Mörk Gryning, one of the foundational names in Swedish Black Metal, is gearing up for the release of their seventh album, Fasnornas Tid. In this interview, Draakh (vocalist, guitarist, and drummer) reflect on their journey from raw beginnings to their creative evolution, sharing stories about their unique approach to music, the inspirations behind their sound, and the passion that continues to define their work.
Hi! Your debut album, Tusen År Har Gått, is considered one of the landmarks of Swedish black metal. Looking back, how do you feel about the rawness and youthful energy of that first record compared to your more recent work?
Hi and thanks for reaching out! Well, we were young and unexperienced. We basically did what we wanted and didn´t have any thoughts on the result. Neither could we assume that it was going to be that landmark.
It was such an important album for the band and it’s amazing to know it still holds a place in people’s collections.
Your music has always been diverse in its influences. How do you define the elements of Mörk Gryning’s sound that make it distinct from other bands within the black metal genre?
Probably that we´re not that traditional bm-band. We include a lot of different elements into our music and we don´t follow any “recipe” of how it “should” sound. With that said, I would not call our music black metal, but most of the people tend to do it anyway, but it´s ok. We´ve only done like 2 albums which would be closest to BM. The rest is different. That´s my opinion.
You’ve worked with legendary producers like Dan Swanö and Daniel Bergstrand. Can you share an example where one of these collaborations significantly shaped your vision for an album?
When we worked with Swanö, it was the first time in a studio for us recording an album. We learnt a lot of how it works, so he shaped us into that knowledge. He also helped with adding some stuff on intros and so on, so the result got a bit different that we expected. With Bergstrand he took it to another level with retakes until he was happy, because he was also producing the album. So he was pushing us to the outermost.
In your view, how has black metal evolved in Sweden since the early ‘90s, and where do you see Mörk Gryning’s role within that broader evolution?
The musicians are usually better. These days the kids can watch youtube for guitar and drum lessons and be taught faster. Back in the days, you had to figure things out so it took more time and got more “punk”. I´m always humble to bands that have been influenced by us.
How do you approach live performances in terms of translating the atmosphere of your studio recordings to a stage setting? What’s been one of the most memorable live experiences for the band?
We try to get this “flow in the show” as best as possible without too many longer breaks between the songs. In this way we keep not just atmosphere during the set but also the show interesting to watch. Candelabrum Festival in Mexico and Wacken Open Air in Germany is both sharing the spot as the most memorable live experiences.
The band was on hiatus for several years before returning in 2017. What did that break mean for the band on a personal and creative level, and how did you reintegrate your energies when you returned?
It didn´t affect anything really on the creative level. We never stopped being creative even though it necessarily wasn´t through music. With this 2.0 version of the band, we are very keen on doing exactly what we want and like.
With Fasnornas Tid being described as a brutal homage to black metal’s raw ferocity, what aspects of the genre did you want to explore or intensify on this album, compared to earlier works?
We really don´t have the word “genre” in our minds when writing. We do what we want to do. On this album we really looked back to our DNA and what the band was about when we formed. So we´re in a big way influenced by ourselves on this one.
What role does thematic storytelling play in Mörk Gryning’s music? Are your lyrics inspired by personal experiences, societal observations, or more abstract philosophical concepts?
It´s mostly philosophical. But sometimes also of a subject related to IRL. F.e. the track “Savage Messiah” which I wrote the lyrics to, is about these cult leaders manipulating people to follow them on their sick twisted visions.
In terms of songwriting, do you start with riffs, concepts, or something else entirely? How does a Mörk Gryning song come together in the studio?
For me it starts with something in my head that I then usually put down on a guitar and record it. Then I try to take all these pieces of the puzzle and arranging to the first version of a complete song. We then do the final arrangements with the whole band and in the studio, we usually just do minor production touches on it.
How do you view the role of the underground in an age where black metal is more accessible yet also more diluted?
I really don´t have any comment to add on this.
What aspects of the Swedish black metal scene are you most proud of? How do you think the culture surrounding the genre has changed in recent years?
I´d say that I´m proud of all the good music the Swedish underground scene has delivered and is still delivering. The circle is now at the starting point from the early 90´s where we see these kids between 18-22 starting bands sounding like the early wave of thrash/speed/death. And that´s just great.
How do you define the difference between being part of the scene and simply following it?
Well that´s a tough question to answer. The way I see it may not be how other people sees it. But this thing about being “Trve” is just bullshit. If you are into black metal or any metal, by listening and/or playing it, you´re one of us. The rest is “ordinary people”.
Do you consider Mörk Gryning’s work a form of artistic rebellion, or is it more about expressing a personal journey? How does the concept of rebellion manifest in your music?
We may not be rebels in a way that we were when we were younger, but still angry and frustrated at a lot of things in this world. Hence the suitable title for the new album: The time of horrors. So there you have it. Call it rebellious or an opinion. We approve both 🙂
How do you feel about the role of technology in shaping the sound of your latest work?
We´re still quite “old school” when doing stuff. But of course, every musician has some kind of a home studio to do pre-productions very easily.
Are there specific musical or thematic explorations that you’re eager to dive deeper into as a band?
No we did enough when experimenting during the early years.
Thank you for your time!
Thank you for the interview!
https://www.facebook.com/morkgryningband/
Pre-order Fasornas tid here: https://orcd.co/morkgryningfasornastid
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