1. The new album “The
Endtime Prophecy” was just released. Tell us a little bit about the whole
process (composing, recording, production).
- It actually started in 2010 when I had written the first two songs for
the second album which were The Endtime Prophecy and My Dying Soul.
From there it went really smoothly with Henrik also bringing in great music to
the band. In the end we even had songs that we saved for a bonus release
(released by the band, not the label). We wanted to keep the album around 45
min. and it’s also great to have something extra to make available for the
fans. We began recording in our own studio in April 2011. We first tracked the
drums while the rest of us played along for reference. We don’t use
click-tracks, we don’t cut and paste, we just record our music the way it
sounds. After that we tracked bass, guitars, leads and vocals. No magic really.
Then in October I began the mixing and mastering process and in November we
handed over the complete album to the label. It was released in April this year
(2012).
2. This is the second
release through Metal On Metal. How did the collaboration with this Italian
independent take place and how is it going so far?
- It was back in late 2009 when we had recorded all songs for the Progress
of Doom album when I contacted the label. I used the song Into the Night
to get their attention and after they heard the whole album we signed the deal.
The collaboration is going very well and they are really dedicated to the
old-school metal and travel to practically every festival that exists. I must
praise their passion for metal!
3. Your sound is not
chained to a particular style but you blend several influences, ranging from
80s Traditional Metal to 70s Hard Rock going through some Heavy Doom. Which are
your main influences?
- Black Sabbath for sure is our biggest influence and inspiration, but
also Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Rainbow and all those classic bands that made
great music back in the 70’s and 80’s. Even though we play quite heavy music
the classic rock legacy must not be forgotten since it’s a big part of our
sound and style. We like to get the grooves and melodies in our music as well.
4. The lyrics are always an
important part of Heavy Metal. Would you like to highlight and explain some of
the lyrics on “The Endtime Prophecy”?
- Some songs share a conceptual theme about the endtime prophecies and
some questions and views on that theme. The songs The Endtime Prophecy,
Devil’s Hand, Embracing Our Doom and The End are all linked together
lyrically. The other lyrics in general are about life and death and the
struggles and questions surrounding that.
5. Playing this type of old
school Hard Rock / Metal, which is not trendy or commercial, what are your
thoughts on the current Hard ‘N’ Heavy scene? Are there any new bands that you
like or you just stay faithful to the old school stuff?
- I have to admit I mostly stay faithful to the old stuff. I think some
new bands try too hard to sound like something from the 70’s or so. But still,
who can blame them? The sound was great back then!
6. Is there a tour already
aligned to promote this record?
- No, there is no tour planned unfortunately.
7. What are your plans for
the nearest future?
- We are flying to Malta in early November to participate in the Malta
Doom Metal festival. It will be great to meet with friends and play at the
festival which is getting stronger every year. It’s their fourth edition
already!
8. Thanks a lot for your
time. Do you want to leave a final message to the Portuguese Metal fans?
- Thank you Ricardo for this interview! It is much appreciated! The
final message is: Support the underground bands and buy their albums! They are
the true metal heads who play music for the pure love of it. They hardly ever
get the money they’ve spent back, so every dime that finds its way back to the
bands is worth gold. And remember... Stay Metal!!!
Interview by: Ricardo dSdS
Answers by: Patrick Backlund (bass)http://www.myspace.com/mortalicum / http://www.facebook.com/mortalicum / http://metal-on-metal.com/bands/mortalicum/
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