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Mortiis

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This article covers Mortiis the band. For entries related to Mortiis go to Håvard Ellefsen.
Mortiis

Mortiis is an electronic band from Notodden in Norway fronted by Håvard Ellefsen, who is also known as the namesake of the band. The name is a misspelling of the word 'mortis', which is the pronunciation used by the band. However, Mortiis started as the solo project of Håvard Ellefsen as a means to convey a story. This aspect was lost over time and Mortiis slowly formed into a band.

Band members

Mortiis as a band was formed shortly after the release of The Smell of Rain. The current line-up consists of the following:

Former/past member(s)

  • Sarah Jezebel Deva - female vocals (soprano)
  • Leo Troy - (also known as Svein Tråserud) drums 2001-2007
  • Åsmund Sveinnungard - guitar 2001-2005
  • Jostein Pendragon - ('one show' guitarist, Kristiansand/Norway 2003)
  • Christopher Amott - Guitars (Secret Session-Member on "The Smell of Rain" Sessions)
  • Endre Tonnesen - session/studio bass on "The Grudge" album
  • [Magnus Abelsen][2] - session bass on "The Grudge" album
  • Mortal (Anund Grini) - guitar (2001-2002)

History

Era I

The title of Era I was never intentional. It came about in 2001 when Mortiis was set to release The Smell of Rain, which was such a departure from his earlier records that he wanted to brand it in a way to signify this. All works previous to The Smell of Rain were thereafter referred to as Era I as consequence. All of the Era I albums were composed entirely on synthesizers, creating a sound that Mortiis described as "dark dungeon music." The Stargate went a step further by introducing acoustic guitars and flutes, among others; Female vocals were provided by Sarah Jezebel Deva.

Era II

The Smell of Rain created a divide among fans; the songs this time had an electropop feel to them, and frontman Håvard took to lead vocals for the first time. This would be the only release under the title of Era II. Some fans thought Mortiis had betrayed them as they were expecting what many had nicknamed "The Stargate II". It was during this 'era' that Håvard decided he needed to seek members to perform in a live setting, which later helped change how Mortiis as a band sounded.

Era III

With Era III came The Grudge, which took an even more drastic turn from previous eras and is said to have made the biggest impression of any of his albums. The Grudge took on a heavy industrial rock emphasis, combining grinding guitars and industrial programming. Some of the long time fans were again not too happy with this turn, but it helped gain Mortiis more new fans. In 2005 the Norwegian government declared The Grudge as a cultural artifact, requiring the album by law to be in libraries across the country.[1]

On April 16, 2007 Mortiis released a remix album titled Some Kind of Heroin, reworking material from The Grudge, via Earache Records. "Some Kind of Heroin" offers diverse remix material including interpretations by a wide range of contemporaries, such as Zombie Girl, Gothminister, Implant, XP8, PIG, The Kovenant, Velvet Acid Christ, Girls Under Glass, David Wallace, Kubrick, Flesh Field, Dope Stars Inc, In the Nursery among others.[2] The choice of bands suggested a more Electro-industrial future for Mortiis, but this wasn't the case.

Mortiis is working alongside Rhys Fulber for his latest album (working title: Road to Ruin[3]), with working track titles such as "The Great Deceiver", "Zeitgeist", "The Ugly Truth", and "Scolding the Burnt". It's not yet known whether Mortiis will further this as Era IV, as he has said it would have greater emphasis on 'organic' instruments (guitar), or if it will remain as Era III.

Image

For nearly the entirety of the bands existence, frontman Håvard has altered his facial appearance using several alternatives before using a prosthetic mask and ear set. This led to much ridicule and myth, which Mortiis dismissed in disgust. The original mask is based around that of 'Blix' from the movie Legend. The studio who made Mortiis' mask asked for a character reference for the moulding. The mask was always coupled with ears. During Era I the mask covered his whole face, though by Era III it had an appearance whereby it seemed to be falling off and was stitched in place. Sure enough the mask was dropped after the release of Some Kind of Heroin. Having stated in an interview that the mask has been shelved "for better or worse," as part of the significance of Some Kind of Heroin.[4] He has also said that the mask now bears no direct reference to the music he is making. His choice to change from an established cult image, to a new direction is seen as his desire to produce 'art' for himself, and not other people who want him to do certain things against his will.

Håvard's choice of dreadlocks (sometime after Era I), and various outfits helped produce the infamous 'Mortiis image'. It is debated in almost every interview with him. When asked as to what the mask represents he has answered, "I do not look upon myself as a goblin, or troll, or elf, or medieval. I am merely Mortiis."[5] Mortiis has been known to 'repair' his live clothes by using black tape to seal holes and tears. They often cover themselves in corn flour before going on stage.

When talking about the influence for the imagery that his band uses, Mortiis has commented, "A lot of people do not get that you can do more than just look like you're waiting for a bus. I mean how dull is that? I grew up with Kiss, W.A.S.P. and Alice Cooper." [6]

Remixes

Mortiis was credited for a number of remixes, though most are produced solely by Håvard. Most notable for the Alfa Matrix signed bands, Zombie Girl (on the album "Blood Brains and Rock 'n' Roll") and also for another female fronted industrial metal act I:Scintilla who released their album "Optics" on the Belgian industrial label Alfa Matrix holding a bonus disc with a remix by Mortiis beside others by Combichrist, Clan Of Xymox and many more.[7]

Discography

Albums

Date of release Title Label
1993 The song of a long forgotten Ghost Pagan records / Witching Hour Prod
1993 Født Til å Herske Malicious Records / Dark Dungeon Music / Earache Records
1994 Ånden som Gjorde Opprør Cold Meat Industry / Earache Records
1995 Keiser Av En Dimensjon Ukjent Dark Dungeon Music / Earache Records
1995 Blood and Thunder Primitive Art Records
1996 Crypt of the Wizard Dark Dungeon Music / Earache Records
1998 The Stargate Earache Records
2001 The Smell of Rain Earache Records
2005 The Grudge Earache Records
2007 Some Kind of Heroin Earache Records

Singles

Date of release Title Label Chart position
2004 The Grudge Earache Records UK National Singles: 51

UK Indie Singles: 7

2005 Decadent & Desperate Earache Records UK National Singles: 49

Videography

See also

References

  1. ^ "Album made available to public for free". Earache. April 14, 2005.
  2. ^ Mortiis to release remix album
  3. ^ "Road to Ruin (working title)". Live Journal. December 18, 2006.
  4. ^ Source: Interview
  5. ^ Source: StarVox.net Interview
  6. ^ Source:Studio Pop Interview 2003
  7. ^ I:Scintilla remixed by Mortiis, Combichrist, KMFDM and Clan Of Xymox for new album
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