VIMAARA – interview

Introduce your band, and describe your latest release:
Vimaara is an online solo metal project based in Toulouse, France. Under the banner of the ouroboros – the ancient symbol of a snake eating its own tail, which is often interpreted as a symbol of eternal cyclical renewal or a cycle of life, death and rebirth – the project releases its debut double EP Ad Astra/Ad Inferi in September 2023. Although the project is being launched this year, the composition of the songs on this first release spans over a decade. They are part of a collection of songs written for various unreleased projects and thus share a larger common history.

What’s the hardest part about being a band in this day and age?
As I’m a starting independent artist, I don’t have too many topics yet to talk about. But as everyone should know, what streaming platforms pay the artists is ridiculous. I think something should be done in that sense. I saw Deezer going in the right direction recently on this topic. Others should follow their direction (especially Spotify).

Tell us about your latest release, why should we check it out?
This is a very diverse release honestly. I think everyone can find a song to like. It brings modern elements with more classic ones, heavy parts but also ethereal ones. I feel it’s a bit different from what is being released these days. And of course, the lyrics are mostly in french!

How does a song typically come together for you?
I first think about a theme for the song. This is my main point to begin with. Then I list musical ideas I want to integrate. I try to build a structure that matches the idea of the song and integrates the musical ideas. I then write the instrumental and try to get inspired by the music I’m writing to write little pieces of lyrics. Then when everything is complete, I would do some fine-tuning and arrangement until I’m happy. Melodically, I usually write the melodic parts first and write the drums in the end.

How would you describe your sound to an unfamiliar reader?
Vimaara’s dark and melancholic progressive metal cleverly blends hard-hitting guitar riffs with soothing clean melodies and scattered eerie atmospheric passages over symphonic orchestrations. The vocals alternate between heavy screams and powerful clean singing, bringing French and English lyrics to life in a flow of emotions.

What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your band?
Specific emotions that I try to make happen along the whole EPs.

How excited are you for 2023, and what can fans expect from you?
Yeah of course, it’s the first year for Vimaara. I start to prepare things for next year as well. Be ready!