BILWIS: “adoro as letras clássicas de Black Metal, mas tento fazer algo diferente”

How did BILWIS come about? What are your main musical influences and background?

BILWIS: The idea of starting a BM band or project was always on my mind. However, due to a lack of time, it never saw the light of day. But then, Corona came around, and all my other bands were put on hold. So, it was the perfect time to realize it. I must confess, I had no idea which direction I would go. I just programmed some drums and began writing and playing. After a few days, the pieces of the puzzle started to take shape. I decided to write a few songs and put them on Bandcamp. Some weeks later, Northern Silence sent me an email offering me a contract. It felt like winning the lottery. I grew up listening to all kinds of hard music, but I particularly enjoy bands like DISSECTION, EMPEROR, DARK FUNERAL, LIMBONIC ART, and MARDUK. However, when I write music for BILWIS, I simply play from my heart. I don’t have any specific band in mind; I don’t aim to sound like them.

What does the name “BILWIS” mean? I know this is a very clichéd question, and I also know it’s part of your artistic name.

BILWIS: Bilwis is a demon or a ghost in nature or in houses. He resides in the south of Germany. In the north, he helps farmers with the harvest, but in the south, he destroys it. There are also stories about him cutting children’s feet with a sickle. I was searching for a name and read a lot about German mythology. That’s how I found the name BILWIS.

Why did you decide to go as a one-man band? I find it really amazing someone can play so many instruments and coordinate them into a cohesive and coherent piece of music.

BILWIS: Thank you very much. Well, since my youth, I’ve played in bands. I certainly enjoy it. But when I started BILWIS, it was clear from the beginning that I would do everything myself. I have the freedom to work on my songs whenever I want, without needing anyone’s approval. I can choose the title, lyrics, artwork, and so on. There are no fights or discussions. I love this way of working. Of course, there are people to whom I send the songs, and I discuss with my label, but everything is very peaceful. I started playing guitar when I was 16, and I’m still a guitar player. When I compose songs for my other projects and bands, I record demos at home, so I have to do everything: vocals, drums, keys, bass, and whatever else. So, I’ve learned a lot about every instrument. Additionally, I read and experiment a lot with recording techniques.

I’ve read that your lyrics are inspired by European fairy tales and myths. Why do you choose these topics, and how do they relate to your music?

BILWIS: When the music for the EP was finished, I thought about the lyrics and the concept for BILWIS. Don’t get me wrong, I love classical BM lyrics, but I wanted to try something different. So, I had the idea to write about fairy tales and legends. The world is full of so many beautiful stories. You can find books about them in every child’s room. And they are often darker than some BM lyrics, for sure. I hope that someone who listens to my record will be inspired to pick up a book and read it. I believe that all these fairy tales fit perfectly with my sound.

I also found it interesting that you sing in German about fairy tales and mythological themes. Why did you choose German as the language for your songs?

BILWIS: Well, I think it’s a lot of work to translate the lyrics from German into English without losing the meaning. I have many old books at home with so many archaic words that I’m not sure have an English equivalent. Besides, German is my mother tongue, so I can express myself perfectly.

I wanted to comment on the beautiful cover art for “Hameln.” I know it’s based on the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which is one of my favorite stories. Tell us a bit more about it and how you and the artist came up with the idea.

BILWIS: The “Rattenfänger von Hameln” is one of the most popular and famous legends in the world. So it was obvious to write a song about him. And it was clear to me that it would become the title of the record. Well, when there are events featuring the Rattenfänger, he is always portrayed as a friendly guy who plays with children. But he kidnapped so many children, and they were never seen again. When I talked with Torsten from NS about the artwork, he suggested we ask Julian Bauer to create it. So, I got in touch with him and shared my ideas. After a few days, he sent us the first sketches, and I was blown away. The artwork is killer and fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the record. For me, it was important that my artwork looks different—no castles or graveyards in black and white. Many people click on the EP on YouTube because they like the artwork.

How do you see today’s black metal scene, especially in Germany? I ask this because recently I’ve seen a cool movement of new bands of the genre appearing in Europe, ranging from post-black metal experimentation to others who are looking for more “old-school” music.

BILWIS: There are so many good bands out there. You could spend the whole day in front of your PC discovering new bands. At the moment, I listen a lot to bands like DAUPUZ, AHAB, or BELORE. Yesterday, I received a new killer track from “TOTGEWEIHT.” I’m really looking forward to this record. I think the scene is very alive. There are a lot of shows; if you like, you can attend one every week. Last year, I visited the NS festival as a guest, and it was awesome.

This is a Brazilian blog and, as such, I always ask the bands if they know any bands from here in Brazil. Do you know any? Do you like any of them?

BILWIS: One of the best metal bands came from Brazil: SARCOFAGO. “Midnight Queen” is one of the best tracks ever written. Of course, I know KRISIUN. I’m also a huge ANGRA fan. I know it’s not really BM, but I’ve always liked melodies, and they are killer musicians with great songs.

I really want to thank you for the interview, many thanks. Now it’s time for you to leave a message for our readers. Let’s go.

BILWIS: You’re welcome, my friend. I’d like to thank you and your readers for the support. Not only for BILWIS but for the whole metal scene. Music is the key to the world. Like Erik Rutan says: “We are all together in extreme music.” All the best from Germany to Brazil!

BILWIS

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