Hulder

Words by Paige Cobos

Black metal is a particular music genre. Those not well versed within it often believe on first glance that it is a one dimensional. Some would say that it is a genre only ever reproducing the same few rifts, dark lyrics, and misanthropic themes. This is of course not true.

It can be argued that it is one of the most intriguing and evolving genres. In fact, one of the most exciting acts in the scene, Hulder demonstrates the depth and power that black metal can reach when artistic integrity and the pursuit of darkness within is met.

Hulder, is a one woman act coming from the depths of the Northwest of the U.S. whose fearsome pitch black sound speaks of dark times gone by. With her sophomore album Verses in Oath out and having returned from a national tour, Hulder spoke about her Belgium roots, creative process and the ideal live performance.          

Off Shelf: How does it feel to finally have Verses in Oath out?

Hulder: After countless hours spent brooding over the many stages of completing the album, it simply feels like the next logical step in life. By the time the album was released, I was quite busy preparing for the Decibel tour, and preoccupied with the decision of which songs to incorporate into the live set.

OS: It has been three years between your debut album and this new album. How would you characterize your creative journey so far?

H: My creative process is ever-evolving. Life and my surroundings have changed considerably since “Godslastering…” and I feel each release thus far marks a very specific moment in time for my personal archive. 

OS: You started in a short-lived black metal band called Bleeder, what experiences of being in a band have you learned and applied while going solo with Hulder?

H: Bleeder was a band composed of some people that are near and dear to me and we were primarily interested in debauchery before anything else. My approach with Hulder has been incomparable.

OS: You are originally from Belgium and moved to the Northwest United States some time ago. How has growing up in two different worlds influenced you creatively?

H: Growing up in a small farm town in Belgium has driven my lifelong interest in medieval architecture and artwork whereas living in the Pacific Northwest has driven me to place a strong focus on communion with the natural world around me. Both places provide pronounced seasonal changes, which I find myself ebbing and flowing with in a creative sense. I am thankful for both experiences and, inevitably, my music is influenced in different ways by both times in my life.

OS: Last year you opened for Wolves in The Throne Room. What has the experience been like going from doing a live show in the forest opening for 350 people to opening for sold-out venues?

H: The first show was something that a handful of people put a lot of time and energy into and it paid off for anyone that was in attendance. I don’t believe that we will ever achieve anything quite like it again. If it were up to me, most shows would take place in a similar setting. Since that is not possible, we do our best to encapsulate the essence of the forest ritual, and incorporate aspects of that experience regardless of the venue. As time goes on, the live show expands to further alchemize the musical and the visual. The amount of people in attendance plays a very small role in the grander scheme of things…

OS: Your single ‘Hearken the End’ is an incredible piece of melodic black metal. What was the creative process like?

H: Thank you for the high praise. “Hearken The End” is one of the only songs I have written and rewritten multiple times over. Not in its entirety, but certain sections. It was sped up and slowed down. Vocal parts were scrapped and redone, harmonies were changed. This is quite unusual for me. I had a very clear vision of what I was trying to accomplish but had some trouble executing it at first. In the end I had to step away from it and am pleased with my decision to do so when I did. I am not done dabbling in the epics and have some leftover inspiration from that realm… 

OS: Even though you are a very private person, what does the experience of performing live give you creatively and spiritually? 

H: I have found that performing the songs live evokes a new energy that wasn’t necessarily intended during the writing process but is welcomed. The beginnings of Hulder weren’t focused on a live show but as things have progressed, it feels right. There is a raw majesty spoken into existence when all parts are played together at once that I do not get to experience in a studio setting since this is mostly a solo endeavor. It is also very cathartic, and has allowed me to grow a more welcome appreciation for stillness.

OS: Is there any artist or album right now that has piqued your interest as a listener?

H: To be honest, I don’t spend much time looking for new bands that interest me. There is still plenty of old stuff for me to go back to. With that said, there is a new US band called One of Nine that recently put out a record that I have been spinning regularly.

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