Interview The Black Moriah

The Black Moriah's 'Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins' was born during lockdown, channeling tour disappointment into intense music. Their blend of influences evolves with each album, promising a wild ride ahead.

1. Congratulations on the release of your third full-length album, 'Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins.' Can you share some insights into the creative process behind it and the themes you explored?

Cheers and hails to Lelahel ZIne!!! Thank you for your interest in and support of The Black Moriah. Our 3rd album, Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins, was the result of our time during the Covid lockdown. TBM and our booking group Asteri Agency were three days away from kicking off our largest tour ever.: Possessed, Pestilence, and TBM.  

It was a crushing blow to hear that Pestilence was not allowed to leave Europe as all flights abroad were canceled. Years of preparation seemingly went down the drain. To avoid going down the drain with the tour, we turned to composition and channeled our disappointment and depression into the music. The time in lockdown allowed us to explore different ways of composing and orchestration. 

 2. The Black Moriah has a distinct blend of influences from bands like Bathory, Kreator, Motorhead, Slayer, and Venom. How do you manage to incorporate these diverse elements into your music while maintaining your unique sound?

TBM was raised on the hymns of the Godfathers of Extreme Metal. They have given us a foundation of form. We strive to bring forth our vision of extreme music from that starting point.

3. Your first album, "Casket Prospects," marked the beginning of your musical journey. How has the band evolved since then, and what can fans expect from your latest release in terms of musical progression?

The goal has always been a furious ride through the apocalyptic landscape known as The Blast Furnace. With each album, a level of intensity has been raised. Fans can expect a wild ride in the coming years.

4. Joining forces with Folter Records for the release of "Road Agents of the Blast Furnace" sounds like a significant move. How did this collaboration come about, and what has it brought to the table for The Black Moriah?

Folter Records has been a mainstay for metal music for well over 20 years. Our communications in the underground led us to them and we have been thrilled with their support in spreading our audio plague.

5. The concept of "Vulture Culture" is intriguing. Can you shed some light on the meaning behind it and how it ties into the overall theme of your music and imagery?

Vulture Culture may have many meanings to different groups. For TBM it gives reverence to the scavengers that are left behind to clean up after humanity. It is a state of mind to take what the world gives and keep living. 

6. Both of you, The Mad Arab and Zawicizuz, have rich musical backgrounds with involvement in various projects. How does your collective experience contribute to the dynamic of The Black Moriah, and do you bring different influences to the table?

Z- Music has been my main interest in life from an early age. From high school on, I studied classical music, experimented with as many instruments as I could get my hands on, and consumed a wide and varied range of genres. I’ve been part of countless metal projects growing up. Before TBM I joined the ranks of my lifetime cohorts Absu. Learning the vast lexicon Absu has sharpened my skills and speed for sure! The Mad Arab’s lyrical visions have guided my recent compositions.

7. The Mad Arab, your persona seems to carry a mystique and darkness. How does this character influence your stage presence and the themes explored in your lyrics?

Mad Arab is a character based on the author of the Necronomicon. In Lovecraftian mythology, he journeyed to many dark places for knowledge in writing the Book of the Dead. Once a Prince, then exiled, he swore to seek revenge and traveled to gain knowledge beyond that of this earth. I personify this character on stage. I want my performance to be menacing and evoke a dark vision of the West. I’m influenced by the occult, HP Lovecraft, and the different stories of the Necronomicon for my lyrics and songs. The occult is just a part of the lyrical influences for me. I also read old Western history and mythology, as well as classic Western films. Songs like Servant of the Devourer and Scholar of Tongues were heavily influenced by the tales of the Mad Arab’s travels.  

8. Zawicizuz, being a man of few words and coming from lands unknown, how does your background and personal experiences shape the atmosphere of The Black Moriah's music?

I have been learning, growing, and developing my creative artistry for years. I began musical training as a teenager and got as far as The Royal Conservatory of Brussels where I studied counterpoint, composition, and orchestration. Alongside that, I’ve been repairing and building synthesizers and other noise makers for over 20 years.

9. "Demented highwaymen," "desert funeral party," and "pillaging villages" - these phrases from your band description paint a vivid picture. How do these images play into your live performances and the overall experience you aim to provide for your audience?

The Black Moriah strives to bring intensity and fury to every live performance. We want to drag the audience kicking and screaming across the Blast Furnace! Leave you dying of thirst, but begging for more!

10. As a band with a strong visual aesthetic, how do you approach the design and imagery associated with your albums and live shows?

We incorporate props and imagery to convey the chaos and danger of the Old West.

The Black Moriah have been developing multimedia stagecraft during live performances, and we take our vestments seriously. TBM evokes a sense of the dry, dusty trail containing great peril at every turn. 

11. With the release of "Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins," are there any specific tour plans or events lined up for The Black Moriah that fans should be on the lookout for? 

By the blessings of the Gods, we were able to tour with Possessed two times in 2023! Once with Uada and again with Nunslaughter. 2024 is starting to get busy for The Black Moriah. Several fests have been booked and more tours are in the works! Keep an eye on our website and social platforms for more info. 

12. Looking ahead, what does the future hold for The Black Moriah? Are there any new directions or projects in the works that you can tease for your fans?

TBM is well into the writing process of our 4th studio album. It will have the same fury and violence fans have come to expect from The Black Moriah. It may also have some icy new twists to it.

Thank you again for spreading our audio plague!!! If your readers wish to find more info, please follow the moonlit path to our website: www.theblackmoriah.com   

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackMoriah/

(17) The Black Moriah - YouTube

Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins | The Black Moriah (bandcamp.com)