Mortor Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Mortor has been around since 2008, with various lineups, save David (the bands primary songwriter) and Yolin, whose been on vocal duties since day 1. We're from the Ottawa/Gatineau region, which should make it no surprise that you'll often find us in the "death metal" bin at your local record store, and we've got a brand new record coming out September 18th called 'Shoot 'em Up' that we're releasing independently. 

 

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

I'd say Mortor's music is for people who enjoy death and thrash metal, but are also really into just heavy tones, massive riffs, and all the like. The songwriting in general always has a focus on making sure that riffs are catchy, song structures are memorable, and of course, that everything sounds like a ton of bricks. 

 

3. What are some of the lyrical topics ad subjects the band explores with the music?

As the name 'Mortor' would suggest, the bands lyrical subject matter generally deals with war, death and all the associated themes. We've got songs about dropping bombs, shooting guns, and getting drunk while performing surgery on yourself. (Death From Above, Eat Lead, Whiskey Surgery)

 

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

It's a bit of a play on words - but essentially it's just our own variation on the spelling of mortar. I guess it sounded cooler than just calling ourselves cannon or something, hahaha

 

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so dar and how would you describe your stage performance?

Well since I'm answering these questions I'll have to relate to my time with the band since I joined in the summer of 2011 - so based on that I would definitely have to say Napalm Death / Fuck the Facts has been my favourite. That being said, if you asked me this question next week I'd probably say Kreator, who were playing with for our CD release. To say the least, can't fucking wait! 

 

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Absolutely man - now that we have an official release date for the album we're trying to hit up as many cities as possible. We've got some stuff in the GTA area and Montreal booked but are always looking for more. A bunch of dates should be announced in the coming weeks, but if there are any promoters out there reading this... give us a shout! 

 

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?

Labels are great and we are definitely open to the opportunity of working with one, but we also aren't reliant on them either. The band has always had a very DIY ethic, so if the right offer comes around we'll be sure to hear them out. 

In terms of ones that would be a "perfect fit" for our sound... I think we could really work with any that deal with the extreme metal genre. It'd of course be amazing to land something with Century Media, Metal Blade, Nuclear Blast, Relapse, or any of those other big names, but as said, we're just open to seeing whats out there without being too reliant on others. 

 

8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

Well I play in another band called Accursed Spawn. It's a sort of brutal death metal act with a bit of thrash and even some black metal infused in there. 

In terms of the other dudes, Antonin used to play in a wicked thrash band called Hostility, and some of us are working on a rock project that should be coming out quite soon. 

All that being said - this is a full time lineup! 

 

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Well we're just about to put Shoot 'em Up out so although we're always writing, the focus right now is on promoting what we have. That being said, we'll always stick to our guns, so fans can expect the next release to be even heavier, catchier, and generally just more awesome than the last. 

 

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

There's a good number of bands that we all share influences from, and some others that are unique to each player, but I'd definitely say you can hear some Kreator, Sodom, Cannibal Corpse, Dethklok, Slayer and a bunch of others. We kind of take those influences and then just put them through our own individual templates, and the end result is Mortor. 

 

11. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death and thrash metal?

So far it's been amazing. Coming from the outside the first thing I noticed is just how amazing Mortor fans are - they're extremely passionate and equally supportive. It's been a great experience. People seem to really dig what we're doing and it's really cool! 

 

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Haha that's a pretty tough question - we're all pretty huge into music. When I'm not playing drums I do a radio show and have a local promotions company, so I guess music is pretty much what I do. 

If people are really interested I'd say just come up to us at a gig and start up a conversation!

 

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Well firstly thank you for taking the time to ask us these questions, and of course a huge thank you to all the amazing Mortor fans both locally and internationally. I guess I have to be the PR guy and add that we'll have Shoot 'em Up out worldwide Sept. 18th so be sure to check that out, as well as the Under the Flag single that's up for free download on our bandcamp. 

Outside of that? Fuckin' METAL man! Thanks for repping the music and supporting the scene! See you all in the pit!