Zur deutschen Version geht es hier.
Twenty years, two decades, a generation full of music, full of emotions, and full of experiences. VARG can rightly be proud of this journey, which has found its preliminary culmination in the anniversary show on December 27, 2025, at Hellraiser Leipzig. In this context, we are all the more delighted to present the following interview with Freki. Together, we look back on an eventful career that is far from over. And we also take a look into the future.
Thanks to lightinmirror.de for the pictures and thanks to Freki for taking the time!
Shieldmaiden’s Voice: 20 years of VARG: How does it feel to celebrate this anniversary?
Freki: It feels surreal. You don’t start a band with the idea of celebrating a 20th anniversary at some point. That makes it all the more special now. I am proud of what we have achieved – and grateful that people have remained loyal to us for over two decades.
SV: When you started the band in 2005, what was your goal with the music back then?
Freki: We just wanted to make music that came from the heart. Pure passion, pure energy. No big plans, no expectations—just the desire to create something of our own and go our own way.
SV: Many bands break up after a few years. What did you do differently to prevent that from happening?
Freki: For me, there were never any compromises. Along the way, I’ve seen many come and go—but you’ll never see me leave. I hold VARG in high regard, no matter how hard the road has been. That determination has carried the band through and kept it alive.
SV: A lot happens in 20 years of band history. What do you consider to be the most important milestones?
Freki: Debut album Wolfszeit – the starting signal.
Paganfest 2010 – our first major European tour.
USA & Canada 2012 – a huge step for a German band with German lyrics.
The reformation of the band including Fylgja – a big step for our current sound.
Ewige Wacht (2023) – our most successful album to date.
And, of course, the sold-out anniversary show in 2025.
SV: What makes your debut album Wolfszeit still a good album today?
Freki: Wolfszeit has a raw, untamed spirit. It’s honest, direct, and carries an energy that is timeless. You can’t create that kind of power artificially – that’s why the album still works today.
SV: In 2012, you traveled to the US and Canada for the first time with WINTERSUN and ELUVEITIE. Was that the moment you knew you would be successful?
Freki: We realized it a moment before that: in 2011, we were on tour in Europe and found out that we had entered the charts for the first time with Guten Tag – at number 33. We all got our wolf head tattoos on the same day before the show in Hungary.
That was the point when we realized: something big is happening now.
SV: Why didn’t Fylgja join the band earlier?
Freki: The time just had to be right. Her voice and energy have enriched our sound enormously – and looking back, it was exactly the right moment.
SV: Your album Ewige Wacht was your most successful to date. Why do you think that is?
Freki: Ewige Wacht sums up VARG perfectly. We clearly played to our strengths: heaviness, atmosphere, melody, and a strong message. The album feels cohesive, powerful, and authentic—and that’s exactly what struck a chord with people.
SV: Your single Varúlfr – is that a preview of a new chapter for VARG?
Freki: Yes, absolutely. Varúlfr shows exactly the direction: powerful, mystical, modern, and yet deeply rooted in our origins. A further development without losing ourselves.
SV: What were the highlights of the anniversary show for you?
Freki: For me, it was very special moments, sharing the stage again with the old singers Geri and Draugr after 16 and 18 years—that was emotional.
There were also two live premieres: Varúlfr and Seele in a completely new acoustic version. And honestly: Selling out a VARG headliner show for the first time without a festival around it, with 1,000 fans – that’s absolutely amazing!
SV: What does it mean to you to have such loyal fans?
Freki: Everything. Our wolf pack has grown over 20 years and has supported us through every phase. This loyalty cannot be taken for granted – and I am infinitely grateful for it.
SV: If you could wish for anything for VARG for the next 20 years, what would it be?
Freki: Staying healthy, staying creative, and continuing to make music that moves people. If we can do that and our pack stays by our side, then I’ll be absolutely happy.
Shieldmaiden's Voice 