Formed in 2008, the solo Black Metal project of Norwegian musician Jørgen Sven Kirby (Nattskog) who is now based in Norwich - UK, SYKELIG ENGLEN incorporate the rich tundra of the Scandinavian forests with the dark resentment and self respective, misanthropic depression that lies within. SYKELIG ENGLEN will leave you cold, internally struggling and doomed to despair. Developing through experimentation in these Black Metal rituals, SYKELIG ENGLEN has not only a unique but also an ever-evolving approach to their art which always promises to be utterly savage and retain a monolithic atmospheric prowess in whichever direction the chaos of the Heavy Metal world takes the project. – Interviewed by Atandistorted, 24 January 2021
Hail Nattskog! What is new and to be next in the near future of Sykelig Englen?
Hey! The latest releases are “This Hollow Land” on CD (Clobber Records), vinyl (Legions Ov Darkness) and tape (Slime Citadel)! Also the split with Glemt! The future is unclear but what is right will be unveiled in due time. Currently I have 2 recent albums (2019 and 2020) for Hexivoid and have been working very hard on Garden Of Eyes which is Death Metal of the old school vein. For now Sykelig Englen is dormant but certainly not dead.
Before we go further, let us know how this band get started and what are the ideas and purposes behind it? What is the meaning of the band’s name?
The band was started in 2008 to fulfil a young desire to play Extreme Metal! Since it has become far more savage and dissonant as I have developed through clear progressions of the band. The malevolent energy will always remain the same though. The name is sickly angel in Danish, a language I chose because of my love for Mercyful Fate!
I think this is a one-man-band project, right? Introduce us about yourself in person? Who help you while playing live shows?
That’s correct! Due to my isolation both geographically and generally choosing not to be around people, playing alone was necessary! Live shows have featured musicians who have worked closely with the band and share the same visions!
Please explain more about the music and sound of Sykelig Englen? Where does most of the influences and inspiration come from?
The sound is Black Metal! Influences range from the classics of the first and second wave to the melancholy prowess of Finnish bands and some of the more discordant bands of Iceland too. It has always had its own direction but there can be found a common characteristic with some of these examples.
The latest release was a split with Glemt entitled “Monolith Of Chains”. Tell us any good and important facts about it and your opinions on Glemt?
Glemt is a fellow musician from the U.K. who shares the destructive visions! I approached him, believing we could collaborate in creating a visceral and haunting release and I believe we achieved this. Glemt is one of the acts I believe has huge potential in the underground.
Do you think that “This Hollow Land” EP 2019 a reminiscence to your debut effort “Immortal Throne” Demo 2012?
I think the raw vitriol has remained consistent but I was 13 when I recorded the demo in 2011, with all of the passion but a lot to learn about composition! This Hollow Land is to my ear the best offering thus far.
Please describe each of your 3 full-length albums and how do you interpret the band progressed musically (songwritings, soundwise, etc)?
“Hymns Of The Dead” definitely had a more melancholy feel to it, though still very aggressive and personally I don’t see it as a DSBM album as much as a reflection on a turbulent period of my life. “Hagall” has far more interesting ideas and yet a very straight forward approach that should be weird and uncomfortable yet still possible to Headbang too. “To Walk Among Death And Pestilence” closed this early trilogy with a much rawer and more basic approach as I decided to mix the album myself and use more primal songwriting. This last effort may be seen as a regression of sorts but like all others, it was made to satisfy something I needed to do. “This Hollow Land” is the only release which defines the sound as I intend it at this stage in life.
I found that Sykelig Englen also contibuted in several compilations. Which ones are essentials to you?
I am a firm believer in the underground methods of compilations, tape trading, fanzines etc. If I have an opportunity to spread the darkness via these means, I take it. The Legions Ov Darkness compilations are always killer and being chosen for Misantrof compilation by Vrangsinn of Carpathian Forest was a huge honour.
Tell us about your gigs and tours? Any memorable moments from the shows?
I have never considered Sykelig Englen as a touring band, being around people is far too spiritually draining for me to allow this. However the most recent shows were a weekend couple of dates around the U.K. and the turnouts, killer lineups and maniacal fans really made it worthwhile. Sadly where I live the local scene is practically dead for Black Metal but travelling around the U.K. in 2019 and getting a marvellous response was appreciated.
Share your thoughts about today’s Black Metal scene? Close this interview with the reasons why we should listen to Sykelig Englen?
Today there is more Black Metal than ever. This means more amazing bands and projects but also more that do not have the right feel for me. Obviously the listener can choose which is right for them but I certainly thing Metal only becomes stronger and stronger! Anyone who says it is dead or faltering is clearly too brainless to seek out the underground gems that have amazed me. Sykelig Englen is sonic despairing, an agonising hate for mankind and a narrative on the horrors of our species. If you have the same rage at humanity that I do, you may find catharsis in our music.
Hails to your zine and the maniacs reading it! Support Black and Death Metal and fukk the world!
Note: Featured in REVEAL #6
