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Sylvaine’s artistic journey has reached a significant milestone with her latest release, the EP ‘Eg Er Framand.’ This exquisite work pays homage to Kathrine Shepard’s Norwegian folk music roots and beautifully showcases Sylvaine’s musical upbringing. Recorded at Kampen Church in Oslo, a place that holds special significance to Shepard’s emotional and artistic growth during her high school years, this EP is set to be released on March 22nd through Season of Mist. It represents Sylvaine’s deep reconnection with her cultural heritage while reflecting her extensive research in post-rock and blackgaze genres. The EP pays tribute to the essential elements that define Sylvaine’s artistic personality, making it a must-listen for fans of her unique sound.
Since its founding in 2013 in Oslo, Sylvaine, a solo music project created by Norwegian metal multi-instrumentalist Kathrine Shepard, has become a prominent presence in the metal genre. Shepard was born in San Diego, California, to a Norwegian mother and a North American father in 1991 and moved to Oslo at a young age. With vocal training and a bachelor’s degree in musicology from the University of Oslo, Shepard serves as the project’s vocalist. The name “Sylvaine” is derived from the word “sylvan” and French novelist Paul Verlaine, representing the project’s strong connection to nature and intellectual sophistication.
Sylvaine’s journey into music began in 2014 with the debut of her album ‘Silent Chamber, Noisy Heart.’ The subsequent albums, ‘Wistful’ in 2016, featuring Neige of Alcest on drums, and ‘Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone’ in 2018, showcase a remarkable evolution in her stylistic approach. Shepard made history by receiving a Norwegian Grammy nomination for Best Metal Album, a first for female artists in this category. In 2020, Sylvaine collaborated with Unrequited on the split EP ‘Time Without End’ and lent her guest vocals to Alcest’s ‘Spiritual Instinct.’ Her latest release, ‘Nova,’ which explores themes of regeneration and the cyclical nature of existence, represents a significant artistic breakthrough and was released in 2022.
Sylvaine’s exceptional music fuses the calming essence of post-rock with the raw power of black metal, resulting in an introspective and multifaceted sound. Through her skills as a singer, musician, and composer, Shepard has crafted a musical experience that balances tranquility and chaos, leaving a lasting impression on contemporary music. Sylvaine’s work pays homage to her Norwegian roots, drawing inspiration from the natural world and exploring existential themes.
Sylvaine’s artistry goes beyond simply creating music; it contributes to a more considerable discussion on the nature of humanity, our relationship with the environment, and the search for purpose. Her album collection intertwines to form a cohesive narrative that delves into philosophical themes such as solitude, melancholy, and the transcendent. Beyond its sonic complexity, Sylvaine’s music pushes boundaries and inspires reflection.
Sylvaine is a highly regarded artist with a wide-reaching appeal. She is lauded for her ability to convey powerful emotions through her music while demonstrating exceptional technical skills. Her live shows are renowned for their passionate and intimate nature, blending the individual with the universal and the harmonious with the turbulent. By pushing the boundaries of traditional music genres and combining black metal with post-rock, Sylvaine has become a trailblazer in exploring modern music’s capacity to reflect and influence the human experience.
The project boasts a unique style that seamlessly blends the lush textures of shoegaze, the ferocity of black metal, and the expansive sounds of post-rock. It effectively captures the stark contrast between transcendence and immanence. Sylvaine’s compositions are intricate, featuring layers of atmospheric synths, plaintive vocals, and abrasive and melodic guitar work. The music expresses a yearning for connections – to oneself, others, and nature. The sonic palette oscillating between the soothing and the searing reflects a broader cultural current concerned with the search for meaning in a world marked by dislocation and fragmentation.
Sylvaine’s music embodies the cultural significance of the sublime, with a predominant focus on this concept. Inspired by the Romantic movement’s celebration of nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and terror, the music encourages listeners to contemplate the ineffable – beyond human comprehension and explanation. In this way, Sylvaine explores a rich tradition of thought that delves into the limits of human understanding while highlighting the power of art to hint at the ineffable. This exploration is particularly relevant and poignant in a cultural era marked by existential uncertainty and a pervading sense of disconnection from the natural world.
Sylvaine’s artistic expression provides a thought-provoking commentary on the gender-based constraints often imposed within musical genres, particularly within the rock and metal industry. Through integrating a feminine perspective into traditionally male-dominated styles, Sylvaine challenges conventional assumptions about the creators and listeners of specific musical genres. This artistic endeavor is seamlessly integrated into the music, with its lyrical themes, sonic textures, and visual presentation, rather than overtly political. As such, Sylvaine’s work contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding gender, creativity, and the sociopolitical dimensions of musical genres.
Sylvaine’s artistic pursuit to delve into nature and advocate for environmentalism is emblematic of a broader societal emphasis on the Anthropocene epoch and the ecological dilemmas that confront modern civilization. The project endeavors to illuminate the intrinsic ties between the human and non-human domains through evocative audio and poetic renditions of natural vistas, with the aim of prompting a reevaluation of our species’ rapport with the Earth. Sylvaine’s endeavor resonates with the escalating public consciousness regarding environmental deterioration and the quest for sustainable living practices.
Sylvaine’s music is more than just a product of specific musical traditions; it carries a cultural significance far beyond its sound characteristics. With themes that delve into transcendence, immanence, gender, and environmentalism, Sylvaine’s music offers listeners a diverse and profound perspective on the human experience. By exploring these themes, Sylvaine’s music serves not only to advance its musical genres but also to connect with critical existential and sociopolitical issues, making it a project of immense cultural value.
On November 14th, 2014, Season of Mist released Sylvaine’s inaugural album, ‘Silent Chamber, Noisy Heart.’ The album heralded Sylvaine’s unique musical style, which features poignant melodies, commanding vocals, and a harmonious marriage of raw and refined sounds. Sylvaine’s discography is rooted in the core theme of internal conflict and the pursuit of serenity, allowing audiences to become familiar with Shepard’s introspective and atmospheric musical perspective.
On May 13th, 2016, Sylvaine unveiled ‘Wistful,’ an extension of their musical range following their debut album. This particular track delves into the poignant interplay between beauty and melancholy, weaving together shoegaze and post-metal components more elaborately. Critics lauded the album for its captivating soundscapes and ability to balance ferocity and tranquility, solidifying Sylvaine’s distinctive stance within the ambient metal scene.
On November 2nd, 2018, Sylvaine unveiled her third album, ‘Atoms Aligned, Coming Undone.’ Its intricate compositions lie explorations of themes concerning the delicate nature of existence and the interplay between destruction and creation. The album’s varied contrasts and refined textures are a testament to Shepard’s growth as a songwriter and musician, showcasing a polished and expanded version of her signature sound.
On March 4th, 2022, Sylvaine unveiled her latest album, ‘Nova,’ signaling a significant milestone in her musical journey. This album represents an impressive growth in her artistic career, featuring a more comprehensive array of inspirations and a more diverse musical palette, elevating her discography to new heights. ‘Nova’ delves into the themes of rebirth and the cyclical nature of life, blending ethereal soundscapes with emotionally charged climaxes. Critics have lauded the album for its inventive vision and seamless integration of various musical elements, cementing Sylvaine’s status as a leading voice in the post-metal and ambient genres.
The unforgettable moment of ‘Eg Er Framand’ left a lasting impression on Shepard’s career, profoundly shaping her emotions and spirituality. Its title track serves as a testament to music’s unparalleled power in transcending time and space. From the moment she first encountered it, this piece has captivated Shepard, and its ability to evoke strong emotions in audiences worldwide has never waned. Shepard’s otherworldly vocal talents shine through this composition, conveying deep emotions with remarkable clarity and without relying on traditional synth and organ sounds.
Sylvaine’s latest release, ‘Eg Er Framand,’ exhibits a breathtaking progression toward a more celestial Norwegian folk sound. By scaling down the once intricate arrangements, the artist allows her vocals to dominate, leading listeners on a captivating aural voyage. Influenced by classical Norwegian folk tunes, the EP’s lyrics explore enduring themes such as spiritual reflection, yearning, and our connection with nature, evoking profound emotional resonance with its audience.
Kathrine Shepard has developed a profound connection with ‘Eg Er Framand’ and its eponymous track, both on a personal and artistic level, conveying the emotional impact it has left on her. The EP boasts a meticulously curated tracklist, with standout pieces such as ‘Dagsens Auga Sloknar Ut’ and ‘Livets Dans,’ showcasing Shepard’s remarkable exploration of folk music. The compilation forms a cohesive narrative, artfully intertwining her metal inspirations and folk origins.
Sylvaine’s latest release, ‘Eg Er Framand,’ cements her position as a trailblazer in the post-metal scene. Through skillful incorporation of traditional folk elements, she pushes artistic boundaries and offers a fresh perspective on genre blending. This EP invites listeners on a journey of transcendence, exploring ancestral memory and the collective unconscious beyond the confines of sound.
The seamless fusion of Norwegian folk music with Sylvaine’s celebrated post-rock and blackgaze styles is a testament to Shepard’s daring and introspective artistic evolution. Through her fearless exploration of her musical and cultural roots, Sylvaine’s ‘Eg Er Framand’ represents a significant milestone in her artistic journey, gracefully weaving together past and present and personal and universal themes. This exploration is a fitting tribute to the rich heritage of Norwegian folk music while simultaneously expanding its horizons, inspiring listeners to discover the transformative power of music.
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