Morgan Håkansson: It’s not like we had to open it like that. But it’s a strong Marduk song that has a lot of everything -- it’s powerful and aggressive. I don’t think about the best opener of the album, I just have a gut feeling of how the tracks should be.
“Funeral Dawn” has a very strong riff that stands out despite all of the other things going on in the song – where did that riff come from?
The whole song is based on one riff and we built a few other things around it. It came very natural. We just like the moshing riff the best and it worked out the way it did. Sometimes you can say something with one riff that a lot of people can’t say with 20.
Some of the effects the bands uses really add to the atmosphere of the music. Does the band comes up with these effects or are they added in during production?
It’s a combination. We work and to try to make a song become a force, so it really paints a picture in your mind. But we are still a very basic band that can do most of what we do on a record live. Of course, we use affects but we’re a basic band when it comes to a lot of things.
What is the song “Phosphorus Redeemer” about? The muffled breathing in the beginning reminded me a little bit of the old Venom song “Buried Alive.”
Yeah? All of the lyrics are included in the album and people can make up their own mind. That song is one of a few with a guest appearance – the lyrics were written by Michayah from the Swedish band Ofermod. He lives in the same city and we’ve known him since the mid ‘90s. He’s a unique character in the scene. It was a pleasure to have him do this because he’s a great composer and writer. And he has a burning devotion to what we’re doing.
This is Mortuus’ third album with the band but he seems to have given his most fierce performance since joining Marduk. Do you agree?
I agree. He’s grown a lot into the band. His voice is like an instrument – it’s so powerful. This time we used different vocal arrangements to suit his voice. It was a great pleasure to work with him again in the studio. He really paints a picture of what the lyrics are about with his voice. He’s the perfect vocalist for what we’re doing.
Lars Broddesson (drummer) also seems to have grown.
He was the first guy we tried out when we changed drummers. I really liked the aggressiveness of his playing and his dedication. He fit into the band really quick and even writes a lot of music.
How do you achieve you r signature guitar sound? Whenever you play there is an intangible quality that lets you know it’s a Marduk song.
It’s hard to explain. For me, the guitar is a vehicle or a weapon that I use to transfer my thoughts and ideas. I still use my ESP and my old Marshall. It’s a great combination. I’m also signing a deal with a Polish company to have my own licensed brand of guitars, to get the perfect sound I need.
So you wouldn’t call yourself a technical guitar player?
No. I play by feeling. I work on music that interests me; I don’t play scales up and down.
What happened with the Blackenedfest over the summer?
We were all set to go. Everything was set and prepared. Three of us got our visas in time and Mortuus didn't get it in time. And all of the sudden they wanted his papers translated into English even though they didn’t want our papers translated. So it was delayed and delayed and when we finally got the visa there were three days left on the tour.
So, it was a big disaster. But we were happy to come and do three shows and it was a blast to be in the country after so many years. Now we have a full tour coming up for November and December.
How did you end up with backup from Nachtmystium and Merrimack? It seems like you have several approaches to black metal under one bill.
It’s a combination of bands we knew and guys we’ve played with before and our booking agency. It’s a strong lineup, there’s something for everybody.
