Mordbrand Interview

ALL ANSWERS BY BJÖRN LARSSON.


1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have
never heard of you before?

About ten years ago, me and Johan (drums) had a death metal band called Horned, and I guess we missed doing that style of deadly music. Our ambition was not to make anything contemporary, meaning: all out speed and technicality. We wouldn't be able to do that even if we wanted to! But also, it was never a question of emulating our heroes. We just wanted that same passion and doing actual songs instead of finding "the right sound". That's why I adore flawed production - you can't hide behind a magician/producer.
We started out in 2004 - but had no intentions of doing anything further than the four songs we recorded. But, they ended up on a split 12" with english Evoke (suggested by Evoke vocalist John Redfern). That gave us a spark in a way, and we ended up doing more songs - not knowing where they'd eventually end up.


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how
it differs from the previous split album?

It differs alot from the split record. The songs for the split was recorded on a fun day in the rehearsal place, just tossing letters on a paper and spew words into the mic. But, as I said, the ambition wasn't very high regarding those songs - but they turned out pretty cool anyway. Had we known that they'd be pressed to vinyl, perhaps we would have worked on them a bit more. "Necropsychotic" is the first recording with Per Boder (GOD MACABRE/MACABRE END) behind the mic, and he sure brings alot to the table. Not only does he have a very powerful voice - but he has a way of pronouncing and phrasing - which suits us in a great way. And that's the key to our sound, I think. We try to make cool songs - not complex riffs with growls on top. Our songs are fairly simple and to the point. I'm very pleased with how "Necropsychotic" came out.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores
with the new release?

Life, death & (necro-)spirituality, basically. Per did all the lyrics.


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Finding a moniker for a death metal band anno 2009 (that's when we named the band) wasn't easy. Mordbrand means "arson" in english, and it has no real meaning. It's just a discomforting thing - like our music.


5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?


We haven't played any shows to this date. Perhaps we will one day, but it's not on our minds at the moment.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?


No.

7. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?


Me and Johan are active in a thrash metal band called THE LAW and I do some session guitars for punk artist PP7 Gaftzeb. I also have a black metal project with a friend and we'll try to finish up some sort of debut recording this fall. Per is currently not active in any other band or project. 

8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by death metal fans?


Well, I think we've created a small buzz in the underground - but I'm not sure that many people know about us yet. Perhaps - and hopefully - "Necropsychotic" will change that.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?


Musically it's gonna be crusty d-beat death metal. That's what we set out to do in the first place. Just like "Necropsychotic" showcases, we'll have other influences put in there as well, to make it interesting and varied. But I think the key progression will be audible in the production department.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Old crust punk, death-/thrash metal and to some degree even black metal. I listen to alot of new stuff as well, and too many bands to mention. But Disma, Craft, Livet Som Insats, Ages, Bastard Priest, Gravehill, Bombus, Burzum, Deathspell Omega, Enslaved, Omnizide, Toxik Holocaust & Deranged are bands with strong releases as of late.

11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

I enjoy reading about politics, religion and other hazardous human concepts.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thanks alot   for the interview! I'm very pleased that you find interest in our band and music. Readers can check out our stuff at http://www.reverbnation.com/mordbrand and get a hold of our new Mcd "Necropsychotic" at http://www.deathgasm.com
Bestregards
Björn