INTERVIEW: Thomas Eriksen – Mork

Since 2004, MORK, the brainchild of Thomas Eriksen, has been bubbling away in the black metal underground. Having inked a deal with the iconic Peaceville Records in 2017 (which saw the release of the excellent Eremittens Dal), receiving adoration from peers, including DARKTHRONE‘s Fenriz and 1349‘s Seidemann, what started initially as a side-project has now evolved into a fully-fledged outfit. 15 years after their emergence, MORK stand as one of the premier bands in modern Norwegian black metal. Two years have passed since Eremittens Dal and Det Svarte Juv, album number four, is here. We spoke with Eriksen to cast a light onto his brand new effort alongside discussing his working relationship with Peaceville and how the band have skyrocketed up the ranks.

So your new album Det Svarte Juv is nearly here. What can we expect from this new album?

Thomas: Finally I can see the light or should that be dark? At the end of the tunnel. No, but seriously, I am relieved that it’s out of my hands at last. You can expect what I always believe I am delivering, quality and authenticity. I do not want to seem to be a arrogant prick, but I wouldn’t fake my way through this. And I make and release music that I stand behind all the way. The album is darker than earlier works, I would say. It’s been “colored” by a dark period in my life. But it also has the aggression and strength to pull one up from the deepest of the depressive pits.

This new offering follows on from 2017’s Eremittens Dal. How has the sound of MORK developed in that time?

Thomas: To me I don’t think the sound has changed much, if it has it’s pure coincidence. I maintain the roughness of all of my works and keep it as nekro as I feel comfortable with. Music-wise I have let myself go way more creatively. Instead of going into this with a strict rule about how the riffs and arrangements should be or not, I’ve let it loose. I guess I’m more comfortable with myself and MORK at this point. Or I just don’t care to withstand to any predetermined rules.

Eremittens Dal marked your label debut at Peaceville Records. With this new album being your second release on the label, how is the relationship with Peaceville?

Thomas: Counting the reissues of the first two albums, this is actually the fourth one. I think Peaceville has been easy to work with this far. We keep a tight bond and communicate daily. Looking forward to continue our partnership.

Det Svarte Juv will be your fourth full-length record. How do you feel it compares to your back catalogue?

Thomas: I feel it is yet another step for me in finding myself musically within black metal and MORK. It also has to be the most personal record to date, at least emotionally. I am happy with and proud of every single album, but I feel this is my best effort this far. And I can’t say that I’ve repeated myself either, so each album differs in creativity and evolution.

Can you explain the writing and recording process for Det Svarte Juv?

Thomas: When I create and record an album it’s always down to myself and my studio. I sit down with a basic riff idea and set up a suiting click-track, then it’s full speed ahead. I usually make up riffs and arrangements on the fly and a song can be finished during one sitting. I layer the instruments and finally add my lyrics which all have been written independently at various occasions. That’s the usual way, but this album has taken a bit longer. This is due to a chain of tragic happenings in my personal life.

You’ve said that the album has been part of a strange and dark period of you life. Can you elaborate on this and how it has influenced the formation of this album?

Thomas: Well, I’ve just been through stuff most people get scattered out across a lifetime. My bad experiences occurred over a span of some two years. I’ve suffered three deaths in the family, one close call and a break-up. And everything that comes along these circumstances. I wouldn’t say the lyrics are directly influenced by these matters, maybe subconsciously. Being able to work with my passion has been a lifesaver for me, that’s for sure.

With the fact this album is a product from yourself with no guests performing on this record, has the creation of Det Svarte Juv been much of a cathartic experience for you?

Thomas: The album doesn’t differ from the others in that sense. All my works are created in solitude. I’ve had guests on at times, but that has not been intervening with the creative process. To be able to work with the band and create my music, I have been able to keep my head up and push through the bad times. I have been managing everything around MORK since the beginning, so there’s always plenty on the to-do-list.

MORK originally began as a side-project for you but has since developed into a fully-fledged band. Have you been surprised at how the project has grown into what it is today?

Thomas: Surprised, to say the least. When I made my old demos and even the debut Isebakke, I wasn’t serious or ambitious at all. All the sudden the album got picked up by HSP-Productions in Canada, and I was given a reason to keep this up. From being on a small label to now being a full-time artist on Peaceville, whilst playing shows across the world, is overwhelming. I make all the music to satisfy myself solely, but truly appreciate the following MORK has gained.

What do you hope to achieve with Det Svarte Juv?

Thomas: Most albums fall through the cracks and drowns in everything else that is being spewed out in this day and age. I hope for the album to perhaps stay afloat. What I do know is that this is a work of purity and passion, which get recognised, hopefully. Each album means a lot to me, obviously. I hope it can strike a nerve with the listeners out there as well.

Once the album has been released, the focus I imagine will turn to touring. What plans are in store for MORK for the rest of the year and can we expect any UK shows down the line?

Thomas: MORK is a full live band also, so were always available for shows. There’s never been any touring going on, more single shows. So there is some shows here and there. The big thing this year and yet another goal reached, is our first US shows in August. Stuff always comes along which is great and exiting. Hopefully we will be returning to Britain in time. Make them book us!

To close, we’ll offer you a chance to leave a parting message with our readers. Do you have anything to say to the readers of Distorted Sound?

Thomas: Keep yourselves up to date on our socials regarding anything MORK-related. Both myself and the band appreciate the support. Keep the black flame burning, and see you out there!

Det Svarte Juv is set for release on April 19th via Peaceville Records. 

Like MORK on Facebook.