Interview Ana Argan List

In this interview, Edvins delves into the deeply personal and emotional themes behind Irrbloss, exploring its blend of melancholic, atmospheric black metal and ambient influences.

1. Can you tell us more about the concept behind Irrbloss? What does the title "will-o’-the-wisp" symbolize for you, both musically and emotionally?

Will-o’-the-wisp symbolizes the energy, or a soul from something that has died. And it's forever dancing around the place where they died, leading other lost people either to safety or to their deaths. That description fits the concept of irrbloss pretty well, with the contrast of life and death, hope and hopelessness.  

2. You mentioned that Irrbloss is a fragment of memories, especially of lost souls from friends and pets. How did these personal experiences shape the songwriting and atmosphere of the album?

When I write songs I tend to go with a gut feeling. It sounds really pretentious but I let the music flow through me and then I listen back and try to interpret what my subconscious is trying to tell/get out. Obviously I get affected by what happens around me so it tends to seep through into the songs.

3. The album blends atmospheric black metal with ambient and pagan influences. How do these elements come together in your creative process? What is it about these styles that resonates most with you?

We have a word in Swedish called “vemod” which is translated to melancholy. Black metal or even dark pop like Swedish “Kent” is very melancholic. I like that black metal has a force of rawness and often a truth in its “ugliness”. I also love to create soundscapes so naturally I like ambient music too.

4. The album feels like a journey through both darkness and hope. How do you balance the melancholic themes with glimpses of beauty and hope in your music?

When I write songs it's not like I say “woah that's too dark” or “that's too happy!” It just happens naturally I suppose. And I like when songs feel dynamic. 

5. The track names are quite evocative. Could you share the significance behind one or two specific tracks, such as Sorgens Riter or Att Vara Sann?

Sorgens Riter (The rites of mourning) is about loss, and what comes after.
Att Vara Sann (To be truthful) is about finding yourself, and staying true to yourself. 

6. You poured a lot of your emotions into this record, saying it felt "100% honest and true." What was the most challenging aspect of creating such a personal album, and how did you work through those challenges?

Well I sing clean vocals more on this album, to add a sense of “clarity and innocence”  that was a bit scary. My philosophy is that if I am honest by “showing” a piece of myself through my music, I won't regret it. 

7. Ground Media Group has been a longtime collaborator with Ana Argan List. How has this partnership helped shape the release of Irrbloss, and do you have plans for future live performances to promote the album?

Samuli has supported me from the beginning. He is a really good guy. And I thank him for believing in my music. He asked me to become my booking agent and I agreed. So as of now I am in talks with Samuli from Ground Media Group about doing some exciting shows abroad in 2025. 

8. Your music has been compared to acts like Alcest, Agalloch, and Enslaved. How do these comparisons sit with you, and what sets Irrbloss apart from other works in the atmospheric black metal genre?

Yeah well I love all of those bands. I am very flattered, and it’s hard to take in honestly haha. I don’t really know. I do know that it sounds good and people seem to like it. That's enough for me. 

9. What do you hope listeners will take away from Irrbloss? Is there a particular emotion or message you want them to experience or reflect on while journeying through the album?

I don’t have a message in mind. I wrote these songs to heal myself, hopefully it can do some good to others too. 

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𝓐𝓷𝓪 𝓐𝓻𝓰𝓪𝓷 𝓛𝓲𝓼𝓽 (@anaarganlistofficial) • Photos et vidéos Instagram

Musique | Ana Argan List (bandcamp.com)