend the band "Bloodeagle" from Sangerhausen.
Any piercings or tattoos you like showing off?
I don't have any tattoos yet, but I have some plans.
Favourite artist/band shirts?
A difficult question, but I really like the "Battles in the North" shirt from Immortal, that I own, which is a pretty old one. Never seen it somewhere else again.
Finally, Rapid Fire Round. Go!!!
Satanism or Paganism
Satanism
Slayer or Metallica
Slayer
Corpse paint or leather jackets?
Corpse Paint
Blast beats or guitar solos?
Blast beats
Metal festival or intimate underground show?
Intimate underground show
Any final words?
STAY METAL - STAY TUNED! Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of your website!
Hails,
Liv-Synneva
We at The Citadel want to thank Liv-Synneva 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!
