Returning for their sixth album is the nature-inspired Siberian black metal band Grima, their first record for new label Napalm Records. Nightside offers up cold, melancholic breezes and eerie melodies wrapped in a blackened whirlwind. Bringing listeners into a hauntingly epic concept of the taiga, it’s a compelling album that demands you give it your full attention so it can sweep you away into the forest. We fired off some questions to the twin brothers Vilhelm (vocals, guitar) and Morbius (guitars) to get some insight into their latest expedition. We discuss the details surrounding Nightside, their folk instrumentation, their haunting masks, inspirations from nature, and more.
Dead Rhetoric: What can you say about Nightside as your sixth full-length? Was there anything you particularly wanted to accomplish with this latest album?
Vilhelm: We dedicated this album to the mystical concept of the Siberian night forest. It tells a story of tragedy unfolding in the shadowy depths of the taiga at night. We’ve continued to develop our signature style, which has taken shape over the past ten years. The new album has a dense, detailed sound, offering a slightly different perspective on us. The rhythmic aspects of our songwriting have evolved, which is reflected in the guitar work and the arrangement of additional instruments. We are very happy with the sound—mixing for Nightside was done by a true master of his craft, Vladimir Lekhtinen, with whom we have been working for years.
Morbius: This new album is dark and beautiful music. We worked on it during nighttime, and it is infused with the atmosphere of the night forest and the horrors hidden within its darkness. Our latest release embodies the best and most expressive elements of Grima. We built upon the experience of our previous records and discovered a new sound. While we have our unique style, we are constantly evolving it. Once again, we’ve managed to create an interesting and self-sufficient album that showcases our vision of the genre and our passion for heavy music.
Dead Rhetoric:The band has been around for 10 years at this point. How do you feel the band has changed over the last decade?
Morbius: We’ve grown into a mature band that has traveled a long road—from a studio duo to a full-fledged group that tours. Over the past ten years, Grima has become one of the most notable Russian metal bands, not only in our home country but also in Europe. However, we originally envisioned this project as a studio duo, where my brother and I wrote music together.
Dead Rhetoric: When someone hears Nightside, what do you hope that they take away from it?
Morbius: I hope the listener can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Siberian night forest and truly feel the grandeur of the primeval woodland spirit.
Dead Rhetoric: What’s the most important thing that you think about as songwriters when it comes to adding in varied elements to the music, such as accordions or folk instrumentation?
Morbius: In our music, we use the bayan, an instrument similar to the accordion but with buttons on both sides instead of keys on one of the sides. The bayan has a very expressive sound—its melodies are piercing, evoking a sense of sorrow and cold. We also use acoustic guitars and keyboards with various effects. However, when incorporating these elements, we never aim to stylize the band as folk-oriented. These instruments are used to enhance the melodies and enrich the arrangements with vibrant tones, giving the songs a deeper, more immersive sound.
Dead Rhetoric: Could you talk about the wooden masks and the connection to the music? Are they meant to invoke a deeper connection to nature?
Vilhelm: We wear masks and costumes, transforming into entities that embody the mystical concept of our music. Our shows are true ceremonies, where the audience can experience the magic and become part of the ritual.
Dead Rhetoric: The two of you are twin brothers. Grima isn’t the only band that the two of you play in together. What can you say about the musical connection between the two of you?
Morbius: We’ve always shared the same interests. We’re very close as brothers and do everything together. In school, we formed our first metal band when our parents bought us guitars. Since then, we’ve been writing music and performing together. This is our lifelong journey, and we have an immense shared experience.
Dead Rhetoric: What’s the most inspiring thing that you take away from nature? How do you take that and then craft it into music?
Morbius: The nature of our homeland is our main source of inspiration. Every year, we retreat deep into the remote taiga for several weeks to absorb the energy of this magical place. The environment where we live is harsh—nature is dangerous, and the weather is unpredictable. We try to capture this feeling in our music, constantly playing with contrasts between raging and serene sections.
Dead Rhetoric: What makes black metal the best vehicle for making atmospheric, nature-driven music?
Vilhelm: Black metal has always gazed into the darkness of the ages. The primal fear of beastly coldand impenetrable darkness fits naturally into the concept of the genre, which inherently carries a strong mystical essence. The spiritual depth of this music depends on the ideology woven into it. Compared to other styles and concepts, black metal’s flexibility and variety allow for the creation of entirely new, unique worlds.
Dead Rhetoric: At one point, the band was studio-only. What’s been the most positive thing about getting out to be able to play live?
Morbius: Our team has an extensive shared experience. We’ve been playing together for over a decade and have toured extensively as Ultar. Because of that, it was easy for us to form a live lineup for Grima. Honestly, we see all aspects of live performances as positive. We absolutely love playing live and have always dreamed of it. It’s amazing to start the band’s live career with a strong fan base that we built over years of work, allowing us to tour actively.
Dead Rhetoric:What plans does Grima have for the rest of 2025, outside of the release of Nightside?
Morbius: At the end of April, we’re heading out on tour, and in the summer, we’ll be playing at Hellfest. We might add some more shows before our fall tour at home.
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