1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Mörg - Murrum has always been a band with the purpose of reaching far into the chaotic energies that exist outside the limits of existence. Our aim is to present music with meaning, as a way to open the eyes of those worthy of seeing, and awaken the fire that burns within our being. We have always held the ideal of being more than just another band that gets on stage, plays, gets off and goes home. We put our hearts, souls and conviction into our art. Murrum is the result of what we have been searching for in this life. We are not here to be a part of a metal community... to put our arms around our brothers shoulders and become a part of something. We have no wishes to do so. We are here to tear this world apart and leave bodies lying torn and bleeding. Murrum is not for just anybody...for most, what we do goes no deeper than the music. For some, they are better off not knowing or meeting us; as they flee upon such a chance. But the few who remain are those that understand our art and will (hopefully) gain something from it. However, it was not until recently that we have found a line-up in which every member is dedicated to this purpose and we can only foresee progression and a deeper understanding ourselves.
2.So far the band has released a demo, EP, and a split album, how would you describe the musical sound on all 3 of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?
Heretic - Actually, the demo and the songs that are present on the Wolves of New England split are the same tracks, which were just remastered for the split, with the addition of "Under His Watchful Eye". The sound on these is rougher, as we recorded everything ourselves. The sound on 'In His Tacita Atria' is amazing. Pat Gilbert at Röthammer Studios in Rhode Island did a masterful job of capturing the true essence of what we were trying to put forth with the songs. Obviously, we stand behind all of our material, but the songs on Wolves of New England represent a bygone era in Murrum's history and, with the exception of us playing "The Summoning" and "Under His Watchful Eye" live, one that is done with.
3.Your lyrics cover Satanism and occultism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interests in The Black Arts?
Mörg - I don't express my personal convictions to just anybody very often, but what I will say is that I have always been drawn to Satanism and the practice thereof. It is a foundation upon which I base my life and I research multiple paths and ideas as a means to expand my knowledge and ability. The keys are out there for those who put forth the time and energy, and the paths I study take a long time to gain a strong understanding. It's hard to call it just an interest....reason being, an interest is something a person likes, is into, etc, but doesn't necessarily do on a daily basis. For most people, an interest is something they come back to from time to time but it doesn't have a large part of their life. I have dedicated myself to Murrum and our work, so it lies a lot deeper than just an interest. What Satanism and my pathwork means to me is much more than merely a hobby and is hard to put to words.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Murrum'?
Mörg - The use of music as a tool/weapon is something that we hold dearly. Words are just as important as the music. They are the means by which the artist portrays their ideas and provides knowledge to those that can see past their basest meaning and look deeper into the gnosis they can provide. That being said, Murrum is a palindrome derived from the word murmur. Murmur in Latin means noise, whisper, and the sound of trumpeting. Murmur is also a name, and for those willing to look, they can find more than... just a word.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Heretic - We've played a lot of great shows. I think one of the ones that sticks out in my mind as being memorable was opening for Absu at the El N Gee Club in New London, CT on their North American Connexus Conjuration tour. Also, the Wrath of the Goat fest in Pittston, PA with Krieg, Sathanas, Gravewurm, etc….all great bands.
As for our stage performance, we strive to not only recreate the sound of Murrum live, but also to convey a sense of the feeling behind what we do. Our shows are a success not because we play all the parts faithfully, although that is certainly a part of it, but because we offer the audience a glimpse into the chaotic fire that lies at the heart of what we do. This is accomplished through a number of techniques, some of which have included fire, animal blood, self-harm, and more.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Heretic - We are always open to booking shows, and try to play at least 4 or 5 times a month in the Northeast area of the US. We are currently looking at booking a 2 week tour of the Eastern US, going as far west as Chicago, and as far south, possibly, as Louisiana. When Mörg was touring guitarist for Neldöreth out of Pennsylvania, they had a great response in Silver Spring, MD, so we're going to make sure to make a stop there.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Heretic - We are always open to any offers from labels or distributors. Currently, we are self-releasing a limited edition cassette of 'In His Tacita Atria', and would be honored if a label would choose to release it on vinyl.
8.A year back the band released a split album with Malacath, what are your thoughts on the other band that participated on the recording?
Heretic - Malacath is a one-man project from northern New Hampshire, and releases some of the greatest underground black metal I've heard in a long time. Total Darkthrone and Burzum worship. Lykos, the man behind Malacath, is a great comrade to all of us in Murrum.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Mörg - As of yet, we haven't received much negative feed back. Most people have been generous with their praise of our music and we have seen a rabid following forming. many faces are ones we have seen before and people that have spoken to us at past rituals. Every show we play seems to draw newer faces that have heard great things about us and want to experience our live set for themselves. There are still those that express their hate for us, though they are few and far between and their reasoning for their hate is unjustified... simply being that they just do.
10.Are any of the band members involved with any other musical projects these days?
Heretic - Dubh-Faol and I are the only members that have musical activities outside of Murrum. Dubh-Faol is involved with a studio-only project called Wordbearers, and I have a one-man pagan black metal project called Kveldskog, that I've had going on and off since around 2005.
11.When can we expect a new release and also what musical direction do you see the band heading into during the future?
We're currently writing new songs for what will eventually be a full-length release, but as for when that would be recorded or released, we can't possibly say at this point. It is something we're actively working towards, though. As for musical direction, we're right where we want to be as far as themes, lyrical content, etc. All will be revealed in time. We do our best to prevent our work from reaching the public before we feel it is ready. However, everything retains the feeling at the center of what we captured with "In His Tacita Atria." We are always looking to progress... evolve if you will. For it has major role in our work. if we are not progressing spiritually, then Murrum can no longer thrive, for our spiritual yearnings are what feeds the flames of Murrum and builds them ever higher.
12.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Mörg - I don't list too many bands as a personal influence for my music. As of late, Watain, Dissection, 1349, and Marduk have held influence on my composition, but I always look inwards for the greatest percentage of inspiration. If you spend all of your time listening to others and emulating them then you are lying to yourself and limiting your true potential, therefore Imlisten more for what feelings I get when I play and building on that. The aforementioned bands are bands that hold a strong resonance with me, thus are helpful in my writing. As for bands I have been listening to aside from those listed earlier are: Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Nightbitch, Sassu Wunnu and Obsidian Tongue, to name a few. I know Heretic is fond of the more obscure second wave acts like Dawn, Kvist, and Thy Primordial, as well as DSBM like Bethlehem and Silencer.
13.Do you have any non musical interests?
Heretic - I'm currently in the process of building an independent photography business, doing fine art stuff as well as concert and promo photos for bands, and I go to school for photography, so that eats up a large portion of my free time.
Mörg: I am for the most part writing music and writing lyrics, but aside from that I research different left hand paths and practice my arts. If I have any free time, I'm in the woods taking in the energies and preparing for our next live ritual, as is Dubh-Faol. Abyss spends much time in the woods and keeps up his drumming.
14. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
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