All Hails, Alisa - Valkyries of the Citadel

It’s been a while since we had our last Valkyrie update but we’re back featuring another black metal maiden, Alisa! This is one metalhead that loves the frostbitten anthems of Mayhem and Darkthrone. Her soul, forever marked by the haunting echoes of Burzum, thrives in the bleak landscapes of DSBM and the arcane realms of dungeon synth. In her world, coffee fuels her days, vodka ignites her nights, and her wardrobe is a battleground of metal allegiance. Find out more about Alisa and read on fellow Citadelians.

Introduce yourself for our readers - tell us where you hail from

Hey y’all, my name is Alisa and I’m an English Teaching student. My interests include metal, manga, anime, languages and medieval fantasy. Make sure to follow my insta acc: @alisainhell!

Does your town/city/village have a good metal scene?

I currently live in the capital city so I would say yea the scene here is pretty good, however it’s not as friendly as it usually is in other countries, [not gonna lie].

How did you first get introduced to metal music, and what was the first band or song that really resonated with you?

My dad has always had a taste for rock music, so I’d say it started there haha, but it [really] wasn’t until I was in elementary school when my older sister started listening to heavier music that she used to share with me and my younger sisters.

A few years ago, however, one of my younger sisters started introducing me to classic Black Metal bands like Mayhem and Darkthrone, and I guess from there, I started getting much more into the world of heavy metal.

The first band that resonated with me was Burzum. I mean, I’m a die-hard fan of The Lord of the Rings, can’t help.

Metal is such a diverse genre with numerous sub-genres. Which specific sub-genres do you gravitate towards the most, and why?

My favorite subgenres are death metal, black metal (mainly second wave), stoner metal, dsbm and dungeon synth, but especially dsbm and dungeon synth. Regarding dsbm, I think I have always been attracted to human emotions, pain, suffering, desperation, loneliness, hopelessness, and to my surprise this genre perfectly captures those emotions. Now, I really don’t think I need to explain my love of dungeon synth to you guys, lol. I love medieval aesthetics and music, you got me.

Over the years, metal has produced some iconic albums. Which three albums would you say have had the most significant impact on your life?

It’s [really] hard to pick only three, but I’d say Filosofem (1996) by Burzum, Selvmord (1994) by VOND, and Pulver (2006) by Lifelover.

Can you share a memorable concert experience and what made it so special?

Hypocrisy + Exodus + Trivium gig in 2022. Hypocrisy hadn't done a gig in the city for years, and the first time they came I wasn’t old enough to attend, lol. So it was an incredible experience.

As a woman in the metal scene, how do you navigate and overcome any challenges or stereotypes you may encounter?

Block button for haters! Nah, I don’t really pay attention to this matter. I know what I like and why and [you know] I don’t [really] have time to deal with trivial comments in my life, so yea, ignore and move on with my life, hehe.

Many metal songs touch on deep, introspective themes. Is there a particular lyric or song message that has guided you through a challenging time in your life?

This song... How do I describe it? Its melody, its lyrics... It reaches the depths of my soul.

“What I want to happen, what I don't want to happen - how self-absorbed I have been to consider it important. The future, the past. The endless amount of time spent on worry or regret. “What a waste of the gift that is life”

—Excerpt from Beyond the Belt of Orion by Ofdrykkja.

What's an unusual fact about you/some weird shit that you've seen or experienced?

I have always had sleep disorders, nightmares, lucid dreams, sleep paralysis, insomnia, everything you can imagine! but for a few years now I’ve been able to wake up from my bad dreams at will. So fricken proud, lol. It’s a great skill if you’re like being chased by a murderer in your dreams, haha.

Do you have a favorite album cover, and what do you think it adds to the music?

FACELIFT DEFORMATION - Dominating The Extermination by Facelift Deformation. I love how this artwork perfectly represents the content of the album. You know, alien discrimination.

You’re at a gig do you mosh, stand at the front crushed against the barriers, or stand in the back arms folded nodding along?

Third option, definitive answer.

Are there any bands or artists outside of the metal genre that you enjoy or feel have influenced metal in some way?

Actually, I just listen to what I like, so [of course] I do listen to other genres of music. I like The National, King Dude, Peter Gundry, or Krasseville, for example. Whatever is pleasing to my ears, [to be honest].

How do you discover new metal bands or tracks? Are there specific platforms, magazines, or communities you rely on?

Many times by recommendation, other times I do my own research on a particular genre that I find interesting (I can spend hours listening to an album to finally decide if I like it or not). Additionally, thanks to social media I am always aware of new releases!

What’s your favourite piece of band merchandise or memorabilia?

I have a Tsujer t-shirt that my sister gave me for my birthday because she knew I love Tsjuder. The t-shirt is old now, but it’s still my fav. Jen, if you’re reading this ily!!

Are there any metal albums that you consider underrated or overlooked?

I’ll nominate Photophobia, Todeskult, I’m in a Coffin, Skitliv, Svart, Grausamkeit, and Schrat as underrated.

With the vast discography in metal, are there any underrated bands or albums you wish more people knew about?

I really love Skitliv’s Skandinavisk Misantropi, I don’t understand why it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, smh.

Have you got any tattoos or piercings? Any favourite or cool ones you want to share the meaning of?

I don’t think I can decide between a Seven Churches Possessed t-shirt or a Tsjuder t-shirt. Help.

What’s your drink of choice?

Coffee, coffee, coffee and more coffee. Although I love any drink that contains vodka in it.

What’s your favourite band shirt