There are those who fashion words into imagery, where vocabulary becomes the brick and mortar to forge this citadel through which imagination thrives. While fascinating, for our minds to construct that which was written, there is a difference between truly feeling and merely witnessing. Skadin is a Black Metal entity hailing from Romania, a soul that creates not just imagery but instead a sensation for the mind to inherit, for from sound comes a world where the consciousness can feel its energy and physicality. I recently had the opportunity to engage in conversation with the artist. To you, the reader, may these words engage you so much that you are enticed to discover his art.
Hails to you! It’s an honour to be conducting this interview with you, so let’s commence. Can you tell us about the conception of Skadin? How did the idea form and what made you want to create this band?
Skadin was born in 2024 in Tulcea, Romania, when I wanted to make my own music; bands like Windir and Dissection inspired me to create my own music in that style.
Prior to Skadin, were you involved in any other musical projects?
Before Skadin, I just used to jam with some guys from my hometown, nothing Black Metal.
I’d like to know the origin of the artist, you? So let’s start with Metal, how did you get into Metal? What attracted you to the genre? We shall get to the topic of Black Metal in the next question.
I started listening to Metal when I was around 10 years old, mostly through the YouTube algorithm or popular videos that featured Metal tracks. I was really drawn to how freely the artists could express themselves without barriers, and I just thought it was cool.
Alright, now that we have an understanding of what got you into Metal, can you tell us how you found Black Metal, or how did it find you? What drew you to this genre and lifestyle? What were the bands that stood out to you?
I discovered Black Metal when I was 12; I think I was listening to Iron Maiden when I stumbled upon it. I still remember ‘All Shall Fall’ by Immortal. I had never heard anything so evil and brutal before, and it really captivated me; I absolutely loved the aggression and the stories behind the songs. My initial go-to bands were Burzum, Mayhem, Immortal, and Windir, pretty basic, I know, but we all start somewhere.
It is no secret that you are rather young, so how long ago have you been practising music? And if I may take it further, what musicians influenced your playing and technique?
I have been studying and practising music since I was about seven years old, starting out as a pianist. The musicians who have influenced my style range from Bach to Jon Nödtveidt and Valfar, and even James McBain.
If you can enlighten us about the philosophy behind Skadin, both as a band and as a message, what do you hope to achieve with this entity?
At first, I wanted something much more rooted in folklore, but now, following the album, I’m about to release a different EP. It still deals with mystical themes, but of a different kind; it no longer draws on Romanian folklore, leaning instead towards horror. The message is different on this new EP, much more horror-based, but not in an 80s style.
I want to create something new, especially since I come from a country where people don’t really appreciate this style.
Skadin can be considered a one-man band. What made you take this decision to create all the music by yourself? Do you think Skadin will be solely a one-man venture or would you invite other musicians to inject their ideas?
I couldn’t find anyone willing to sing in this style or dedicate more time to it, but D.P. Mann is currently an official member of the band.
In 2025 you released the ‘Fallen Echoes’ demo, with some tracks appearing on the full-length, so take us through the creation of this demo and the tracks. The recording was also done with a raw, lo-fi texture; was this intentional?
I still feel self-conscious listening to that ‘Fallen Echoes’ EP because it didn’t turn out at all the way I wanted; I didn’t know a thing about recording, mixing, or mastering, so I just did the best I could, and yeah, it didn’t turn out great, but it’s a start. It wasn’t intentional; it was just me not knowing anything about mixing, recording, and mastering.
The debut album, ‘Wallachian Emperor’, was released in 2026. The production changed to a more old-school 90s texture and the symphonic elements are a bit more prevalent. What was the decision behind changing the atmosphere from the demo to this?
I wouldn’t say the album was my best work, but I gave it a shot, and with D.P. Mann’s help, we created a better sound, not perfect, but more acceptable; we always strive for the best possible production.
If I’m not mistaken, is there a concept behind the debut album? Can you explain it to us? What exactly is the story behind the album itself?
Yes, the concept behind the album is about Dracula (Vlad the Impaler), featuring iconic battles and myths surrounding him.
One of the aspects that I adored about the album was the artwork; that was one of the reasons I was inclined to check out the album, because it emitted that 90s Black Metal aura. Can you explain the cover art? Who was the artist? And what was the decision to choose this particular image? How does it relate to the music?
Yeah, the artwork is really great; the artist behind it is a Romanian named MOROI, and the story it tells is about Vlad the Impaler and his shadow that still haunts the land. It ties together because it also features that castle, which represents Vlad’s reign. The new EP will feature artwork by the same artist.
A standout aspect of the songs is your use of melody; the album as a whole renders itself in a harmonious sense with the melodies. Can you tell us, when writing tracks such as ‘Dark Woods’, ‘Fallen Echoes’ and the mid-section of ‘Vlad Draculea’, what is the thought process when creating these riffs, and also the reason for the melodies?
Honestly, I don’t really plan out the riffs beforehand; I just play and see what comes out. I focus on melody because that’s what I want Skadin to be, something harmonious and melodic.
The vocals also sound reminiscent of old-school Black Metal, with a rather ghost-like resonance. How did you decide you wanted to perform the vocals, and how did you find this type of voice? Did you practise, or is it something that came naturally to you?
To be honest, the voice didn’t turn out exactly how I wanted, since I’m still practising, but it’s okay; it doesn’t come naturally yet, as I only have about three years of practice under my belt. And to get it, I just screamed; I tested my throat and somehow arrived at a technique.
Skadin hails from Romania, if I’m not mistaken. Would you say the culture and art of your country influence Skadin in any way?
Yes, it has influenced things so far, but right now I’m working on something more international.
From your perspective, how is the Metal scene in Romania, and by extension, how is the Black Metal scene? Are there any bands you would recommend?
The scene in Romania is pretty rough right now, especially the Black Metal one, though we do have some good bands; I recommend Negură Bunget, O.C.H., and Martolea.
You’ve had the chance to release the album on both cassette and CD through Nekro Morgue Productions. How did this working relationship come about? Also, how did it feel as an artist to actually have your music in physical form?
Oh yeah, it really felt good to see my music in physical form; my collaboration with Nekro Morgue is simple, we’re friends.
You’ve recently fleshed out a full line-up to play live shows. How was it bringing the music into a live setting for the first time? Also, was it difficult to find members who shared your vision?
That’s what I wanted from the start, to play live for the widest possible audience; I’m not an elitist, and I’m not trying to gatekeep. It felt even better than when I released the album; playing live is one of my favourite things to do. Yes, it was extremely difficult, especially since I live in a small, remote town and have to travel constantly for shows or rehearsals. However, we have one final concert coming up on 22 October for the ‘Wallachian Emperor’ release, after which I’ll need to find a new live line-up and focus on the new EP.
Even though the album is still fairly new, do you have plans for a follow-up? If you can, can you give us any details?
We’re just about to release the new EP, which will be Skadin’s best release yet, and the best Romanian Black Metal release to date.
As we wind down to the last questions, I would like to know, as an artist, what does the art of Black Metal mean to you? From your perspective, do you view it as only music? Or would you say it transcends it? However you wish to describe it, can you tell us in your own words?
I can’t view Black Metal merely as a musical style, nor do I see it as a lifestyle, but rather as a part of myself that makes me feel good and free, without barriers.
For new musicians who have ideas but haven’t released anything, if there’s any advice or words you would give them, what would it be?
Even if your music doesn’t sound that great when you release it, you shouldn’t care what others say; do whatever you want, but don’t be edgy.
Regarding the future for Skadin, what is it that you envision for it? Where would you like it to go and would you want it to evolve?
I see Skadin’s future involving a tour with several albums released.
In ending this interview, I want to extend my gratitude towards you for taking the time to answer these questions. That being said, I would leave the last words to you. Is there anything you would like to leave the readers with?
In life, if you simply follow the herd, you won’t achieve anything in music.
This has been Count Kristian, thanks a lot for your time.
