Formed in 2020 amidst the turbulence of a world in crisis, Svart Vinter emerged from Italy with a sound steeped in cold, northern bleakness and the raw emotional weight of isolation. Drawing from the spirit of Norwegian black metal while infusing it with personal depth and atmospheric ambition, the band has evolved from their introspective debut Mist to the glacial soundscapes of their sophomore release Isvind (2025). In this interview, we explore their origins, inspirations, creative processes, and the philosophical undercurrents shaping their dark and immersive universe.
Serial Metalbums: Let’s start at the beginning—Svart Vinter was born in 2020, a time of global uncertainty. What was the spark that led to the band’s formation, and how has your vision evolved since those early days?
Svart Vinter: The start of Svart Vinter was deeply influenced by the global turmoil of 2020. Amidst the chaos, we sought to channel our emotions and experiences into music. Our vision has evolved from a raw, introspective exploration of despair to a more refined and expansive sound that delves into themes of isolation, nature, and existential struggle. This progression reflects our growth as individuals and as a band.
Serial Metalbums: Your name, “Svart Vinter,” and the overall aesthetic clearly reflect a strong influence from Norwegian black metal. How do you view the connection between your Italian roots and the Northern, cold, and desolate themes that shape your music?
Svart Vinter: While our Italian heritage is rich and vibrant, we find resonance in the stark, cold landscapes of the North. The name "Svart Vinter," meaning "Black Winter," encapsulates the desolate beauty we aim to convey.
Serial Metalbums: Beyond the obvious black metal influences, what other artists, albums, or even non-musical elements have shaped your sound and vision? Are there inspirations you think listeners might not expect?
Svart Vinter: Beyond the foundational black metal influences, we’ve drawn inspiration from various sources. The atmospheric depth of post-rock bands like Alcest and the melancholic tones of doom metal have enriched our sound. Literature and visual arts depicting desolate landscapes have also played a significant role in shaping our music and imagery.
Serial Metalbums: Your debut album, Mist (2022), marked a significant step in your journey. How do you reflect on that record today? What were you aiming to express, and how well do you think it captures your essence as a band?
Svart Vinter: Mist was our first attempt to translate our inner turmoil and reflections into music. We aimed to create an immersive experience that resonated with listeners on an emotional level. Looking back, it captures our raw energy and the essence of our early vision, though we’ve since refined our approach to achieve a more cohesive and polished sound.
Serial Metalbums: Your new album Isvind (2025) feels like a step forward, with a sharper production and an even colder atmosphere. What was the creative process like for this album, and how do you feel it builds upon or differs from Mist?
Svart Vinter: Isvind represents our evolution both musically and thematically speaking. The creative process involved a deeper exploration of our themes, resulting in a more intricate and atmospheric composition. The production is more refined, allowing the cold, desolate themes to permeate more effectively. While Mist laid the groundwork, Isvind builds upon it, offering a more mature and expansive sound.
Serial Metalbums: Atmosphere plays a huge role in black metal, and it’s clear that Svart Vinter pays close attention to textures, moods, and visuals. How do you approach creating these immersive soundscapes, and what inspires the imagery behind your music?
Svart Vinter: Creating immersive soundscapes involves a meticulous layering of textures, harmonies and rhythms to evoke specific moods. We draw inspiration from the natural world, particularly its more desolate aspects, as well as from personal experiences and emotions. The imagery in our music reflects these inspirations, aiming to transport listeners into the landscapes we depict.
Serial Metalbums: Many black metal bands explore philosophical or conceptual themes in their music. Does Svart Vinter aim to convey a particular message or ideology, or is your focus more on pure atmosphere and emotion?
Svart Vinter: While we don’t adhere to a specific ideology, our music delves into philosophical themes such as existentialism, the human condition, and the interplay between nature and isolation. Our primary focus is to evoke deep emotions and create an atmosphere that resonates with listeners, allowing them to interpret the themes and the music in a personal and meaningful way.
Serial Metalbums: Looking ahead, where do you see Svart Vinter going? Are you open to exploring new musical territories, or do you prefer to stay true to the cold, traditional sound that defines your identity? What’s next for Svart Vinter—new material, live shows, collaborations.. ?
Svart Vinter: We want to remain committed to our core sound. We are working on scheduling some live shows to support Isvind. Our journey is one of continuous evolution, staying true to our essence while embracing new possibilities.
