We are excited to present an exclusive interview with CYGNUS, the Viking metal band known for their evocative melodies and rich storytelling. Today, we delve into the creation and significance of their song and video 'Huginn and Muninn.' This acoustic piece, accompanied by tiple, electric bass, and vocals in the studio version, beautifully captures the essence of the two mythical ravens from Norse mythology. Join us as we explore the inspiration behind the song, the creative process, and the challenges faced during the production of its enchanting video, which features Ruxx and Deneb playing their guitars while leaning against a tree, with Odin making a significant appearance. Discover the magic and emotional depth that make 'Huginn and Muninn' a beloved favorite among CYGNUS fans.
What inspired you to write the song 'Huginn and Muninn'?
R: We know that "Huginn and Muninn" are fundamental pieces of mythology and Asatru mysticism, so we decided to create this song to give them a place in our music.
D: We wanted to write a song about these beloved creatures for fans of Norse mythology. We also wanted it to be a song that could be performed anywhere without the paraphernalia of a full rock band. Since there are always guitars around, it makes it easy to play on any occasion.
How was the composition and arrangement process for the two acoustic guitars in 'Huginn and Muninn'?
R: Deneb composed the music, and I learned the guitar parts so we could perform it live and in the video.
D: We enjoy writing melodies, and we thought about having one guitar play the theme while the other accompanies. The rest involved harmonizing and playing with chords and the atmospheres they create in the melody.
What role do the additional instruments like the tiple and electric bass play in the studio version of the song?
R: The bass adds depth and harmonic foundation, and the tiple provides a double-string folk touch since we don't have Viking instruments in our country.
D: Although it's designed for two guitars and two voices, in the studio, you must work on the song from a production perspective. Yes, it's unplugged, but the bass adds depth and density, and the tiple doubles the theme exposed by the other guitar to make it sound more folk. These elements can't be provided as efficiently by a modern acoustic guitar.
What do Huginn and Muninn mean in Norse mythology, and how is this reflected in the song?
R: Thought and memory, and this is reflected in Deneb and me. We represent these two mythical ravens, telling their story, and the guitars are marked with their names in runes.
D: They mean thought and memory. Odin loves them and worries a lot about Muninn (very logical since memory fades). This is reflected because it's a very emotional song, telling the story of the ravens and how they serve the All-Father. It's one of the fans' favorites because of its melody.
Can you share the experience of filming the video, especially the scenes of Ruxx and Deneb playing while leaning against a tree?
R: Colombia is a tropical country with many mosquitoes, and the landscapes here are not like Scandinavian landscapes. It was very hot, and we had to be strategic to film. There were laughs and small anecdotes, etc.
D: The mosquitoes! Damn it! There were so many! We had mosquito repellent, but it seemed more like vitamins for mosquitoes! Damn them! Thanks to the gods, we didn't get dengue! It's not easy to achieve a good video in such a tropical country. We had to play a lot with video resources to portray what we wanted.
How was Odin's appearance integrated into the video, and what is its significance in the context of the song?
R: The ravens are faithful companions of Odin, so Odin had to be present.
D: Cole! Of course! Cole was our interpretation of Odin. We miss him every day with his craziness. Cole always appeared in our videos while he was alive, and since "Valhalla," Cole portrayed Odin. He enjoyed the role! Odin's appearance was necessary since the ravens are always with him.
What challenges did you face during the production of the music video?
R: Achieving an aesthetically competent video is a difficult path. We tried to be very meticulous with the shots, lighting, space, and all the attributes you can see in the clip.
D: We had to play a lot with the types of shots that were filmed to achieve what we wanted. And once again... THE MOSQUITOES!!!
What message or feeling do you want to convey with the video for 'Huginn and Muninn'?
R: We wanted to convey something soft and magical through the music and details.
D: Magic, storytelling, tales of old that enrich the spirit and make you see life from another perspective. Thoughts always come; memories fade along the journey of life.
How has the reception of this song and video been from your fans?
R: It has been very interesting because those who know this story identify us as Odin's ravens telling this tale. It has been excellently received by all our fans.
D: It is undoubtedly one of our fans' favorites. I've seen them singing it at concerts, and it makes me very happy to see that! The views on reels and our YouTube channel also show that it is one of the most listened to!
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