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- This article covers Mortiis the band. For entries related to Mortiis the individual, see Håvard Ellefsen.
Mortiis is a band from Notodden, 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 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 members
- Sarah Jezebel Deva - female vocals (soprano)
- Leo Troy (Svein Tråserud) - drums (2001-2007)
- Åsmund Sveinnungard - guitar (2001-2005)
- Endre Tonnesen - session/studio bass for The Grudge album
- [Magnus Abelsen] - session bass for The Grudge album
- Mortal (Anund Grini) - guitar (2001-2002)
- Brad Pitt (achilles) - saxaphone (2001-2001)
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 last album of this era,The Stargate, went a step further by introducing a wider range of instruments including acoustic guitars, flutes and dark vocals; mainly 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 Ellefsen took to lead vocals for the first time. This would be the only release under the title of Era II. It was during this era that Ellefsen 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]
Mortiis is working alongside Rhys Fulber and Chris Vrenna for his latest album, The Great Deceiver. The album was completed around March 2009, though the band has not yet confirmed a release date. Music videos have been filmed for songs Doppleganger and Zeitgeist.[3]
In October 2009 4 shows in Holland and Belgium were announced to precede the launch of the new album. Ellefsen stated it is the band's intention to return to these countries and others during 2010 following the release of The Great Deceiver. [4]
Image
For nearly the entirety of the bands existence, frontman Ellefsen 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.[citation needed] 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. 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.[5] 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.[citation needed]
Ellefsen's choice of dreadlocks (sometime after Era I), and various outfits helped produce the "Mortiis image". 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."[6] Mortiis has been known to repair his live clothes by using black tape to seal holes and tears.[citation needed] They often cover themselves in corn flour before going on stage.[citation needed]
When talking about the influence for the imagery that his band uses, Ellefsen 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." [7]
Remixes
Mortiis was credited for a number of remixes, though most are produced solely by Ellefsen. 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 others.[8]
Discography
Albums
Singles
Music Videos
| Date of release |
Title |
Label |
| 200? |
Parasite God |
Earache Records |
| 2003[10] |
Mental Maelstrom |
Earache Records |
| 2004[11] |
The Grudge |
Earache Records |
| 200? |
Decadent & Desperate |
Earache Records |
Compilations
Mama Trash Family Artists Vol. 1 © 2007 Mama Trash Family Artist Track - 5 // "Zeitgeist" - Mortiis http://cdbaby.com/cd/mamatrashfamily
Videography
See also
References
External links
Wikis
Quiz
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