Interview Interrogation: Jesper Myrup 'Charmetrold' from Trold (Denmark)

     The Danish metal scene needs no introduction, after all it's been spewing out bands for decades - from the likes of Mercyful Fate and Mnemic, to Raunchy, Baest and  Artillery. The new wave is even greater and with bands like Trold spearheading it, the future looks bright. The quintet delivered their 2nd album "I Skovens Rige" in March last year and have just come off the back from their first ever tour in the UK, things are surely to rocket for the lads from Randers. Guitarist Jesper Myrup 'Charmetrold' spoke to us about the latest album, Trold's experiences in touring across the UK and the idea of a mini-movie focusing on Danish folklore with metal influences.

"A mini-movie rooted in Danish mythology sounds like a great idea, but it hasn't come up until just now"

Trold released their 2nd album "I Skovens Rige" last year, could you tell us what the album is about and how the lyrical topics distinguish from your debut album "Der Var Engang​.​.​."

     'I Skovens Rige' is theme-based and revolves its stories, around the forest. Every song is written to fit into this theme. Being that we tell stories and adventures with our music, we wrote the songs in a manner that would lead the listener into the vibe and feeling of a forest. There are songs of an old tree that has seen a lot of stuff in the forest, another song about the wizard that turns a group of trolls into stone, a springtime-feeling in an instrumental track and so on.

     So that is different from the first record 'Der Var Engang...' which was more a collection of different type of stories, if you will.


It's not usual to hear Folk Metal sung in the native tongue, so does singing in Danish help to convey the lyric meanings better than in English?

     Singing in Danish was the most natural thing for us to start with. Being a Danish folk metal act, telling stories and fairy-tale, it just seemed fit to do so. I wouldn't say it is easier than in English, but we're having a lot of fun with making rhymes that only rhyme in certain Danish dialects. However, our foreign fans can expect a little treat on the next record, on this subject.


Do you feel that your music can not only bring Danish/Norse mythology to the fore, but also offer a way to help those learning the language?

     Well, we definitely taught some foreign fans to yell out SKÅL! at our concerts, but I'd say teaching more of the Danish language is not on the to-do list for us.


If you could submit a Trold song for a feature film, what one would you choose? Has Trold thought about making a mini-movie rooted on Danish mythology? 

     That would be awesome for us to try, and the choosing of a song for such a project, would rely on what kind of film. First thoughts are "Mod Den Endeløse Skov", because its a very epic and emotional song about saying goodbye to lost loved ones. A mini-movie rooted in Danish mythology sounds like a great idea, but it hasn't come up until just now :)
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You playing in the UK for the first time, how was it and did it meet or exceed your expectations?

     Yeah we returned back home on the 8th February from the UK and it has been awesome! Both England and Scotland were very good to us. Very nice people indeed and everybody was into partying with us during the show. A lot of interaction between the band and the crowd, which is always very important to get the atmosphere to peak levels. So all in all it exceeded all our expectations


You've got a string of festival appearances in Denmark and Germany across 2026, will fans see new material being played?

     Yes we do, a lot actually which is very good! New songs are in the making, so that is definitely an option. Lets see!


Aside from festival appearances, what are your plans ahead for 2026? Any final comments?

     We have a lot on the table for 2026. It is already the year with the most concerts, so far for us, and more is still coming in. So the live shows are in focus this year.  But simultaneously, the song writing is brewing in the studio cave. New songs are on the way, and album #3 will see the light of day, as soon as were ready...

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