Vae Mortis Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

Ok, this musical project was born during winter of 2019 as a solo project of The Dire (Bastardi´s bassist). The project started as a therapy for the depression and anxiety disorders that he suffered during longer periods of insomnia. Almost 12 songs were written (mostly on bass and guitar), however due equipment and budget limitations the record of songs started in December 2020. In addition, The Dire tried unsuccessfully to add drummers or singers. The above, due lack of compromise and bella-donna clown attitudes of the invited musicians. However, Leviathan (owner of Dracon Black LTD and Bastardi´s guitarist) introduced Ornagar Hell, who embraced the idea of participating in Vae Mortis adding his talented voice.

2.Recently you have released a demo, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

Well, we have tried to play true black metal that can produce dark sensations to the listener. The idea behind that, is to introduce the listener to a deep dark void, then shock it and finally accept that he or she is lying in the bottom of the void, surrendering their life essence to preternatural abominations.

3.A lot of your lyrics cover Mayan Mythology and Occultism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?

Ok, as the Dire suffered of some mental disorders he started to read about that and he discovers that an ancient Mayan deity (Ixtab) had responsibility for some mental disorders that lead suicide. Then, after meditation about the symbols that surround such deity, he concludes that a physical force related to emotions was behind his illness. As the deity symbol represents (a dead hanged woman), it suggests that the left side of the brain (passive) needs to be equilibrated. But, first symbolically die by himself (suicide). After several experiments he decided to create a musical concept to promote his own creativity and symbolically killed himself creating Vae Mortis.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Vae Mortis'?

As explained before, The Dire needed a symbolic death and close some chapters that had energetic malfunctions on his life. When he created Vae Mortis the developed a symbolic death and grief. Literally, Vae Mortis means in ancient latin “Lamentation for the dead” so he passed away and experimented with a grief period such as the kriah.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the demo cover and what the sigil represents?

Ok, as mentioned above, The Dire needed a symbolic death and equilibrate energies related to depression. In order to contrast the energies, he symbolically evokes Mars god of war (Bartzabel or BRTZBL) through Aliester Crowleys books of rites (https://es.scribd.com/document/369141096/Aleister-Crowley-La-Evocacion-de-Bartzabel). The sigil represents war, masculinity, and the active side of the brain (Qyin). Then, the black-green colors represent death and the rotting of a corpse. So, he died, then grief, then rotting to finally be reborn in The Dire Abu Malak (reaching equilibrium between Qyin+ and Abhel-).

Then, talking about the two covers (digital and tape demo) they represent death in different ways. First, symbolically winter represents death while summer the resurrection. The above is practically taught in every religion of the world. Since, humans discovered agriculture and the importance of quantifying the travel of the sun among 12 constellations (this is the cornerstone of all religious myths).

The winter trees represent The Dire´s death, the band name symbolizes the grief, the sigil the resurrection and equilibrium. In addition, the tomb and the poor landscape employed in the promo tape version (by black metal spirit) had the same meaning as the winter landscape…death, decomposition and the reborn.

6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?

No, VM will remain as a duo. We don't want to deal with the futile attitudes of other musicians.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Well, of course we are open to receive propositions to release our work. Currently, we yielded our first work to Mr. Fran Rocha (Blackmetal spirit) because he believes in us and gives us a very good kick off.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

We believe that was very awesome. The above, since we were invited by Mr. Rocha (Black Metal Spirit) to release our demo in tape format. Moreover, our demo had a lot of good reactions within black metal facebook pages and bandcamp. After Mr. Rocha signed us for this demo tape, three labels requested our material. However, the rights of this first demo now belong to Mr. Rocha in order to gain more promotion and visibility.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that both of the other members are a part of?

Well, Ornagar Hell continues his one man band project “Ornagar” and recently released a split CD with a very cool band named Patient (UK). The new split is named “The dawn of nothing” and was released though Mexican Label Dracon Black LTD. The split includes 12 cold, raw and very original black metal songs. It’s a must!.

On the other hand, The Dire Abu Malak continues playing the bass with Mexican cult Band Bastardi. Bastardi recently released a split with English black metal band Niroth. It is worth mentioning that all material included within the split is unreleased and has a very good quality. In addition, they participate in the tribute to Ereshkigal which is a very prominent black metal band in Mexico. Also the Dire AB MLK is working in a Vae Mortis full length, in a DSMB project named TOC666 (with Ornagar Hell collaboration) and a melodic death metal project named COLDVOID7.

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band going musically during the future?

Excellent question, as mentioned before we have a lot of material that needs to be recorded and released. Nowadays, we have the cover art made by Alifh (Indonesian artist or necroculto in instagram) and probably the full length will be released again in winter 2021. You know, to maintain the symbols…

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Ufffffff, a lot of bands and music. For example, The Dire has a lot of influence by Germanic music such as Wagner, Beethoven, Furtwangler to mention a few. In metal, of course Bathory, Mortuary Drape, King Diamond, Mr. Doctor´s Devil Doll, Defuntos, Jacula, Behemoth, Thromos, Infernal Hate, Burzum, Mayhem, Lidelse, lifelover, Death SS to mention a few. On the other hand, Organar Hell´s influences are Enthroned, Azaghal, Armagedda, kult ov Azazel, Antaeus to mention a few.

 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Yes, that the darkness is brighter and more beautiful than the light…just need to find the keys in the meaning of the words. TARTALOS.´.

Bandcamp