I was approached by Yngve to have a listen to his band Mortuus Sum....so I
did. This is what it lead up to....
1) Thank you for introducing me to your music. It is always nice to find
something new to listen to....what is your strategy to promoting and getting
your band's name out there?
Yngve: First of all, thanks for the quick reply about this interview and
for having me on your zine! I don't think that I have a specific strategy for
promotion. I just talk to a lot of people and I share everything that has to do
with the bands I play in. I believe that throughout the existence of Mortuus
Sum, we have made some good moves.
2) Originally you started the band off in 2002 under the name Panzerfaust.
It only lasted one year before the other member left the country and you went
into the Army.
In 2007 you started the band up again with the name Mortuus Sum.
Why the name change?
Yngve: The main reason for the change, is that there are a lot of bands out
there with the name Panzerfaust, so I didn't want to be in a conflict with that.
Another reason was that when I chose the name, it was something that was pretty
much the best description of what I was into in 2007. I wasn't ok with what was
going on around me, so I chose it.
3) I listened to some of your music....interesting I will say. It has a
taste of old school BM but something else as well... Tell me a bit about those
other influences that make up your music style.
Yngve: Influences... That's a loooong conversation. Ok... I started with
the bands that almost everyone at my age started (Metallica, Sepultura,
Motorhead, Manowar etc). Then some older guys introduced me to the Ancient Greek
Gods like Necromantia, Thou Art Lord, Kawir, Rotting Christ and that was it. I
was into black metal in no time. From there I began a journey to the dark side
of music, that still goes on as we speak! Nowadays, I am very influenced by
Swedish black metal, something that you will be able to listen to the new songs
I am writing for Mortuus Sum.
4) You guys are still considered to be a new band....You hail from
Greece...Have you made your band known world wide yet? Not sure of how many US
fans you have....? Do you plan to get to the status one day or do you prefer the
underground feel of things?
Yngve: Yes we a new band and yes, we hail from Hellas. I don't know if we
are known world wide, but I have friends from different parts of the world (USA,
Canada, Serbia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Mexico to name a few). The truth is, that it
would be very very nice to have a huge status one day, but underground is sweet
if you know what I mean. I like it down there in the Abyss! :D
5) Your band name stems from Latin Root....Death of some kind if I am
correct.
So, does this still accurately portray the bands image in 2013 verses 6
years ago when the name was thought up?
Yngve: The name means "I am dead" in Latin. It is still very accurate,
because as a restless spirit, I am reading and searching a lot about Death in
every sense of the word!
6) You are in another band as well and you do session work too??
Do you have any free time and if so, what do you like to do outside of
music?
Yngve: I am playing in some bands yes. Mortuus Sum are my "children" along with
Christfuck (thrash/black metal band with Satanic lyrics exclusively). I also
play in W.E.B., Mors In Tabula and Dizziness as a full member. Along with those
bands, I also do session works with bands (recording and playing live... depends
on what each band needs at the time).
7) Since 2007, has the line up remained the same in Mortuus Sum or has
there been changes? How is the line-up these days? Everyone playing nice
together? Ha!
Yngve: The band's lineup has changed a few times, but now we have the
strongest lineup EVER. Me (Yngve) on drums and guitars, Jim Havok (Chained And
Desperate) on bass, Astraeos (Morbid Fog, Vetusmora, Theosis) on vocals and
Banshee on lyrics. We are getting along very good with each other, but it's hard
sometimes, because we all live in different cities and this is the reason that
we are only a studio recording band. No rehearsals, no gigs ever!
8) So, you write all the music while another band member writes the lyrics.
Is this a strict rule or do the other members put in their 2 cents and give
their thoughts and ideas on anything...do you use their idea ever?
Yngve: I write all the music and Banshee writes all the lyrics. If someone
wants to contribute with ideas it's 100% ok with me, but until now, they seem to
be satisfied with what I'm writing, so we are all fine with that!
9) Since the lyrics are written by Banshee...(I think) do the lyrics only
come from his thoughts, feelings and views or is it the full bands outlook on
life and religion, mythology ect. .that goes into the words behind Mortuus Sum's
albums?
Yngve: Yes Banshee is our lyricist. She writes everything that has to do
with lyrics. The lyrics are about ancient heritage, religion, mythology, social
matters... whatever suits at the time. I, as a person, have a certain life
philosophy that has nothing to do with the band... at least not yet!
10) When people think of BM they think of a bunch of people worshipping the
devil.(I for one am more of a worship myself type of girl....) I don't know...I
just don't get that whole "Hail Satan" vibe from your music....
Yngve: We are not a "Hail Satan" band. Christfuck is a band like that.
Mortuus Sum is a completely different entity. I agree though, that black metal
should be Satanic.
11) In Feb. you guys just "Re-released your 2011 promo on CD-R....Was there
a high demand for this album? Are there any left and if so how would
someone go about getting a copy...I know they were very limited....
Yngve: There was a small demand for "Promo 2011". I released it 50
hand-numbered copies. Anyone who wants it, can send a message to us and I can
send it. It's free and the cost is only the post fees for the place I will send
it to.
12) Mortuus Sum has a full length coming out.... now if I am correct and
please tell me if I am wrong but the songs on this album will consist of songs
from beginning (2007) until last year (2012) Doing this is a cool concept,
allowing people to hear the progression of your music...to see how the band grew
as a whole and changes that were made....
What was YOUR reasoning behind this idea and wouldn't it be more of a
compilation instead of a full length?
Yngve: On Thursday, 22nd of May, I am going to release a digital split EP
with Nattergal, a doom/black metal band from Mexico. It will be available for
purchase via BandCamp. When it's released, I will begin guitar and drum
recordings for the first full length album. I want to release these songs as a
full length and not as a compilation, because I want to close an era of the
band. After the album a new chapter begins. New songs, different influences...
You will see for yourself... The songs on the first album will be more
Norse-influenced... The new material, is more Swedish... A lot of Dark Funeral
and Bathory in it.
13) You are in a couple bands that I actually have just interviewed or
waiting on responses to my interview....Dizziness....Vetusmora..... You are
a busy guy. When do you have any time to rest.....haha
Yngve: Great! I should inform you that I no longer play in Vetusmora as a full time
member, but as a session drummer. Busy guy? Maybe... At the moment I can manage
it pretty good. We'll see how it goes!
14) Do your personal musical influence conflict at all with the band as a
wholes influences? Does this change from band to band? I know you enjoy a lot of
really great drummers....Nick Barker being one of them...(good guy)
How do you keep your personal taste out of your music while in a
band?
Yngve: My musical influences can be heard in the songs I write. Of course
it changes from band to band. Different style, different philosophy behind the
band... In fact EVERYTHING is different! :D Nick Barker is great. I believe that
throughout the years as a drummer, I managed to take all that I could from my
influences and blend them into my own personal style. I believe that if someone
knows me, can understand that it's me playing when he listens to a band that I
play in.
15) You guys don't play live....I get it...but will there ever in the near
or distant future that just maybe a one off show would be fun? Just to give the
listeners some vision of your music..??
Yngve: No... Mortuus Sum and Christfuck will NEVER play live! Yes I know
the "never say never" quote, but I don't think that it will happen.
16) There are some great bands to come out of Greece....A few I mentioned
above. haha Is there a small click there...Like one big happy family of metal
heads?
Yngve: Hmmm.... Tough question and tougher answer. Black metal scene in
Hellas, is fucked up. We (including myself of course), are not united. It's a
shame, because we have a HUGE black metal scene here! If we were all together,
we could over throne Norway! hahaha! Just kidding. The thing is, that if we were
united we could do very big thing here. Maybe someday it will happen. The only
thing we must do, is get rid of all the shit and the posers...
17) When you are not "releasing" an album....or maybe I should rephrase
that...when you ARE releasing an album and everything is ready to go, do you
ever just think up musical ideas and jot it down or record it for future use?
Yngve: I always have ideas! I already have some songs ready for the 2nd
full length, but nothing completed yet!
18) You guys are looking for a label for your new album, right?
Anything specific you are looking for in a label? (Hey, you never know when
someone from a label might read this, right? )
Yngve: We don't ask much... Just a label to release our songs. It's
difficult with the money and I think that the problem is the same for labels
also! Talking about me and my bands, I only want a label to release tapes and
(why not) vinyls also! I am a bit of old school guy with that stuff.
19) Well my friend, thank you for your time.
Now is your opportunity to say anything you feel we didn't touch on .... or
maybe some words of wisdom you would like to share? :)
Yngve: Thank you VERY MUCH for this interview!!!!! It's great to have
people that support the underground scene! Stay tuned for news and updates.
On
Thursday (May 22nd), Mortuus Sum will release a split EP with
Mexico's Nattergal and Christfuck will release the first demo sometime in
September/October!
You can check out those links:
www.facebook.com/mortuussum
www.facebook.com/goatmetal666
www.facebook.com/nicksamiosdrummer
something new to listen to....what is your strategy to promoting and getting
your band's name out there?
Yngve: First of all, thanks for the quick reply about this interview and
for having me on your zine! I don't think that I have a specific strategy for
promotion. I just talk to a lot of people and I share everything that has to do
with the bands I play in. I believe that throughout the existence of Mortuus
Sum, we have made some good moves.
2) Originally you started the band off in 2002 under the name Panzerfaust.
It only lasted one year before the other member left the country and you went
into the Army.
In 2007 you started the band up again with the name Mortuus Sum.
Why the name change?
Yngve: The main reason for the change, is that there are a lot of bands out
there with the name Panzerfaust, so I didn't want to be in a conflict with that.
Another reason was that when I chose the name, it was something that was pretty
much the best description of what I was into in 2007. I wasn't ok with what was
going on around me, so I chose it.
3) I listened to some of your music....interesting I will say. It has a
taste of old school BM but something else as well... Tell me a bit about those
other influences that make up your music style.
Yngve: Influences... That's a loooong conversation. Ok... I started with
the bands that almost everyone at my age started (Metallica, Sepultura,
Motorhead, Manowar etc). Then some older guys introduced me to the Ancient Greek
Gods like Necromantia, Thou Art Lord, Kawir, Rotting Christ and that was it. I
was into black metal in no time. From there I began a journey to the dark side
of music, that still goes on as we speak! Nowadays, I am very influenced by
Swedish black metal, something that you will be able to listen to the new songs
I am writing for Mortuus Sum.
4) You guys are still considered to be a new band....You hail from
Greece...Have you made your band known world wide yet? Not sure of how many US
fans you have....? Do you plan to get to the status one day or do you prefer the
underground feel of things?
Yngve: Yes we a new band and yes, we hail from Hellas. I don't know if we
are known world wide, but I have friends from different parts of the world (USA,
Canada, Serbia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Mexico to name a few). The truth is, that it
would be very very nice to have a huge status one day, but underground is sweet
if you know what I mean. I like it down there in the Abyss! :D
5) Your band name stems from Latin Root....Death of some kind if I am
correct.
So, does this still accurately portray the bands image in 2013 verses 6
years ago when the name was thought up?
Yngve: The name means "I am dead" in Latin. It is still very accurate,
because as a restless spirit, I am reading and searching a lot about Death in
every sense of the word!
6) You are in another band as well and you do session work too??
Do you have any free time and if so, what do you like to do outside of
music?
Yngve: I am playing in some bands yes. Mortuus Sum are my "children" along with
Christfuck (thrash/black metal band with Satanic lyrics exclusively). I also
play in W.E.B., Mors In Tabula and Dizziness as a full member. Along with those
bands, I also do session works with bands (recording and playing live... depends
on what each band needs at the time).
7) Since 2007, has the line up remained the same in Mortuus Sum or has
there been changes? How is the line-up these days? Everyone playing nice
together? Ha!
Yngve: The band's lineup has changed a few times, but now we have the
strongest lineup EVER. Me (Yngve) on drums and guitars, Jim Havok (Chained And
Desperate) on bass, Astraeos (Morbid Fog, Vetusmora, Theosis) on vocals and
Banshee on lyrics. We are getting along very good with each other, but it's hard
sometimes, because we all live in different cities and this is the reason that
we are only a studio recording band. No rehearsals, no gigs ever!
8) So, you write all the music while another band member writes the lyrics.
Is this a strict rule or do the other members put in their 2 cents and give
their thoughts and ideas on anything...do you use their idea ever?
Yngve: I write all the music and Banshee writes all the lyrics. If someone
wants to contribute with ideas it's 100% ok with me, but until now, they seem to
be satisfied with what I'm writing, so we are all fine with that!
9) Since the lyrics are written by Banshee...(I think) do the lyrics only
come from his thoughts, feelings and views or is it the full bands outlook on
life and religion, mythology ect. .that goes into the words behind Mortuus Sum's
albums?
Yngve: Yes Banshee is our lyricist. She writes everything that has to do
with lyrics. The lyrics are about ancient heritage, religion, mythology, social
matters... whatever suits at the time. I, as a person, have a certain life
philosophy that has nothing to do with the band... at least not yet!
10) When people think of BM they think of a bunch of people worshipping the
devil.(I for one am more of a worship myself type of girl....) I don't know...I
just don't get that whole "Hail Satan" vibe from your music....
Yngve: We are not a "Hail Satan" band. Christfuck is a band like that.
Mortuus Sum is a completely different entity. I agree though, that black metal
should be Satanic.
11) In Feb. you guys just "Re-released your 2011 promo on CD-R....Was there
a high demand for this album? Are there any left and if so how would
someone go about getting a copy...I know they were very limited....
Yngve: There was a small demand for "Promo 2011". I released it 50
hand-numbered copies. Anyone who wants it, can send a message to us and I can
send it. It's free and the cost is only the post fees for the place I will send
it to.
12) Mortuus Sum has a full length coming out.... now if I am correct and
please tell me if I am wrong but the songs on this album will consist of songs
from beginning (2007) until last year (2012) Doing this is a cool concept,
allowing people to hear the progression of your music...to see how the band grew
as a whole and changes that were made....
What was YOUR reasoning behind this idea and wouldn't it be more of a
compilation instead of a full length?
Yngve: On Thursday, 22nd of May, I am going to release a digital split EP
with Nattergal, a doom/black metal band from Mexico. It will be available for
purchase via BandCamp. When it's released, I will begin guitar and drum
recordings for the first full length album. I want to release these songs as a
full length and not as a compilation, because I want to close an era of the
band. After the album a new chapter begins. New songs, different influences...
You will see for yourself... The songs on the first album will be more
Norse-influenced... The new material, is more Swedish... A lot of Dark Funeral
and Bathory in it.
13) You are in a couple bands that I actually have just interviewed or
waiting on responses to my interview....Dizziness....Vetusmora..... You are
a busy guy. When do you have any time to rest.....haha
Yngve: Great! I should inform you that I no longer play in Vetusmora as a full time
member, but as a session drummer. Busy guy? Maybe... At the moment I can manage
it pretty good. We'll see how it goes!
14) Do your personal musical influence conflict at all with the band as a
wholes influences? Does this change from band to band? I know you enjoy a lot of
really great drummers....Nick Barker being one of them...(good guy)
How do you keep your personal taste out of your music while in a
band?
Yngve: My musical influences can be heard in the songs I write. Of course
it changes from band to band. Different style, different philosophy behind the
band... In fact EVERYTHING is different! :D Nick Barker is great. I believe that
throughout the years as a drummer, I managed to take all that I could from my
influences and blend them into my own personal style. I believe that if someone
knows me, can understand that it's me playing when he listens to a band that I
play in.
15) You guys don't play live....I get it...but will there ever in the near
or distant future that just maybe a one off show would be fun? Just to give the
listeners some vision of your music..??
Yngve: No... Mortuus Sum and Christfuck will NEVER play live! Yes I know
the "never say never" quote, but I don't think that it will happen.
16) There are some great bands to come out of Greece....A few I mentioned
above. haha Is there a small click there...Like one big happy family of metal
heads?
Yngve: Hmmm.... Tough question and tougher answer. Black metal scene in
Hellas, is fucked up. We (including myself of course), are not united. It's a
shame, because we have a HUGE black metal scene here! If we were all together,
we could over throne Norway! hahaha! Just kidding. The thing is, that if we were
united we could do very big thing here. Maybe someday it will happen. The only
thing we must do, is get rid of all the shit and the posers...
17) When you are not "releasing" an album....or maybe I should rephrase
that...when you ARE releasing an album and everything is ready to go, do you
ever just think up musical ideas and jot it down or record it for future use?
Yngve: I always have ideas! I already have some songs ready for the 2nd
full length, but nothing completed yet!
18) You guys are looking for a label for your new album, right?
Anything specific you are looking for in a label? (Hey, you never know when
someone from a label might read this, right? )
Yngve: We don't ask much... Just a label to release our songs. It's
difficult with the money and I think that the problem is the same for labels
also! Talking about me and my bands, I only want a label to release tapes and
(why not) vinyls also! I am a bit of old school guy with that stuff.
19) Well my friend, thank you for your time.
Now is your opportunity to say anything you feel we didn't touch on .... or
maybe some words of wisdom you would like to share? :)
Yngve: Thank you VERY MUCH for this interview!!!!! It's great to have
people that support the underground scene! Stay tuned for news and updates.
On
Thursday (May 22nd), Mortuus Sum will release a split EP with
Mexico's Nattergal and Christfuck will release the first demo sometime in
September/October!
You can check out those links:
www.facebook.com/mortuussum
www.facebook.com/goatmetal666
www.facebook.com/nicksamiosdrummer