Mortem, Norwegian black-metal band, release debut single from upcoming album Mørketid
Mortem has released the first single, “Skyggeånd,” from their upcoming album “Mørketid,” which is scheduled for release on July 3rd on Peaceville. This Norwegian cult black-metal band is back with their second studio album after their debut in 2019 with “Ravnsart.” The new album showcases a progression in their sound, combining brooding, mid-paced riffs with bursts of fast-paced black metal.
The album features eight tracks of savage, eerie, and epic black metal. Mortem, comprising members of Arcturus, Thorns, Mayhem, and 1349, brings together the keyboard textures of Sverd, Hellhammer’s distinctive drumming, and the fierce vocals of Marius Vold. The band’s new single, “Skyggeånd,” is accompanied by a lyric video that adds visual depth to the haunting track.
Vold shared his inspiration behind the lyrics of “Skyggeånd,” revealing that they are based on a vivid nightmare involving a spirit lurking in the darkness. In the dream, Vold had to rescue his son from a menacing figure in a basement passage. The description of the spirit as a cloaked figure without a face conveys a chilling sense of anticipation and fear. Vold reflects on the paralyzing horror of being pursued by a malevolent spirit, ultimately losing oneself to the shadows and becoming a servant of the night.
The upcoming album “Mørketid” features tracks like “The Mighty Odious,” “Blodvassen grunn,” “Aftermath,” “Den sanne Gud,” “Mørkets Ormebol,” and “Ditt ødes ære.” Recorded at Toproom Studio in Norway by Børge Finnstad and Kevin Kleiven, the album captures the essence of Mortem’s dark and intense sound. Set to be released on oxblood red vinyl LP, black vinyl LP, CD, and digitally, “Mørketid” promises to be a powerful addition to the band’s discography.
Originally formed in 1989, Mortem was one of the early black metal bands from Norway, releasing the demo “Slow Death” with notable figures like Euronymous and Dead of Mayhem involved in its production. After a period of dormancy, the band resurfaced in 2019 with their studio debut “Ravnsvart,” followed by re-recorded tracks from “Slow Death.” The return of Mortem with “Mørketid” signifies a resurgence of their signature sound combined with new elements that create a compelling blend of ferocity and atmosphere.
Featuring members like Steinar Sverd Johnsen on keyboards, Marius Vold on vocals, Hellhammer on drums, Tor R. Stavenes on bass, and Jamie Stinson on guitars, Mortem’s lineup showcases a wealth of experience in the black metal scene. Fans can look forward to the release of “Mørketid” on July 3rd, as Mortem continues to carve their path in the realm of extreme metal.