In my spare time, I’ve been working toward getting some Ill Omen Nation material done. Seems like, as with other areas of my life, I’ve finally found my voice here – a way to merge all my influences into something cohesive. When I worked under the name Mistral, that didn’t feel true. One day I’d want to write goth rock, and the next, thrash, and the day after that, black metal. By now I have a good idea what works and what doesn’t… at least I’d like to think so. As someone told me, these new songs feel very “Henrik”. I’m not trying to be that other band.
So a new song is just about ready, and should be unveiled in early March. After that, there are a good handful of tunes I’ve left maturing for a while to finish up. Things have finally fallen together for me to make music and enjoy it again. Not being stuck in an apartment anymore, I have the freedom to record vocals much more easily, and that’s also led to some improvement in that area. Perhaps my guitar playing will improve next 
– I’ve got some nice classic mics to use now, I’m partial to the Sennheiser MD421 U5. Also on loan kindly from a friend is a nice Roland synth. That’s very inspiring to write with. And my new guitar ain’t too bad.
Whether an album comes of all this or not, it’s too early to say. Making promises that don’t come true is no fun for anyone. I’ve also been asked to join some other bands & projects, and I’ve only got so much time here for music. I’ve been told by at least two people that I’m like Da Vinci, trying to balance art, music, research and philosophy. That can be potent, but it can also lead to little ever living up to its full potential. That’s an achilles heel I’ve come to be aware of, but realizing it is the first step to doing something about it!
My philosophy these days is think simple in terms of the gear you use. I used to have an obsession with trying every new piece of gear and software I could get my hands on, and sometimes they would be much too complex. The software Reaper has come a long way in the past few years, and finally I feel like I have a DAW I don’t struggle against to get the kind of recorded results I want. It really works the way I need it to, and that feels amazing.
Anyways, follow my music on YouTube & Facebook if you don’t already: http://youtube.com/henrikryosamusic
