MHORGL - A Loud, Abrasive, Fist In The Face

Releasing their second full length album 'Antinomian' mere months ago, Mhorgl has created the equivalent of auditory aggression; and this malevolent beast is an overtly refreshing take on old school black metal.

I recently caught up with drummer Louis Rando, and bass guitarist James Campbell, to speak of the album and the quartet as a whole in a discussion that highlighted their intelligence, laidback nature and maturity as musicians. 

Forming in 2004 how has Mhorgl grown in six years?

James; The band has evolved from being a solo recording project operating at a pretty basic level to a fully fledged band over the course of three releases. The material we produce has also become more focused and sophisticated as new members have gotten involved and added their stamp to the music. The general level of musicianship and song writing as also increased a lot.
    
You have just released your second full length album 'Antinomian', how was the recording and writing process this time around?

Louis; Writing was very different to the first album 'The Sacrificial Flame' because this time around, we actually had a full band to write with, rather than two people, so things were much more ‘live’. As a result of this, there was a tendency to push the more ‘brutal’ elements of the music instead of the ‘atmospheric’ ones.

In short, each of us brings some ideas to the table, and we molest them into the Mhorgl sound!!!

We tracked all the instruments ourselves in our own private workspaces/studios. I think this is a much better way to record because you’re not paying for the studio time, and you get the exact takes you want because you can afford to be more critical in your own comfort zone, alone. We mixed and mastered the album with Aidan Barton at Perth Sovereign Studios, which is always a quick and smooth affair. We’ve worked with him many times in the past.

The cover art and the title of the album capture and highlight your opinion and opposition to all dogma, has this been the central concept of this record, and can you describe further the political stance of the band?

Louis; The band does not stand for any one political ideal. We are all individuals with our own opinions on life and politics.

Myself, I personally feel that religion is outdated and redundant, and that time is better spent pursuing ideals that empower the individual spirit (Every individual) and unite rather than segregate and disempower. Religion wastes time by honouring figures of the past rather than creating an idealistic future. It is an ego based organization, created by businessmen.

I think the utopia of the future must be free of ‘beliefs’ altogether. They do nothing but close the mind to direct experience.

I can safely say Mhorgl does not endorse any form of organized religion.

How would you describe your latest album to someone who has yet to experience your sound?

Louis; Very fast and intense early ninety’s styled ‘discordant’ Black Metal with a slant of Thrash Metal. Capable levels of musicianship without being self worshipping. Good Hi Fi production values. If you’re reading this, get it now!!!!!!!!

How was working with Aidan Barton on this record?

Louis; Very easy. We worked with Aidan many times over the years so we have a very good understanding of who he is and what he can do, and vice versa.

He has a great knowledge of recording hardware and a great ear for Extreme metal. He has one of this city’s longest histories of recording metal bands and is also one of the most efficient engineers I’ve ever seen! We struggle to keep up! Check him out! www.sovstudios.com

You are said to be inspired by traditional black metal such as Darkthrone, Gorgoroth and Bathory, what has been the biggest influence on this record and Mhorgl as a whole?

Louis; That would be almost impossible to pinpoint because we all listen to such different music/metal. That’s why our music sounds like it does!

I guess going right back, we’d have to give credit to the greats, Bathory, Venom, Slayer, Darkthrone, Kreator, Destruction, Morbid Angel etc.

Ultimately we are self inspiring. We are just trying to be as productive and creative as we can, pushing our own boundaries more and more.

From your debut album, 2007’s 'Sacrificial Flame', Mhorgl has overtly become a more aggressive band, which translates through 'Antinomian'. Was this evolution a natural progression for the band?

Louis; As previously mentioned, the increase in brutality has a lot to do with the fact we are now writing music in public rehearsal rooms with our amps turned up to 11!

Also having live drummer such as myself has pushed things along. I’m known for my unwillingness to relent on the drums. Ha Haa Ha. Now that we’re playing live so often, the tendency is to give an intense ‘rockin’ show which leaves peoples necks in need of professional medical help.

Why did it take Mhorgl so long to take to the live stage?

James; There were a couple of reasons. Initially Mhorgl was simply a recording project. We didn't have a drummer and never rehearsed as a group. The songs were written without any thought of playing them live so the instrumentation was quite complicated with a lot of keyboards and guitar parts, especially on the first album. It wasn't until we were asked to play a gig that the thought of playing live was ever seriously considered. Then it was a mad rush to find a drummer and work out how to translate our recorded material to the stage

What pulled you [Louis] toward joining Mhorgl?

Louis; Initially I was asked to join as a session member for the sake of playing one show, but once I got familiar with the set a saw the guys in action, I had no choice but to stay. It was great!

And now, concentrating largely on live performances, what is a typical Mhorgl live show?

Louis; A loud, abrasive, fist in the face, black metal steamroller of death aimed at mankind!!!
But seriously? A gimmick free, high quality live Black Metal band with a solid performance and solid songs. For fans of great music.

How have you found supporting and sharing the stage with bands such as Destroyer 666, Amon Amarth, Malignant Monster and Satyricon?

Louis; Good support slots are always great. It gives us a chance to play to new people who (for some crazy reason!) wouldn’t attend the weekly local shows we play. We rehearse hard and it’s great to get it to the larger crowds as often as possible.

All the big bands that we’ve met are generally very cool people. You have to be cool in metal. It’s a tight community.

What has been the reaction to your music from punters and furthermore from the scene in Perth?

Louis; The locals here in West Australia have been very supportive of what we do. We have a pretty clean reputation I think. Ha Ha! We just get up and play our guts out and our merchandise sells steadily. What more could you ask for in Perth?

What are the future plans for the quartet?

Louis; Keep the band as healthy as possible!!  Write, record, perform, and repeat cycle… It would be great to get some wider distribution on a label and have the opportunity to tour outside Western Australia; we’re working on it…

To listen to Mhorgl visit their official MySapce page and website, where you can also pick up a copy of their latest album 'Antinomian'!