NAME: Freya Ødegård
Country: Norway
Freya – Instagram
How did you first get into metal music, and what was the first band or album that hooked you?
I think metal has always been around me somehow, but it was my dad who really opened the door when he played Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath. It felt like I’d discovered this whole other world, like stepping into a shadowy forest at night. Venom’s Black Metal was my own first choice, though—angsty, raw, and rebellious. I was hooked for life.
What was the most memorable concert you’ve ever attended, and why did it stand out?
Seeing Mayhem live here in Oslo was unforgettable. There’s something intense about seeing a band like that in their hometown. The atmosphere was electric, and everyone there felt like part of the same dark ritual. I think it’s partly the Norwegian pride, too—seeing our own black metal legends on home turf.
What’s your favorite metal-related memory, whether it’s a concert, meeting a band member, or something else entirely?
One of my friends and I hiked out into the woods on a cold autumn night with a Bluetooth speaker and played Transilvanian Hunger by Darkthrone while we sat around a little fire. It felt like we were making our own metal history, just two friends and the cold Norwegian forest with that haunting music filling the air.
Do you have a favorite metal subgenre? If so, what draws you to it?
Honestly, I don’t think I could pick just one. There’s something to love in so many subgenres. I’ll always have a place in my heart for the classic bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer—they’re the foundation. But I’m equally drawn to black metal, melodic death, and even symphonic metal. Each genre brings a different energy and feeling; black metal has this haunting rawness, melodic death metal feels intense yet beautifully structured, and symphonic metal adds that dramatic, almost cinematic edge. It depends on my mood, really—metal has so much variety that it never gets old.
What’s your go-to metal anthem when you need a boost of energy?
Metallica’s Battery is my usual go-to. That intro gets me every time—it’s like pure adrenaline. It’s perfect for pushing me through whatever I’m facing, whether it’s studying, working, or just needing a mental pick-me-up.
If you could attend any metal concert from any era, which one would it be and why?
Easy—Metallica in Moscow in 1991. I mean, to be at that massive concert right as metal was exploding into the mainstream there, with that level of energy and a crowd that size… it would be epic. Watching the footage alone gives me chills.
How has being a female metal fan shaped your experience within the metal community?
It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. Sometimes, you have to prove that you’re “serious” about the music, which can be frustrating. But honestly, the community here in Norway has been supportive. The more I go to concerts and get involved, the more I feel like metal is a place for everyone, no matter who you are.
What’s a metal album you think every fan should listen to at least once in their life?
Venom’s Black Metal. It’s raw, it’s imperfect, and it’s foundational. Listening to it feels like holding a piece of history, and you can hear the roots of so many other genres. Every metal fan should know where it all started.
You play the guitar for fun. What brought you to the guitar? Who are your main guitarist influences?
I started playing guitar after my dad introduced me to early Metallica, especially Hetfield’s riffing style. He’s definitely a huge influence, but I’d also add Tony Iommi. His heavy, dark sound is something I always try to capture when I’m playing. The guitar feels like an extension of myself—it’s therapeutic, powerful, and fun all at once.
You also like classical music and playing the violin. What do you like about classical music, and do you see a relationship between classical and metal music?
Classical music feels like storytelling, with so much depth in the composition. Metal and classical both use that kind of drama and complexity, especially in bands like Dimmu Borgir or Emperor. Playing the violin has actually helped me understand the layering in metal music—it’s amazing how similar they can feel in intensity.
Outside of metal, what are some of your other hobbies/interests?
I’m big into photography, especially in nature. There’s something about capturing Norway’s landscapes that makes me feel more connected to where I’m from. I’m also a big horror fan, and I watch movies like Evil Dead and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre whenever I can. It’s like a different kind of dark art. And of course writing for The Metal Pit!!
Thank you for being our Metal Maiden of the Month!!
Thank you! It’s an honor. Just a reminder to all the other metalheads out there—keep supporting the scene, explore new bands, and don’t be afraid to dive into the music that speaks to you, even if it’s not the most “mainstream.”
