Diving into the dark and introspective world of Archurahl, we had the opportunity to speak with Algroth, the creative force behind this ambient black metal project. Founded in 2020, Archurahl is the result of a deeply personal journey where each track reflects the inner turmoil and conflicts of its creator. Without a set plan or clear direction, Algroth lets his emotions guide his music, producing works that are as intense as they are unpredictable. In this interview, he discusses the evolution of his project, the inspirations that fuel his creativity, and the raw, uncompromising approach that defines his unique sound. Discover how, from his intimate recording space, he crafts oppressive yet captivating atmospheres and continues to explore the depths of the human soul with Archurahl.
Serial Metalbums: Can you introduce Archurahl to those who are unfamiliar with your music? What are the key elements that define your sound? If you had to describe Archurahl's music in one sentence, what would you say ?
Algroth: I am Algroth. In 2020, I founded Archurahl and released my first work in 2021. Archurahl is an ambient/black metal project. When I started this project, I had no clear vision; my only desire was for the music I created to be a part of my soul, something personal, reflecting my inner world. I try to play what I feel, and I continue to produce in this way. My lyrics or the core elements of my songs generally reflect the internal conflict I experience within myself. The albums I prepare are actually the product of an unstable mental state.
Serial Metalbums: How would you describe Archurahl's musical evolution from your first EPs to your latest album, 'Hysterical Abyss'? What kind of atmosphere do you aim to create with your music? What feelings or emotions do you want to evoke in the listener?
Algroth: The first EP had a more depressive style, while the second EP was much more aggressive, intense, and filled with anger. In the third EP, Albtraum, depressive and aggressive elements were combined. This wasn’t something planned—it was just how the songs turned out based on my mental state at the time. When preparing an album, I don’t think about a specific theme or style; I simply reflect whatever is going through my mind at that moment in the music. In the album Hysterical Abyss, I noticed that there was an intense, suffocating, and extremely dark atmosphere once the album was completed. I hadn't intended to make such a bleak album, much like with my other albums. Honestly, I never aim to evoke emotions in the listener; my only goal is to pour my own feelings into the songs. Naturally, there are differences between the tracks—some are more aggressive, some are more depressive, and some reflect a combination of both emotional states.
Serial Metalbums: What were the main inspirations behind the creation of "Hysterical Abyss"? Are there any specific bands or artists that influenced the album's sound? What is the lyrical theme of the album, and what inspired the choice of topics?
Algroth: At certain times in my life, I feel a strong urge to be more productive, often motivated by different emotions, such as hopelessness or a depressive state. When I'm in that mindset, I'm someone who just stays in my room and makes music. While working on an album, I don't have a specific source of motivation. However, many bands have certainly inspired me. The music I listen to in daily life changes constantly, but there are some bands that remain constant, which I always enjoy—Darkthrone and Burzum. These two legendary bands always inspire me. Besides them, during the period I was working on the album, I frequently listened to bands like Paysage d'Hiver, Urfaust, Grausamkeit, Abruptum, and Gnaw Their Tongues, along with Darkthrone and Burzum.
Serial Metalbums: How did you approach the raw production of the album, and what was the intention behind it? Can you discuss the decision to create longer, more complex compositions?
Algroth: The songs on the album have raw tones. The drums, guitars, vocals, and even the keyboards are all quite raw, and I absolutely love this style. Unlike my previous works, this album has a long ambient intro before the song begins, and sometimes the synths continue playing over the drums and guitars. I really enjoyed this approach. As I mentioned, there wasn't a specific plan behind it—I just recorded the songs and felt they needed to be longer, with a few more repetitions. It felt right to me, and the songs became a true reflection of my soul. There could be many reasons behind this, including the bands that inspire me. However, I believe this made the music more atmospheric and emotionally intense. To capture and convey the emotions I was feeling, the songs needed long intros and long riffs—this was the best way to express the feelings I was experiencing.
Serial Metalbums: What was the goal behind incorporating contrasting elements like raw black metal and ambient interludes?
Algroth: I enjoy having these two elements together—dark, eerie, unsettling ambient sounds followed by a raw-toned track. I feel they complement each other and create a much stronger atmosphere. As I mentioned, I usually see my songs as the product of a turbulent state of mind, so using these "contrasting" elements together provides an atmosphere that supports the unstable emotional state I’m reflecting.
Serial Metalbums: In The Moon Weeps Blood, what led you to adopt a more structured approach to the songwriting for this track? For Warfare of the Mind, how did you come up with the chilling atmospheric intro, and how do you feel it contrasts with the intense aggression that follows?
Warfare of the Mind: For the atmospheric intro of this track, I wanted to create a dark and mysterious vibe. The calm and eerie nature of the intro contrasts with the intense and aggressive music that follows. This contrast creates a tense atmosphere and enhances the emotional impact of the piece. I believe I expressed my turbulent feelings beautifully in this song.
Serial Metalbums: Can you describe the environment where you recorded the album? Did you choose a specific studio or did you record at home? How did you achieve such a raw and powerful sound? What effects did you use to create this particular atmosphere?