Morta Skuld: Creation & Annihilation

Death metal stalwarts MORTA SKULD have just released their latest album Creation Undone and it sees the Milwaukee band storm back with their first record in four years, and are on as fine form as ever with their razor sharp death metal complemented with thrash and black metal elements in the mix as well. We caught up with vocalist/guitarist Dave Gregor to hear all about Creation Undone and the return of the mighty MORTA SKULD.

We begin with Dave enthusiastically telling us how pleased he is with the new album. “Creation Undone, I feel is our best effort at this point, the response to it has just been very outstanding. We’ve been getting a lot of compliments on the production, which is awesome, the songwriting and the general flow of the record too.”

Dave continues by describing the sound of Creation Undone. “We’re an old school death metal band, so that’s what you’re gonna get. It’s gonna be brutal, and it’s gonna be aggressive!”

The songs on Creation Undone deal with the state of the world in recent years, Dave explains that writing these songs was a cathartic experience. “Getting the lyrics out on paper is like a therapy for me, so a lot of the things I go through in my everyday life, and my general experiences, especially in the last three years, really came out on this record, but at the same time, I didn’t want to take away from the music either. I wanted to make sure that the music had a space to breathe.” 

Dave goes onto tell us that the lyrics of MORTA SKULD deal with more relatable subjects than the more fantastical lyrics of death metal bands. “I’ve kind of always done that, from the second record on. When I write my lyrics, I definitely want the fans to relate to them.” 

Creation Undone, although obviously a death metal album also contains a lot more influences which Dave tells us about. “Each session was fresh and organic, and we just had more energy. Eric and John like a lot of black metal and Scott likes a lot of thrash and death metal. It was just the four of us putting our heads together and that was the outcome.”

Dave then talks of his joy at MORTA SKULD being part of the legendary Peaceville Records roster. “We have a long history with Peaceville. Our first record was on Deaf Records and when they ceased to exist, and we got picked up on Peaceville Records for our second record. I had been talking with Peaceville for years, and I’ve always maintained a really good relationship with them. I love the fact that they were a UK based label, with iconic bands like PARADISE LOST, MY DYING BRIDE and AUTOPSY so when we came back, we got it going again. I have a lot of history with them. and they treat us really well.” 

Dave then tells us of his top three Peaceville albums of all time. “PARADISE LOST‘s Lost Paradise is one of my all time favourites. Mental Funeral by AUTOPSY and Turn Loose The Swans by MY DYING BRIDE.”

With MORTA SKULD being around for so long, Dave explains how he keeps things fresh for the band. “I feel like I work even harder now than I did back then to be honest with you. I’m always trying to see how we can keep moving the band forward, whether it’s setting up a tour or a gig or getting ready for the next record.”

With such a strong arsenal of songs both past and present, Dave tells of the challenge that comes with creating a MORTA SKULD setlist. “It’s always a struggle because what we want to play might be different versus what the fans want to hear but we try to play everything we can.” Talk then turns to the band’s upcoming tour, which Dave is understandably excited about. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been on the West Coast. We always have a good time out there, especially with our buddies SKELETAL REMAINS and MALEVOLENT CREATION.” 

He also hopes that UK dates will be on the horizon as well. “I would love to come back to the UK. We played last year at the UK Deathfest and it was just great. The fans are amazing, so we’re really hoping to!” Dave then goes onto enthuse about the state of death metal in 2024 and how much he is loving it. “A lot of those newer bands are really killing it, they’re coming out swinging and they’re playing in front of really huge crowds and getting great tours. I think it’s all great because we’re all in this together. SKELETAL REMAINS, they’re one of my favourites as far as the newer guys coming in and FROZEN SOUL, I really enjoy their records.”

With MORTA SKULD being very a much a legacy band in the same way that the likes of CANNIBAL CORPSE and OBITUARY are, this is something that Dave is very thankful for. “I’m very blessed to be doing this at my age to begin with and I’m very proud of those guys, just to see that they’re still still doing it and flying the flag really high for us.” 

We finish things off with Dave explaining just how he and MORTA SKULD are still doing what they love, so many years after forming. “I’ve always had a drive, and music just always seems to be there for me, not only is it my escape, but it’s also my therapy. It’s like my best friend. I never disagree with it!” 

Creation Undone is out now via Peaceville Records.

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