1. Hello my friend, pleasure to have you on Rotten Pages ´zine. How are you doing today? Let us set the scene first. Where do we find you right now? Please describe your surroundings.
Julez: Hey Dude thanks for having us! Everything is fine, the recording of the first full length Morbyda release is almost done and we can’t wait to release it. Currently I’m at my working space answering your questions, so nothing special.
Chris: Yeah thanks for having us !!! Greetings from Leipzig. So I have Corona and feel fucked up but also cant wait for the release!
2. Would we start with the origin of the band, both in terms of ideologically and musically, your aims in shaping the direction of Morbyda?
Julez: So the band was formed by Chris (vokills/guitars) and Joris (drums). Since the beginning the vision was to create an evil sounding bastard consisting of shrieking vocals, fast cutting twin guitars and pounding drums to tear your mind to pieces. Ideologically there is the approach to address social and inner conflicts, paired with outlaw satanic stuff from hell.
3. How is living in Leipzig? What’s the metal scene like where you are? Do you think where you are has much of an impact on your music?
Chris: Leipzig is a really cool place. Many artists, musicians and crazy people doin’ their thing. The metal scene in Leipzig is great, too. There are many different bands and styles. Also a friend of mine from our scene recorded our album. So there is a big scene and family and we are all connected and support each other!
4. The full line-up is predominantly also playing in other bands, does that mean Morbyda is only a “fun” project, or are you managing with becoming a full band in some way?
Julez: There’s no way Morbyda is meant to be a fun project. We already managed to become a full-time band, regarding the stable lineup and the recording of our first album. Of course it’s not so easy to always get the main lineup of the band together, because of the other projects. But if we decide to play a gig, then we are in. Even if there are time management problems, we’ve got our good friend Alvin from Kerker/Acid Blade, who steps in for bass or guitar duties, when needed.
Chris: Yess
5. Demo(n) Tape was released in 2023. Tell us about the recording sessions, how did it go? Was it your first time in the studio? How long did it take you to finish everything?
Joris: The story of how the demon tape came about is more of a coincidence. I wanted to borrow a mic from my neighbor and told him about our recording plans. He asked me if I didn't want to record with his cassette machine. As I have experience with recording but never done it analog before me and Chris decided to give it a shot, just like in the 80s you know. We figured out how to use it and as soon as we heard the first test recording of the drums, we knew this was gonna be awesome. Couple weeks later we summoned the rest of the band, emptied a couple of cans and hit record. I think we made it in two sessions of a couple hours each, if I recall correctly. Antonio came to the second session sick and puked in the tram before recording the bassline, which were only first takes. Oh yes, and everything is recorded in our rehearsal space.
6. Are you personally pleased with the way how the songs turned out in terms of production and mixing?
Joris: I love the way our demo sounds. It is rotten and heavy. Straight out of the gutter. If you get it, you get it!!! That's what I like about it. It puts a smile on peoples faces immediately. But of course I realize that it's quite a character sound rather than a "good" recording. It also could have been a bit more balanced in the EQ, which was due to my inexperience with the machine and a lot of beer. Fuck it. Everything productionwise is done by me. DIY. Even though we like it, our next output is gonna be a whole different realm of sounds and frequencies. Digitally mixed, mastered, everything, the whole package. So you're gonna see different sides of Morbyda in the not too distant future as well.
7. If we divided the history of metal into decades--70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s... Which do you prefer and why?
Julez: For me the 70s and the 80s are the most interesting decades in terms of music and developing an own style. I’m more of a traditional guy, that’s why. But then again every decade has its songs and stuff that catches my attention.
Chris: I prefer the 70s and the 80s. But also today there are so many good bands out there. It’s an interesting time to be alive. For me it's cool to see that bands nowadays trying to make handmade music. So there is a big new wave of old school sound around the planet.
8. Your Demo is released independently. Is this a choice, or are you still looking for a label to share your vision in music?
Julez: The Demo was always meant to be an independent, DIY release.
But for the full length record we are currently in conversations with two labels, which are ready to share the vision of Morbyda.
Chris: Yes there are two really cool labels and we have to decide on one soon. But I would say our recording is still kind of DIY. We made everything in the practice room. On this point I want to say thank you to Done who recorded us and will make the mix of the album.
9. What is your favorite part of writing and performing music? What are some of the challenges you face as a musician?
Julez: In my eyes, the best part of being a musician and writing your own stuff, is when a song comes together. The feeling you get in the rehearsal room, when an idea is executed in the best way the very first time and everyone is on fire and shares the same excitement. That’s the thing, that’s what it’s all about for me. But it’s also not always the easy way to get there. Playing in a band often means hard work, passion and commitment.
Chris: I love to see the process when one riff goes into a song with all its facets. It's kind of wonderful. Every day you want to be a bit better as a musician. I would say with every song you made you grow in your personality. So for me it's a really humanistic thing. But in this you have to take care not to put too much pressure in the process. So the challenge is to find the balance between being determined to bring everything to an next level and having fun and being free.
10. With no album out and only a demo it must be hard to get any serious tours going. Are you already planning to do some shows?
Julez: Right now we really just concentrate on releasing the debut album. So there won’t be that many shows coming, until we get that bastard out in the world. After the release, we will see what gigs/tours we can play to support the record…you have to know, we are really hungry for playing live!
Chris: Yes, now we focus on getting a label and putting out the album. It’s still unreal for me, because everything goes so fast. If we finished there will be no problem for touring. We already made two tours. As Juelz said, we are really hungry for playing live and hit the stage together!!!
11. With the easy access to the internet you can spread your music across the globe just sitting in front of your computer. How much effort do you put into promoting the band world-wide?
Julez: At this point we just share upcoming gigs, information and stuff like that on bandcamp and instagram. But we don’t want to overreact with all that social media crap. The best way to promote your music and the soul of your band is by playing live. Until now we are very lucky to get shows via word of mouth propaganda, so the online promotion thing isn’t really needed.
12. How do you define “underground” and where do you see yourself and your band in it?
Julez: Just make music for yourself and don’t try to reach other people (or as many people as you can) with it. Connect with people who share the same passion for what you are doing and have the best time of your life doing it. It’s not about makin’ money or fame, but to express yourself.
Chris: I would underline every word from Juelz. For me music is there to being free and live in the moment and share emotions. Not for making money and represent you in every kind of way.
13. It might be too early, seeing as you’re working on it right now, but what can we expect from the forthcoming release?
Julez: Because of practicing a lot, jamming the new songs, and also playing a handful of gigs (and a little tour together) we were very well attuned to each other. So the record will be much tighter and maybe a little bit cleaner than the demo. But despite that, you can expect the uncompromising roughness we are known for.
Chris: So for me I don't know what I expect haha ;D. It feels great that we made it together and I would say that in some way im little proud of it. So let's see what the people will think about it. Anyways, with the people who like it, we will bang our heads and the people who will not like it, have the right for not liking it. So the taste of music is different and in my opinion that's a good thing and makes the important difference between us.
14. How do you feel the metal scene has evolved in Germany over recent years, particularly in your own genre Speed metal?
Julez: As a whole, there’s still that trend goin’ on that many new bands are formed, who are making music in the veins of the old heroes, while putting some own energy and ideas to the whole thing. Every band has their own style, so it remains exciting going to punk and metal shows. For speed metal in general there are already bands like Vulture, Diabolic Night, Mechanic Tyrants or Indian Nightmare (where our front rocker Chris also is the singer!) which has been around for a decade making the scene alive! There is also a new, very good black speed metal combo coming from Dresden you definitely have to check out, Lead Injector!!
15. Many thanks for your valuable time! I wish you only the best! The last words to our readers are of course yours!
Julez: Stay heavy and always go your own way! Listen to heavy metal and spread the word of MORBYDA!!
Chris: Yeah!! Have the courage to live your dreams dude ! Stand up for those who are weaker. Learn from each other and don't suppress your real feelings and personality ! United, we will keep on rockin in a free world !!!
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