MORDBRAND (Eng.)
– Hello guys, thanks for taking the time. What’s currently keeping MORDBRAND busy?
Björn: Currently we’re answering interviews, figuring out studio equipment, thinking about concepts and new music. Besides this we’re trying to keep our dayjobs. Hard but rewarding work!
– You haven’t released any full-length album yet, that’s why I guess some people won’t know you yet so, could you please introduce and make some history of MORDBRAND?
Björn: Me and the drummer, Johan, started out in 2004. We played death metal in band called Horned in the past, and wasn’t getting our total fix in the thrash metal unit THE LAW (in which we’re still active). So, for fun we recorded 4 tracks in our rehearsal place, without even having a moniker. These tracks were never used or promoted in anyway, but two years ago a friend of mine (John Redfern) wanted to do a split with us and his old band Evoke. When the 12″ came out on Me Saco Un Ojo Records, we got a yearning for more death metal.
– And why «Mordbrand»?
Björn: No reason. It means «arson» in english and it’s an uncomfortable thing, just like our music.
– Your new «Necropsychotic» EP will come out next September; what are your expectations?
Björn: To get it out! You can’t have higher expectations than that nowadays. Hopefully people will like it and hopefully it will sell enough to cover the label’s expenses.
– And your expectations and future plans not only with this EP, but with MORDBRAND?
Björn: We will keep recording music and make them fit for all sorts of releases. We don’t have anything planned, but right now we’re thinking about doing a 7″. We’ll see what happens. We don’t see Mordbrand as being a band that produces 1 full-length per year and touring the world. We’ll keep it on this level, and only release stuff that we’re happy with – not releasing stuff ‘cause it’s an obligation.
– For all those who haven’t had the chance of listening to this piece; how could you describe its sound?
Björn: Doomy d-beat death metal. A vein of old school glory, but with some flavours of our own. The way it’s supposed to be.
– This EP is like going back to the early Swedish Death Metal days. How easy is it to keep alive this old school spirit in 2011? I mean in the production as well.
Björn: The old school spirit is audible on our releases because it’s a DIY mentality that keeps us going. We have no expectations what so ever, so we have no one to please but ourselves. And I think that it’s this sort of mentality that makes a record fun to listen to – it displays a certain passion. There are some really unconventional stuff on «Necropsychotic», but I think it works because it’s there for a reason. We do all recording and production by ourselves so we can work on the songs as much as we like to, without worrying about costs.
– There are not so many bands “reanimating” this music style that good. Was there a concrete reason you wanted to play this kind of music?
Björn: Because we enjoy it. As simple as that. There isn’t really a lack of death metal bands doing this sort of thing, but I really believe that put something fresh on the table.
– It seems there’s nowadays a big interest in Death Metal played at the “old school” way; have you noticed this as a band?
Björn: The fact that people seem to care about our band is evidence of that. But I don’t want this to be a trend that goes away because people get tired of it. It’s important and a responsibility to keep music evolving in order to keep it interesting. Don’t base your creativity on nostalgia!
Per: I just noticed this when I started out in Mordbrand, I think its great, those hyperspeed overtly technical bands never really interested me. There’s a whole new scene with bands that is inspired by the early 90’s, there’s some cool shit out there without a doubt.
– I noticed in your sound elements from Swedish Death Metal, American Death Metal or even some Crust but, what are the main musical influences for the band?
Björn: The stuff we listen to and enjoy rubs of on our own music. That’s inevitable, and I’m sure people can here different stuff on different songs. I think you pin-pointed this well in your description!
Per: Bands like Nihilist, Autopsy and Discharge were big influences back in the day AND today, so I feel right at home with that description.
– Per, prior to MORDBRAND you have been like 20 years umusically inactive; have you had the chance during these years of playing in any other bands or doing anything else related to music?
Per: Yes, I went and formed a fuzzrock band called Space Probe Taurus, I played with them for 10 years. Ola from GM is still keeping that band going, check them out. But yeah, the last 10 years I’ve been inactive.
– And how did you decide to join MORDBRAND?
Per: Björn asked me to try out, I was quite hesitant since I had not done any death-related stuff in such a long time. I decided to try anyway, and it turned out real good (in my ears). I never thought I would be playing extreme music again (or any music at all for that sake), but here I am.
– Why did you guys think of Per as the band’s vocalist?
Björn: He’s one of my favorite death metal vocalist of all time, and we’re honoured to have him on board. I think it’s was a circumstancial that led him to join us. He’s gotten alot of offers throughout the years, but being in Mordbrand is fairly comfortable since we don’t rehearse that much. We put everything we have into the recordings, but between recordings things are pretty mellow.
– Per, how has been like coming back to the music world?
Per: It has been a blast so far, we haven’t really gained that much attention yet so we’ll see in the coming year. I like being in a band with not too high profile, it keeps the amount of mail and requests down. And obviously it’s been great doing something creative again.
– And from a general view, how has been the songwriting for this EP? Considering you were formed like 6 years ago; are all these songs new?
Björn: Two songs («Graveyard Revisited» and «Skärseld (Return to the Unholy») from the split are re-worked, re-named and have new lyrics, the others are brand new. Mainly, I do the groundwork for the songs, Johan works with different rythms and Per do all the vocal arrangements and lyrics. This is cool, because those elements really put the final twists on the songs. In that way, they sound fresh to all of us.
– This EP will be released through Deathgasm Records, and American label with several bands from the US in their rooster (though some exceptions as your compatriots NOMINON). How did you hook up with them?
Björn: We sent the songs two a bunch of labels. Deathgasm wanted to release it, so we let them. We are VERY pleased with Deathgasm so far. Way above any expectations we could possibly have.
Per: Deathgasm is the shit for sure. Quick and to the point.
– If I’m not wrong, the band as formed in 2005 as a duo. How has MORDBRAND evolved since those beginnings and the split with
EVOKE?
Björn: We have an alot more focused sound – mainly because of Per’s input. The songs and lyrics are lot more though through. I guess we evolved from a project to a proper band.
– In fact, you have jsut released that split and this new «Necropsychotic» in your 6 years of existence. Do you prefer to take things easy?
Björn: No, not really. If it wasn’t for the split release – we probably wouldn’t have kept the band going. But it was fun to see the songs getting a proper treatment and it inspired us.
– Split, EP… any plans for a full-length record?
Björn: Not at this point, but we’ll see what happens.
– There are a lot of bands coming out from Sweden trying to «revive» old school DM but, unfortunately, a lot of them fall into a «clone» thing or will be forgotten in a few years from now. Could you recommend any of these new bands?
Björn: Repugnant, Bastard Priest & Tribulation comes to mind. But there are plenty of other band in the genre and outside of the genre. Do some digging!
Per: Bombs of Hades and Bastard Priest are the first names I think of. But there’s more greatness lurking in the shadows. I don’t know if anyone wants to revive anything, bands are probably doing things they love and have been missing for quite a few years.
– That has been all, thanks once more for your time and our best wishes. Now feel free to add some final words to the interview.
Björn: Thank YOU for the great interview! Readers can check out or stuff at http://www.reverbnation.com/mordbrand or get a hold of the Mcd «Necropshychotic» at http://www.deathgasm.com!
