Boris Behara became a worldwide phenomenon within the heavy metal community with his YouTube channel.
Even before relocating to Norway, he was already showing quite a lot of talent online, by doing black metal covers from Mayhem. Metal Imperium had the chance to speak with him and learn more about his vlogs, and the man behind the black metal band Tryglav. With already two albums, and a third one coming up, Tryglav doesn’t go unnoticed by black metal fans, especially due to Boris’ iconic and incredible online content.
M.I. - Hey, Boris! How are you doing so far in Norway?
Hey! Everything’s great so far. I have nothing to complain about.
M.I. - After four years from the official release, “Night of the Whispering Souls” gets a re-issue with three different printings. Looking back, what’s the feeling of having your first album out?
Well, it was a surreal feeling because it’s what I always wanted to do. I didn’t know much about recording programs or plugins, so I had to learn everything as I went along. Since it was my first album, I really didn’t know what to expect. I’m glad the album did well and helped me understand more about composition and evolving the sound for the second one.
M.I. - What possibilities or open doors did “The Ritual” provide you in the black metal genre?
Quite a lot, actually. The album got the same amount of streams in one month as the previous one did in four years, which is wild. More people noticed the band, promoters included, and I got opportunities to play at some amazing festivals. Overall, the album was a huge success for me, and I can’t wait to see how things evolve with the third one.
M.I. - Callum Wright covers the vocals, but in a YouTube video, you mentioned you’d like to move forward with Tryglav as a solo project, including vocals.
Tryglav was always a solo project, and it always will be. Callum was just a session musician I hired to sing my lyrics and vocal melodies. I can’t thank him enough for his contribution.
I really love his vocals on this album, but it’s hard for me to work through emails and wait days for changes. I prefer to have complete control over every aspect of the music so I can make changes quickly. Since I’m the only member, it makes more sense for me to be the singer too.
M.I. - You’re also a video game fan. Do you draw any inspiration from games when recording Tryglav’s albums?
Not with the first two, but I have to admit that three tracks on the new album were really inspired by Dark Souls. It was a harsh winter here in Norway, and I was playing that game quite a lot while composing the new album. It inspired me a lot. That’s why some of the tracks on the new album will have atmospheric keyboards reminiscent of the game’s epic soundtrack. Even the lyrics might be inspired by it, but I’m not sure yet.
M.I. - The color blue is predominant in both albums. Any specific reason?
I just like the contrast between blue and black. It’s not because many Swedish bands used it in the 90s; it’s really a personal preference.
The color scheme for the first album was warmer at first, but I asked the designer to make it more blueish. I’m not sure how the third one will look; we’ll see.
M.I. - Currently living in Norway, which is the perfect country for creativity in heavy metal music, how do you perceive black metal today compared to the late 90s?
Well, I don’t see too many differences, to be honest. The scene is still in good shape, and we have some amazing new bands leading the genre, like Mgła, for example. The only real difference is that today, it’s more about the music and less about shock value. With the internet and our lives being exposed 24/7, it’s a bit harder to pull off that impact.
M.I. - Tryglav burst out on YouTube, where you did covers of bands like Mayhem’s “Freezing Moon.” Are YouTube and filmmaking your full-time career?
Yes, I’m a full-time YouTuber, and honestly, it’s a more secure job than being a full-time musician.
I make more in one month (a basic paycheck) than I do in a year selling music. There’s no real music industry anymore, and the only way musicians can make a living is by playing live, but even then, with the increased cost of everything and playing underground music, you never make enough to survive.
YouTube allows me to work with music on my own terms and enjoy my life - something I hated before.
M.I. - If you had to choose between being a YouTuber or a musician, which would it be?
YouTuber. I don’t see myself traveling for months in a small van, smelling my bassist’s socks, trying to make some money. Plus, I don’t really enjoy playing live.
The sound always sucks, you never hear yourself properly, and there are always issues. For example, at the last show in Germany, I had to take two flights and three different trains just to play a 45-minute set, and then rush back to the airport the same night. There’s nothing fun about it; I do it just because I enjoy meeting people who appreciate my music.
M.I. - In one of your latest videos, Varg Vikernes accused you of showing the wrong house where he used to live. However, you mentioned you had a reliable source who confirmed that was the place he lived after being released.
It was the correct address; I just confused the word "address" with "coordinates." So, when I said that was the house, I made a mistake. It was actually the next house. Not a big deal, really - the point of the video was just to visit and show the town, but, as always, he had to make it a big drama.
M.I. - Any upcoming shows in Portugal? We’re dying to see Tryglav perform!
I’d love to, but it’s all up to the promoters. If they book us, we’ll play. Right now, we have two festivals lined up for 2025. Let’s see what comes next.
For Portuguese version, click here
Listen to Tryglav, on Spotify
Questions by André Neves
