Elden Ring's Impact on Music: How a Video Game Inspired a Black Metal Solo Album
The world of video games has long been a source of inspiration for artists across various mediums, and it seems that even the most complex and intricate game worlds can spark creativity in unexpected ways. In this case, it's the critically acclaimed Elden Ring that has caught the attention of Svalbard's former vocalist, Serena Cherry, leading her to create a black metal solo album titled Noctule.
A Musical Evolution
Serena Cherry's journey in the music industry has been an intriguing one. From her time as the vocalist of Svalbard, a post-hardcore band that released four albums, to her solo endeavors, Cherry has always been driven by a desire to explore her creativity without boundaries. As she herself states, "We never wanted to create music that was easy to pigeonhole, and I feel proud that we always stayed true to ourselves musically and never restricted our creativity within the genre rule book."
The announcement of Svalbard's breakup last year marked a new chapter in Cherry's career. During the challenging times of the Covid-19 lockdown, she channeled her inspiration into a black metal solo album, 'Wretched Abyss', inspired by The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This project, released under the pseudonym Noctule, showcased her ability to blend intense, unrelenting metal with a captivating narrative.
Elden Ring's Influence
Now, building upon the success of 'Wretched Abyss', Cherry has announced her second solo album, 'Extinguish Thy Flame', set for release on September 25th. This new album is a direct response to the captivating world of Elden Ring, a game renowned for its intricate lore, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters.
The lead single, 'Lord Of Blood', pays homage to the towering, horned demigod Mogh, while the new single, 'Goddess Of Rot', delves into the tragic story of Malenia, one of the game's most beloved and challenging bosses. Cherry explains, "In the fight to protect those you love, you can get destroyed beyond recognition. When love morphs into sacrifice that leads to inevitable loss. This is what my new song 'Goddess of Rot' is about – but specifically, it is about Malenia."
The Intersection of Metal and Gaming
Cherry's fascination with Elden Ring's unforgiving world and its alignment with the harsh sounds of extreme metal is a testament to the game's impact on her artistic vision. She believes that the intense and unrelenting nature of both metal and Elden Ring are inherently linked, stating, "I think the unforgiving world of Elden Ring and the harsh sounds of extreme metal belong together. Metal is intense, relentless and uncompromising – so is Elden Ring. Writing a metal album about Elden Ring couldn't be more fitting in my eyes."
A Musical Legacy
As Cherry continues to push the boundaries of her music, 'Extinguish Thy Flame' promises to be a captivating addition to the growing list of video game-inspired music. Her ability to translate the complex narratives and emotions of video games into a unique musical form is a testament to the power of art as a reflection of our passions and interests.
In a world where video games and music often intersect, Serena Cherry's work stands as a testament to the endless possibilities of artistic expression, proving that even the most complex and intricate game worlds can inspire and captivate in unexpected ways.
