In this exclusive interview, Deneb (Bassist), Jota (Guitarist) and Ruxx (Drummer) from CYGNUS delve into the creation of their energetic anthem, "Raise Your Horns." Discover the inspiration behind the song, the creative process of blending orchestral elements with Viking rock, memorable moments from the music video shoot, and the impact of this fan-favorite track on their audience. Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes tales and insights that bring "Raise Your Horns" to life.
What was the inspiration behind composing "Raise Your Horns"?
Deneb: It's a song that Ruxx and I composed some time ago. We always aim to include tracks with a great vibe on our albums. In "Yggdrasil" (2019), we had "Skal" and "Gastabud," and in "Fire and Tales" (2020), there was "Valhalla"—songs that invite you to party, drink, dance, and have a good time.
Ruxx: Like "Valhalla," this song is part of those folk tunes for drinking, inspired by the celebration.
What motivated the band to create this particular song?
Deneb: As I mentioned earlier, it was time for "Ancient Visions" to have a song of the same nature. Party, alcohol, and beautiful women!
Ruxx: We wanted to create a concert-style video with the participation of friends, beautiful women, and good decorations while maintaining a Viking style.
Jota: It's based on Viking history and their memorable feasts.
Was it inspired by any specific event, idea, or cultural theme?
Deneb: Similar to "Skal" before battle and "Valhalla" in the afterlife, I wanted to write a song set in the great hall—a key cultural aspect of ancient Viking societies. I told Ruxx that I wanted to create a song with a very simple rhythmic cell in 4/4 time: two quarter notes followed by a half note, as it's a rhythmic idea that's easy to remember. The main concept of "Raise Your Horns" was born, inviting the listener to toast with us at our Viking parties. That's how we started developing the song.
Jota: We wanted a party for an explosive song.
How did the idea and concept for the song and music video come about?
Deneb: When we listened to our final creation and its duration, we realized it would be the first single from the album. Right then, Ruxx and I started planning what we wanted to showcase in the video. Since it's set in a great hall, we needed a space with many tables, drinks, feasts, and beautiful women enjoying the band's performance. We mixed all of that together, and one thing led to another.
Ruxx: I can't recall the exact moment right now, but I'm sure if we talked about it, it would come back to me.
What was the creative process behind "Raise Your Horns"? How did you develop the idea of combining an orchestra with the rock band in a great hall?
Deneb: It was natural for us to use a string octet for the video, as our music predominantly features symphonic sounds. We decided to call on the Morgans once again, as they bring a feminine touch that makes CYGNUS feel more complete.
Ruxx: We always strive to maintain that orchestral essence—it makes everything sound epic.
Jota: All our compositions try to blend classical music with progressive rock and, in this case, folk.
What does "Raise Your Horns" mean to the band?
Deneb: It's a very special song for all of us because it reinforces and enhances what we tried to achieve with the "Valhalla" music and video. It's always a pleasure to perform it live because the audience knows it and sings along, drinks to the rhythm of the song, and has a blast. Although I must say, it's always a challenge to play it live, and to play it well!
Ruxx: Power, showmanship, performance—it’s a song to have a good time.
Jota: It's one of the songs that has the best reception from the audience, it's energetic and powerful.
Is there a particular message or emotion the band wanted to convey through this song and its music video?
Deneb: That at CYGNUS concerts, you will definitely have a great time! They're always full of beautiful women—you'd better come! Perhaps at one of our concerts, you'll meet a very beautiful Viking metalhead!
Ruxx: Lift your horns, full of beer, and celebrate life.
Jota: It's a burst of powerful folk rock.
How was the experience of working with both an orchestra and a rock band simultaneously?
Deneb: It's always very easy to work with the string octet—they understand perfectly what needs to be done. We had makeup artists and hairstylists taking care of them.
Ruxx: It has been challenging but interesting. The better the orchestra, the easier it is to work.
Jota: It's very cool to mix traditional music with popular music; it's a blend of technical instrumentalists and street musicians, haha.
What were the challenges and benefits of merging these two musical styles into one piece?
Deneb: I think symphonic/orchestral elements blend very well with rock/metal. And if those melodies have folk influences, they fit even better. The challenge is always not to repeat oneself, not to sound similar to other bands, to compose exciting and beautiful melodies, to create orchestrations that work very well, and for that fusion of academia and rock to complement each other in arrangements.
Ruxx: Creating beautiful forms is the hardest part, ensuring things don't sound alike.
Jota: It gives us a powerful song but one that is also musically well-crafted.
How did the atmosphere of the great hall influence the overall atmosphere and tone of the song and music video?
Deneb: The atmosphere was just right—it was a warm, welcoming place. Everything visually felt more unified. The positive vibe of the song is infectious, filling you with joy and a desire to celebrate. I believe the color correction towards reds, oranges, and warmth makes the listener feel like they're in a place with bonfires, where the cold doesn't exist!
Ruxx: It had a significant impact because we had to embody a Viking feast, and the people with their makeup and good energy created the perfect ecosystem.
Jota: It was perfect; we wanted to give a sense of integration and happiness!
What impact did the physical environment have on the band's and orchestra's performance during the recording?
Jota: Being such an energetic song, the impetus and the outburst had to be powerful.
Memorable Moments and Anecdotes during the Recording:
Deneb: Basically, there was a lot of beer that day—some of the participants were already a bit tipsy, and the feast was absolutely real. In fact, I cooked the pork leg myself the night before the shoot, and it was ready in the morning (which served as catering for everyone involved in the video).
Ruxx: Cole and his jokes always, and fans from other cities at our shoot.
Jota: The chair/throne Cole sits on was made by us; I built the structure, and Ruxx and Deneb carved the runes and painted it.
Are there any interesting anecdotes related to the collaboration between the musicians and the extras dancing in the music video that fans might find fascinating?
Deneb: Honestly, I'm not sure. During these shoots, you have to be everywhere at once, solving things here, making decisions there. I do know there was a rather risqué game of truth or dare among the extras, but I can't give details. :)
Ruxx: There must have been some moments I missed, as I was very busy.
Jota: Everything you see in the video is real—the food, the beers, the utensils, etc.
Impact on Audience and Fan Response:
Deneb: We read all the comments, and they're all on YouTube. I think people know this song well and enjoy it a lot live. That makes me happy.
Ruxx: Excellent!!! It's one of the most well-known songs.
Jota: Everyone who participated had a great time, and every time we play it, we receive a fantastic reception.
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