For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Tomaž (drums): Greetings from Slovenia! Morost was formed in 2010 by former members of a death/doom metal band Cold Dew. We set out to create our own kind of music with as few guidelines as we could and after 4 years of diligence, we released our debut album titled Solace in Solitude. Our music has been described as everything in between death, groove, black, progressive, aggressive and/or doom metal, but labeling doesn't really concern us – all we really want to do is create and play music.
Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
I would describe the sound of our album as very dark, deep, full and heavy, at times even a bit smudgy, while keeping the feel of a modernly produced record. All in all, I find the atmosphere serious and inviting, which I feel gives the album that little bit of distinction and uniqueness every musician is trying to express. It should also be important to note, that back in 2012, when we began recording, we had a very loose plan on how we wanted the finished record to sound. Ruž and Jay from Negligence Studio proved to be of great help in guiding us towards what is now Solace in Solitude.
The band formed out of the ashes of Cold Dew, what was the decision behind forming a new band?
When Peter (guitars), Tamara (vocals at that time, presently keys) and I joined Cold Dew in 2008, the band was playing strictly death/doom metal. Most of the later material (written by Peter and myself) began to drift away from the before agreed upon course, which created tension in the band. In 2010 we decided to split up and start anew, this time with fewer bounds and with "whatever works, works" attitude. In retrospect, it was the right decision for us.
What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The lyrics mostly discuss ourselves as humans, as social beings, our behaviour towards ourselves and each other, as well as about our understanding of the world around us, both social and natural. The style of writing contains a tint of childlike awe, wonder and confusion, so as to give contrast to the otherwise serious mood of the music. I'd say lyrics were always written after the songs were already more or less done, like an afterthought, therefore the texts do not attempt to be too specific, they do not bear the most important message. Instead the lyrics are just something that works well enough with the music and is otherwise completely open for each listener's own interpretation.
What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Morost'?
The name is an old Slovenian word for marsh, a type of wetland. Such a place is actually close to where we rehearse which makes the name even more apt. I also think the word goes well with the kind of music we play, both phonetically and by it's meaning.
What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The last shows we played were still as part of Cold Dew. When we formed the new band, we decided our priority was on releasing an album and now that we've done that, we're ready to hit the stages.
Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
For starters, we want to do a few shows in local clubs, to get the hang of it again. We have a gig coming up on October 23rd in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and after that we are looking to do more shows.
Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We are currently not actively looking for a label. We released our album on our own without too much hassle, but as we move forward we might change our minds.
On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death and groove metal?
I would say the feedback has been great by a rather wide range of audience, not just death/groove metal fans in particular. We are trying not to "market" our music to a specific, narrow group of people, but rather have it out there for everyone to listen to and appreciate (or not) to their heart's content.
Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I believe we are still quite willing to explore our creativity and not limit ourselves within the bounds of the music on our debut album. I cannot say for certain the direction we'll take in the future, but I can say that we do like our music to keep an atmospheric feel to it while maintaining a vivid and dynamic rhythm.
What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Lately, I've been listening to The Contortionist. Over the years, there has been many different bands and styles that have left an imprint on each of us. If I had to name 10 bands that had been the biggest influence on me personally, I'd say Enslaved, Opeth, Exivious, Textures, Gorguts, Ahab, Virus, Vulture Industries, Meshuggah, Uneven Structure... Others' opinions on their influences would probably vary in comparison.
What are some of your non musical interests?
Some of us are finishing our university degrees, others are working their asses off and there's even an in-line hockey player among us.
Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I'd just like to put a word out to all the emerging bands out there: keep at it, the only thing that matters is the music you create, everything else is a distraction!
Tomaž (drums): Greetings from Slovenia! Morost was formed in 2010 by former members of a death/doom metal band Cold Dew. We set out to create our own kind of music with as few guidelines as we could and after 4 years of diligence, we released our debut album titled Solace in Solitude. Our music has been described as everything in between death, groove, black, progressive, aggressive and/or doom metal, but labeling doesn't really concern us – all we really want to do is create and play music.
Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
I would describe the sound of our album as very dark, deep, full and heavy, at times even a bit smudgy, while keeping the feel of a modernly produced record. All in all, I find the atmosphere serious and inviting, which I feel gives the album that little bit of distinction and uniqueness every musician is trying to express. It should also be important to note, that back in 2012, when we began recording, we had a very loose plan on how we wanted the finished record to sound. Ruž and Jay from Negligence Studio proved to be of great help in guiding us towards what is now Solace in Solitude.
The band formed out of the ashes of Cold Dew, what was the decision behind forming a new band?
When Peter (guitars), Tamara (vocals at that time, presently keys) and I joined Cold Dew in 2008, the band was playing strictly death/doom metal. Most of the later material (written by Peter and myself) began to drift away from the before agreed upon course, which created tension in the band. In 2010 we decided to split up and start anew, this time with fewer bounds and with "whatever works, works" attitude. In retrospect, it was the right decision for us.
What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The lyrics mostly discuss ourselves as humans, as social beings, our behaviour towards ourselves and each other, as well as about our understanding of the world around us, both social and natural. The style of writing contains a tint of childlike awe, wonder and confusion, so as to give contrast to the otherwise serious mood of the music. I'd say lyrics were always written after the songs were already more or less done, like an afterthought, therefore the texts do not attempt to be too specific, they do not bear the most important message. Instead the lyrics are just something that works well enough with the music and is otherwise completely open for each listener's own interpretation.
What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Morost'?
The name is an old Slovenian word for marsh, a type of wetland. Such a place is actually close to where we rehearse which makes the name even more apt. I also think the word goes well with the kind of music we play, both phonetically and by it's meaning.
What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
The last shows we played were still as part of Cold Dew. When we formed the new band, we decided our priority was on releasing an album and now that we've done that, we're ready to hit the stages.
Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
For starters, we want to do a few shows in local clubs, to get the hang of it again. We have a gig coming up on October 23rd in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and after that we are looking to do more shows.
Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We are currently not actively looking for a label. We released our album on our own without too much hassle, but as we move forward we might change our minds.
On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death and groove metal?
I would say the feedback has been great by a rather wide range of audience, not just death/groove metal fans in particular. We are trying not to "market" our music to a specific, narrow group of people, but rather have it out there for everyone to listen to and appreciate (or not) to their heart's content.
Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I believe we are still quite willing to explore our creativity and not limit ourselves within the bounds of the music on our debut album. I cannot say for certain the direction we'll take in the future, but I can say that we do like our music to keep an atmospheric feel to it while maintaining a vivid and dynamic rhythm.
What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Lately, I've been listening to The Contortionist. Over the years, there has been many different bands and styles that have left an imprint on each of us. If I had to name 10 bands that had been the biggest influence on me personally, I'd say Enslaved, Opeth, Exivious, Textures, Gorguts, Ahab, Virus, Vulture Industries, Meshuggah, Uneven Structure... Others' opinions on their influences would probably vary in comparison.
What are some of your non musical interests?
Some of us are finishing our university degrees, others are working their asses off and there's even an in-line hockey player among us.
Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I'd just like to put a word out to all the emerging bands out there: keep at it, the only thing that matters is the music you create, everything else is a distraction!
