DROTT’s Matias Monsen to Chaoszine: “It’s a progressive world metal kind of sound”

Bergen-based DROTT are about to release their second full-length album, “Troll”, out on May 19, via By Norse. Arve Isdal (Enslaved), Ivar Thormodsæter (Ulver) and Matias Monsen form a very interesting trio, with roots in extreme metal, jazz and classical music. They create a soundscape that stands out of the box, a truly fascinating progressive sound that is hard to define.

Their first release was a self-titled EP, in March 2021, which features four tracks with a more world music kind of vibe. Later that same year, with their first full-length “Orcus”, released in September, the trio gifted the audiences with an Etruscan mythology-themed album, describing a descent into the underworld, a musical katabasis. That effort includes a track called “The Marauders”, dark and chaotic, heavy and like a horror movie soundtrack. It is that track that features the soundscape more akin to their new album “Troll”: atmospheric, raw and dark.

The new full-length explores the dark crevasses of Scandinavian mythology, focusing on Trolls and witches, dark and chtonic creatures connected to stones and Nature. With the vocal talents of Kristian “Gaahl” Espedal (Gaahls Wyrd), Lindy Fay Hella (Wardruna) and Herbrand Larsen (Enslaved), “Troll” delves deep into dark places, exploring old myths and trolldom, through a layered and well-constructed sound.

Chaoszine had the opportunity to catch up with cellist Matias Monsen, who spoke of the band’s interesting soundscape, their influences, both musically and thematically, and their new album. He also addressed DROTT’s writing process, and how it was to work with guests such as Kristian Espedal and Lindy Fay Hella, as well as future live performances.

You can check out the full video interview below:

You can also check out DROTT‘s latest singles below:

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