I started writing music for Mortgrim in 2025. I’m the kind of person who tends to get deeply absorbed in certain things for periods of time, and back then I was listening to a lot of black metal. A friend of mine, Roland Sólya, with whom I’ve worked on several musical projects, encouraged me to finally give it a try. That was the final push I needed.
I began writing riffs and themes, and gradually it became clear to me that there was no reason not to start a one-man black metal project if I already had everything needed to do it. As the question suggests, atmosphere has always been the most important element of music for me. If the right atmosphere isn’t there, the music will never truly touch me. Because of that, creating a strong mood and atmosphere was the central focus from the very beginning.
2.Recently you have released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recoridng?
I’ve been listening to a wide range of music since childhood, from electronic music all the way to black metal. My sound doesn’t strictly follow the typical Norwegian or Scandinavian line instead, I shaped it in a way that feels natural to me.
The spiritual and esoteric aspects probably don’t need much explanation; the first release already speaks for itself. At the same time, I’m not dogmatic about anything. I definitely wanted to pay tribute to the traditions of black metal, while also expressing what I personally think and feel not only about the genre itself, but also about the atmospheres and moods that resonate with me.
3.Some of your lyrics cover Satanic, Luciferian and Occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?
For me, Luciferian symbolism represents the pursuit of knowledge, independent thinking, and the courage to cross boundaries especially when viewed through the lens of Luciferian philosophy.
I believe there isn’t just one single truth, as some religions claim. Light and darkness are complementary forces that cannot truly exist without one another. Personally, I feel more comfortable within darker energies and experiences, but without light there would be no balance.
That’s also why I chose the title Blasphemy. If we call things by their name, Christianity recognizes only its own truth, and anything outside of that is considered blasphemy. As a Hungarian growing up in a European Christian cultural environment, I think my worldview easily fits what the majority would define as blasphemous.
In Nomine Satanae is essentially a hymn of praise. Its original title was Hymns of the Fallen, but I wanted to move away from the framework of church dogma. Lucifer, as a figure, has played a central role in my life since childhood, which is why Lucifer Lux Aeterna was written “for him”. Personally, it’s my favorite track on the EP.
4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?
Since Blasphemy is my first release, I haven’t really had the chance yet to explore a wider range of lyrical themes in my music. This EP serves more as a kind of compass an introduction that shows the main direction I want to take, both thematically and atmospherically.
At the same time, I’m already working on an album that’s currently in the demo stage, and with this project I plan to dive much deeper and approach certain topics in a more intense and uncompromising way. I’m particularly drawn to the subject of institutionalized religion, as well as the historical suppression of ancient religions and cultures. These ideas will come through in a much more direct, raw, and aggressive form on my upcoming first LP.
But for now, I’d rather not reveal too much let this remain my little secret for the time being.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mortgrim'?
The name Mortgrim is a wordplay. “Mort” comes from Latin, meaning death, while “grim” refers to something harsh, bleak, and also appears in “Grim Reaper.” I’ve always been drawn to the figure of the reaper and the atmosphere surrounding it, the imagery, the illustrations, that whole dark aesthetic. And at the end of the day, there’s one certain thing in life: death.
At the same time, it’s a short and compact name. I specifically wanted something that feels personal to me and is easy to remember. I think it fits well with my ritualistic, doomy, and often raw black metal sound.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Unfortunately, the album artwork was made using AI, and I don’t think I’ll ever make that mistake again considering how much backlash I received because of it. That said, I do think it reflects the atmosphere well but still, it’s AI.
I’ve realized it’s better to move away from that and support real artists instead.
7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
I plan to continue this project as a solo endeavor, because at its core, it’s entirely a personal expression, it’s just me. I like having full control over every aspect of the music, from the writing to the atmosphere, and working alone allows me to keep that vision pure and uncompromised.
If there were ever an opportunity to bring this project to the stage in the future, then of course it would make sense to perform with a full live band. But to be honest, that’s not something I’m actively planning or focusing on right now.
I feel most at home in the studio environment, where I can fully immerse myself in the creative process and shape everything exactly the way I envision it.
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I’m currently not signed to any label, and so far I haven’t received any concrete offers. I’m actively looking for the right partner because I feel that with my next release, I want to be backed by a strong, reliable team.
For the upcoming album, it’s especially important to me that the music not only gets made but also reaches the right audience. A good label can do more than just release the material it helps ensure it finds its way, through proper distribution, promotion, and presence on the right platforms.
I’m confident that the new album will be strong enough to attract the attention of the right people, and hopefully this will lead to a long-term collaboration that works well for both sides.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Let’s be honest. I’m still so early in my journey that I couldn’t really expect a huge reaction. That said, I’m very grateful to the websites and communities that shared my music, as well as to the inquiries and YouTube channels that featured the material. Most of the positive feedback came through these platforms, and it truly meant a lot to me.
I did receive some negative criticism because of the AI-made cover, but for me, that was more of a lesson and more than enough to understand which direction I don’t want to go in the future. Overall, I feel that the first steps have gone well, and the feedback I’ve received is helping me grow and improve.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
I’m continuing down this path. The music is being written, and there will be an album later this year. Whether it will be released through a label or independently remains to be seen, but if it’s up to me, it will definitely arrive in the fall. On top of that, I’ll definitely start working on new material as well.
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?
If we’re talking about me as a person, I would definitely highlight Alice in Chains, Black Sabbath, and Tool as major influences. But if we’re speaking specifically about black metal in relation to Mortgrim, then first and foremost I would mention Burzum, Darkthrone, and Gorgoroth with Gaahl, as well as the bands of the second wave.
Beyond that, Deathspell Omega and Celtic Frost were also important inspirations, and I would certainly include Mayhem and Tormentor as well. Attila Csihar, as one of the greatest pioneers of the genre, is extremely inspiring to me and someone I deeply respect.
Because Mortgrim is a one-man project, Burzum is probably the closest reference point, both structurally and atmospherically. Varg’s musical work had a huge impact on me already when I was around 16 years old.
`12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Alongside life, there is death,
Alongside happiness, melancholy,
Alongside light, shadow, doubt, and hope.
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