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| Gloon from the Full Metal Mayhem hunted down A.Pitt from Aussie Blacksters Myrddraal and demanded answers on wearing corpse paint, the Aussie climate and Metal for the Brain!!!!!!! To kick things off could you give our readers a bit of history on the band and maybe the story behind the name 'Myrddraal'? [Pitt] Myrddraal formed in mid 1999 when we recorded our first demo tape Black Construction. After receiving a good response to the demo, we set about finding a full lineup and played a few gigs. After that, we were offered a release through cult German label At War Records the split tape with Gernoth. After a break, we returned with a new drummer and played another gig before releasing our debut cd through Decius Productions. Myrddraal's lineup has changed again with our old drummer and bassist being replaced. A belated congrats on the release of your debut and the good press it has so far received. A couple of tracks have been re-recorded from earlier demos for 'Blood on the Mountain', how has your sound and approach changed since then and what changes (if any) did the older tracks receive? [Pitt] I think our song writing has improved and our songs tend to flow more and are a lot more catchier. We decided to re-record two songs from previous recordings because we felt that they were not done justice because of limited recording conditions, etc. There aren't really any changes to the re-recorded songs about from more interesting drums (They were both previously recorded with a drum machine) and we dropped the keyboards from Surrounded by Unlight. I see you recently played at last years Metal for the Brain. How was the experience for the band and were there any non-beleivers coverted to the dark path that day? [Pitt] Metal for the Brain was probably the best that Myrddraal has played and is also one of our most memorable gigs. We received a very positive reaction from that set. |
| For more information & MP3s go to Myrddraal's Official Web http://move.to/myrddraal/ |
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| What can one expect from a Myrddraal live performance? [Pitt] One can expect Blood Fire Death! Our gigs include fire breathing, bloodshed, spikes, leather and black fucking metal! Myrddraal hail from Canberra NSW, what is the scene like over there and are there any other brothers in arms that you sing praise to? [Pitt] In Canberra, there is not really much of a black metal scene. I can only think of two other black metal bands from Canberra. Blackmetal originated from the cold windy mountains of Norway using the bleakness and harsh surroundings as influences. How does an Australian band seek influence and create atmosphere for their hate anthems? [Pitt] Australia has a harsher climate than Europe - the first white settlers would invariably die if they ventured outside their camps. Some of the most dangerous snakes and spiders: Australian. The most corrupt and sadistik police force: Australian. The most prolific mass murderer: an Australian. Is it any wonder that most bestial, violent and hateful music comes from Australia? |
| Having said that, Myrddraal does not take it's influence from its immediate geographic or political surrounds - in the old days, we were influenced by the bands we listened to, but now we craft our songs purely from within ourselves. Where that inspiration comes from is really something that one could only speculate as to the source. Blackmetal has seen itself evolving rapidly since its inception, incorporating various ideas and elements from other metal genres and styles. What is your true definition of blackmetal and which bands in your eyes and still flying the colours and keeping it true? [Pitt] Certainly there are bands who uphold a Bathory/Celtic Frost tradition - Morrigan and Urgrund come to mind - then there are those who remain dedicated to the grim and frostbitten early 90s Norwegian sound - Godless North, Armagedda etc. Really there is great music coming from all corners of the black metal spectrum - unfortunately also garbage. Those who use electronic influences/ folk influences can't come under the banner of true black metal - but in our eyes if it displays quality, extremity and anti-xtian fire then it is true black metal or whatever label you want to use. I see the band still upholds the tradition of the corpse paint. What is the significance of the makeup to the band and does it have a greater meaning then just a cliche or gimmick? [Pitt] The band upholds the tradition of raw and hateful black metal - we are happy to let the music speak for itself when playing live, but corpse paint, spikes and lacerated chests does provide the people who have come to see us something extra. You have recently distributed a CD-r for label purposes and are planning a live video release for sometime this year. Any other plans in the works for 2002? when can we expect the next offering from Myrddraal? [Pitt] We're playing gigs again and we hope to record a new album sometime this year. Any last words for the hordes? [Pitt] Thanks for this interview and look out for Myrddraal in 2002. |
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