INTERVIEW WITH VALENTINE GRIMM AND SINAWEE OF SWEDISH BAND DARK VALENTINE.

Dark Valentine, l-r Sinawee, Valentine Grimm, Erzebet

JR: Let's start with introductions. I'm Jeff Reynolds, a blogger, used to be a songwriter (now working on being a novelist), 61 years old, ordained minister, and always having enjoyed Christian rock of several styles. As for you, how did Dark Valentine get started? Who's in the band?

VALENTINE: I started the band as a solo project in 2005. Me and Sinawee met in 2006 and we joined forces on what would become Dark Valentine as it is today. Erzebet joined us on bass throughout the years and we've had several guest performers with us, but as of now the band consists of Sinawee and myself. 

JR: My first impression of Dark Valentine is a meme with three of the members about how you are reaching those most churches can't reach and to not judge Christian Goth (see above). First, I agree. How would you define Christian Goth? I tend to think of them wearing dark outfits: how is it compatible with Scriptures saying we're of light, not of darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5), and having no fellowship with the unfruitul works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)?

SINAWEE: It has nothing to do with outside and the color of clothing, as you know even priests and nuns wear black. One of our favorite Scripture is Isaiah 45:3 "And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel."  In Psalms God uses darkness as his canopy. We know he is not referring to evil. To us a Christian Goth is someone who is a Christian and appreciates gothic style in clothing and make up, whether its Pixie Goth, Romantic Goth, Gothic Metal. there are many different variations of gothic style. Music with darker notes, or minors or ambiance, gothic metal, etherial, industrial, symphonic doom, etc. 

JR: Most of my view of Christianity is of course here in the lower 48 on the other side of the pond, as well as keeping up with mission groups including Voice of the Martyrs. What is the state of the Church in Sweden? What are the greatest challenges you face? Does it sometimes seem you're facing a two front war, with the world on one side and the organized Church on the other? Also, have you ever had opportunity to cross over and visit here? If so, have you noticed any differences (other than us not speaking Swedish)?

SINAWEE: The only time it feels like we have been in a two sided war is in America, in Sweden the churches simply appreciate anyone who will darken their doors. They accept and respect you and do not judge you on outer appearance. We find in Sweden, USA and across the globe, when we play at non-christian venues, we have been accepted on merit of how we perform our shows and everyone has been very respectful to us when they find out we are Christians and they are usually curious and engage in meaningful conversation which gives us a chance to talk to them about Jesus.

JR: I'll admit I only had the blessing of hearing one song by you: "A World Beguiled." (And I absolutely loved it!) What are you all currently working on? Any songs that you're excited about and that you'd like to tell me about?

VALENTINE: There is a lot of music in my head. We are working on new things, but for now, like to keep the mystery alive. If you like "A world Beguiled" you might enjoy "Come to Me", and maybe even a song like "Drain".
our latest album "Twill BE Epic' is available on Bandcamp (https://darkvalentine.bandcamp.com/)

JR: What sources has God used to encourage you? How do you strengthen your faith? What is God doing for you all and through you all? 

SINAWEE: First and foremost spending time with the Lord and reading the Word. Gathering together with other believers and we have family and friends we are very close to and keep each other accountable. 

The Lord is always providing strength, healing and hope, no matter what the situation looks like. We've learned to put our trust in Jesus, trust Him with our lives. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Sometimes we notice that we have taken things back in our own hands and doing things in our own strength and we have to give it back to Him again. Through us and through the music, He is ministering to people, both saved and lost.  

JR: Thank you for your time. Anything else you'd like us to know? Any prayer requests? How do we keep up with what you're up to?

VALENTINE & SINAWEE: Just keep us in prayer for God to keep using us in the ways he wants to use us. As to how to keep up with us: we are on Facebook. There is the Dark Valentine store where you can buy a physical copy of our CD "Twill Be Epic," and as we said earlier the CD is available, digitally, on Bandcamp. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. God Bless you and all your endeavors!