1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
(Bazzy) Mors was born as a project to gather some ideas and musical compositions I created years ago. In the past, I was the main composer and member of Homselvareg, so I didn't have time for other projects. When our paths diverged, I could finally bring Mors to life.
2.You have your first full length coming out during the beginning of 2025, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
(Bazzy) Vltra Mortem Et Infera has many influences and represents my creative freedom, without limits. Although Black Metal is usually epic, powerful and fast, in this album I included melodic and atmospheric breakdowns and mid-tempos, which contrast with more aggressive and sharp riffs. When I compose, I follow the emotions of the moment, trying to best tell the story of each song.
(Yr-nhhngr) Talking about the vocals, I've tried to keep my style varied and interesting, using everything at my disposal - death growls, clean vocals, spoken words - besides the usual black metal shrieking. The lyrics are mainly in Italian, which is an obvious nod both to our "latin" concept and to our influences and roots in the italian black metal scene (obviously Homselvareg but also Spite Extreme Wing, Janvs etc.)
3.All of the band members also have experience playing in other band, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Mors', that you have not been able to do with your other groups?
(Bazzy) Mors has a unique style, different from other musical projects in which the band members are involved. Ideas, lyrics and music merge in a special alchemy that gives life to Mors.
(Yr-nhhngr) Personally, with Spells of Misery we play more of a norwegian-inspired black metal. With Mors I was able to explore something more melodic and rooted in our heritage.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
(Yr-nhhngr) Some songs have more of a historical inspiration, some are spiritual and connected to the primal italic mysticism, all reflect my personal feelings at the time they were written.
(Bazzy) We talk about pre-Christian rituals, about times when the Latin world was still pagan, and also about death, afterlife and otherworldly life. These themes fascinate us and we explore them in our own way. We prefer not to be too explicit and let the listener freely interpret the meaning.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mors'?
(Bazzy) The name Mors comes from Roman mythology, where Mors is the personification of death, equivalent to Thanatos in Greek mythology. This concept inspired the band's name.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
(Bazzy) The album artwork depicts a Roman columbarium, an ancient tomb. Inside is represented the cosmos, a collection of elements that recall the album's title, Vltra Mortem Et Infera (Beyond Death and Hell), which summarizes the entire concept of the album. Songs like Vltra Mortem Et Infera, Meteora, Oltre le Porte del Buio e Un Crepuscolo Purpureo embody this theme.
7.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?
(Bazzy) We have never played live, and it's not in our plans at the moment. Maybe in the future...
8.Currently the band is unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
(Bazzy) However, we have an agreement with Hyperborean Fire Productions label, which will publish Vltra Mortem Et Infera in 300 limited copies in CD format. The release is scheduled for January 2025.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
(Bazzy) We don't know what the public's reaction will be. We're a new band and this is our first work. Our main goal is to create something that leaves a mark, according to our vision. It's nice to know that someone might appreciate it, but it's not our priority.
(Yr-nhhngr) I think we'll at least be able to capture the interest of those who miss the old sound and atmospheres of the mediterranean scene of the 90s and 00s, when bands in Greece and Italy were setting a new standard for black metal.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
(Bazzy) We're already working on the second album. It's too early to talk about details, but we're developing ideas spontaneously, giving space to instinct. This approach makes our music authentic and unique.
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?
(Bazzy) We're not very young anymore. I started with Homselvareg in 2003/2004. Our main influences come from Norwegian black metal of the early '90s, but we also listen to many other genres. In Mors, for example, there are solos, an element uncommon in black metal, but which I love very much thanks to my passion for heavy metal and epic bands like Bathory.
(Yr-nhhngr) I always liked many different styles of music and I'm still curious and learning. I'm listening to the Cramps and Roy Orbison right now, but I always keep some good BM on the side ("Urfaust" by SVEST, "Toteslaut" by Nåstrond, Ildjarn's "Strength and anger"...). I have to say, the older I grow, the less I vibe with the "new" dissonant wave of extreme metal. Mors goes in the exact opposite way but we don't want to be a nostalgia act; we're trying to be an oxymoron, a breath of fresh air from the old crypt...
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
(Bazzy) A special thanks to Occult Black Metal Zine for this interview and for their passionate work.
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