1. Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
The recording of INTERTEMPORAL took us approximately two years to complete. Even though the album wasn't released, we were very active in Europe during this time. We toured constantly. We also recorded a new 4-song EP. So, I can say we're experiencing our fastest, most active, and most productive times.
2. You have a new album coming out in September, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Our new album, in our opinion, represents the peak musically for Moribund Oblivion. We're now approaching 27 ages for the band, and based on the experience we've gained over the last 30 years, we've strived to create our most mature and best sound. We believe we've created a truly metal album that breaks the rigid mold of black metal.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
Development is constant, and if you take this work seriously and dedicate your soul, you'll notice your growth over the years. Those who follow you can see this too. Moribund Oblivion's music is quite expansive and refuses to be bound by convention. While we've been known as a black metal band from the very beginning, and we love it, we've never stopped experimenting with different styles in our music. Being an artist means seeing beyond boundaries and wanting to go there. In other words, you can't stay where you are. Songwriting is also a part of this. Since 1999, Moribund Oblivion's song themes and the messages they want to convey have certainly changed. We've established a new theme that began with the album Endless, and you can see its continuation on Intertemporal. As the themes change, so do our narratives and messages. This, in turn, allows our songwriting skills to evolve.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name MORIBUND OBLIVION?
Memories and longing for the past played a significant role selected in the band's name. We chose this name to keep alive in our memory everything we've lost, everything we miss, every memory lost in the past. Moribund Oblivion is an expression of everything we've lost in the past.
5. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The cover of our previous album, Endless, featured a winged man figure searching for infinity. In Intertemporal album, we see this figure's arrived final point. He realizes that what he thought was infinity was an illusion of time. We wanted to show his disillusionment as he realizes he's a lost soul, adrift between parallel universes like everyone else.
6. The band has a history going back as far as '1999', what is it that motivates you to keep going after more then 20 years and what changes have you seen in underground metal during that time frame?
First and foremost, our biggest and most important motivation is our love of music. I can say that I'm personally dedicated to this work. Moribund Oblivion is 26 years old, which is a very long time for black metal. Many band members have changed, of course, but Moribund Oblivion has always remained strong and represented Türkiye. Music is a passion, and heavy metal, in general, is a way of life. Being part of such an important culture has always made us proud. Few bands from Türkiye have successfully expanded internationally, and we're very proud to have pioneered this.
7. Out of all the tours and shows the band has done over the years, which one stands out the most?
That's a tough question, because we was have been touring constantly for at least 20 of our 26 years. Of course, there are plenty of memories, both good and bad. The 2023-2024 INTERTEMPORAL European Tour, which spanned two years, was, in my opinion, the best. Band conditions were also better and less tiring than before. Also our Scandinavian tour (with Negura Bunget) in 2016 was also quite successful.
8. Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Of course. We played promotional concerts non-stop for two years before the album was released, and we'll continue to do so without slowing down after it's released. Our 2026 European tour schedule will be quite busy. Moribund Oblivion is a festival band. We play festivals frequently, and you'll see again us perform in many European countries. Also we may also travel to other continents.
9. The new album is going to be released on 'Theogonia Records', how would you compare working with this label to other labels you have worked with in the past?
In our opinion, Theogonia Records is a label that takes its work seriously and produces excellent work. Musicians always want to be valued first and foremost. We've found this with Theogonia and established a harmonious working spirit. Our goals and the things our previous labels lacked led us to cross paths with Theogonia Records.
10. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of black metal?
We've released three songs and a music video from our new album so far. The overall response has been quite positive. Our goal is to reach a much larger audience and arrived as far and wide as we can. Furthermore, as representatives of the Turkish metal scene, we believe we have an important mission. Therefore, every project we undertake has strategic significance.
11. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
As I mentioned earlier, Moribund Oblivion is a band with big plans. Extreme metal music has a tough road to grow rapidly and become mainstream, but there are many bands worldwide who have managed to do so. That's our goal, too. We are as musicians are approaching 50. We might not have much time left, but who cares? As long as our health allows, we'll be on stage, works, and moving forward, sticking to our plan.
12. What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
Each member is interested in different genres of music. I think I'm the only dinosaur in the band. I'm still in love with '80s and '90s metal. Our drummer, İlkay, enjoys more modern-sounding bands. Our bassist, Emir, is open to all kinds of world music.
13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
If anyone still doesn't know Moribund Oblivion or hasn't seen any of our concerts, I recommend checking out our new album. It'll be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8rfIi6kA4k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb59m0KK8g0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57i9LD_wNeI
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