Meeting Lord Mortvm
~Interview by Shawn Gibson~
He's a man of few words, so we weren't sure what to expect when we approached the elusive LORD MORTVM for an interview. If this is your first encounter with the Norwegian black and doom metal artist, read on. You'll get the lowdown on his background and influences, and audit the new album 'Diabolical Omen of Hell' (2021), which entered the Doom Charts at #17 in March.
☿
Lord Mortvm, thank you for your time. After receiving "Devil Doll" from you, I was hoping we'd have a chance to talk. How are you?
Hey, Shawn. I'm fine. I'm happy and surprised by the good reception of the album. This is my first interview, so I really appreciate the opportunity and your time.
Thank you for sending me your album, 'Diabolical Omen of Hell' (2021). That's one hell of a record! Your album artwork looks like Death Crush from Mayhem and your music sounds like Dark Throne and Electric Wizard hung out and produced a beautiful black metal doom baby!
Thanks, man. Yeah, those are some strong influences for me.
What are your doom metal influences?
Black Sabbath, of course, but also St. Vitus, Pentagram, Death SS, and Electric Wizard.
What about your black metal influences?
That would be Mayhem, Darkthrone, Emperor, and Satyricon.
Do you do everything in the band?
Yes. I composed, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered the album entirely.
You have some delicious riffs on 'Diabolical Omen of Hell.' Please tell me about your guitar setup.
For my guitar tone, I use a Gibson SG, Marshall JCM 800 head, Orange 4x12 cabinet, Boss FZ2, Boss Hyper Metal, and Xotic Booster.
Diabolical Omen of Hell by Lord Mortvm
How would you characterize Lord Mortvm's music?
What people make us believe is "wrong" is attractive. I like to create something that is unconventional. I love being in a trance listening to the same riff for 20 minutes and enjoying it. I like aggressive music that makes me let go of all the shit that we carry inside. I have been through several bad situations in my life and black and doom music always accompanies me and I identify with these genres.
"Merciful Lord" is my favorite song! It gives me chills and my hairs stand on end.
It's the first song I wrote for the album. It's a riff that is repeated throughout, while the lyrics speak of not wanting to be in this world anymore and surrender to the Lord -- which is not me! (laughs) I wanted the first song I wrote to be the last on the album, and I wanted an epic ending. I think the guitar solo and the screamings do a great job.
"Children of Haze" is a song to transcend, to float away in meditation. "We set our lives ablaze," " Close to the edge, dancing madly". I'm sure I can relate!
How good what you say! There is nothing more pleasant than for someone to relate to what I wrote.
How about those nasty riffs on "Devil Doll" and "Merciful Lord"?
Those were the first two songs that I wrote and they are completely different from each other. "Devil Doll" is a more "classic" song with a classic song structure, and is less than four minutes long. "Merciful Lord" is a repeated riff almost ten minutes long. I wanted to be able to play with extremes a bit throughout the album.
You've included some interesting samples throughout the album. Where did you source these?
A bit from the internet, another bit of movies. I don't remember which ones.
On Omega XIII is that Anton LaVey?
Is an excerpt from verse V of Anton Lavey's Satanic Mass.
Looks like you've had a good response so far to 'Diabolical Omen Of Hell.' What do you divine is in the future for Lord Mortvm?
I'm going to continue recording albums, and if everything returns to normal I can make gigs. But above all, I'm going to continue writing music to have something to say to people through it.
I have been offered to do a show for a festival in April, but we still don't know what will happen with this pandemic. At the moment, I already have another album composed that I will record during the year. Hopefully the situation is normalized and I can make a tour.
What music is spinning in the Lord Mortvm Manor these days?
November (a band from the '70s), Walpurgia, Cough, Venom, Exodus, and many others.
And, of course, I have to ask about your favorite horror movies.
Nosferatu, La rose écorchée, Daughters of Darkness, Twins of Evil.
Does the Lord partake of the devils lettuce?
Yes, of course.
Lord Mortvm, thank you for time. Enjoy the great energy and great feedback for 'Diabolical Omen of Hell'!
Thank you very much, Shawn. Eternal gratitude for your time and your kind words for the album. I hope you are well! Be safe! HAILS!
Follow The Band
Get Their Music
4 notes · View notes