Interview:	MORK
Title:	In the spirit of self-exploration

Over two decades ago, Thomas Eriksen set out to bring his very own take on Black Metal into this wretched world. Over the years, the exceptionally idiosyncratic Norwegian multi-instrumentalist has steadfastly held fast to his musical vision, which has now resulted in his eighth album, „Monolitt“.

Few mavericks have weathered the test of time with such integrity – and even more astonishing are the vitality, freshness and originality of Mork’s latest offering.

More than 20 years on the rough and tumble. Hats off to him. Eriksen really seems to love this music – and live and breathe it. You find yourself wondering how on earth someone becomes like that, and pass the question on to the person in question. He’s happy to take it on.

How does one become like that? I think I know it from my own experience as a listener, but I’d like to write a few words about it. We’re just so different from everyone else.

„First off, thank you. Music to me, or the creative process, is to me as important as oxygen. Perhaps a cheesy way of putting it, but it sort of rings true. It is a big part of my life and who I am. The whole concept of Black Metal being a genre of one-man-projects suits me well. I am an only child and have been able to evolve on my own and my creativity since childhood. When I discovered the likes of Burzum, everything fell into place. I didn’t have to rely on anyone. It’s all about a personal journey where the music grows along with me and my body.“

You've been pretty active in the scene all these years - what were some of the most important experiences, lessons, and insights you gained along the way?

„Most valuable lesson for me was when I realised that I didn’t want to belong to any scene or follow any expectations. It is all about finding my own path and not being stuck in a system where you have to fit in.“

Considering all your experiences since then, what has changed the most in your attitude toward extreme metal music since your 2013 album "Isebakke" was released on CD-R? (The question is doubly interesting when you consider how socially acceptable BM has become in the meantime.)

„I hardly listen to extreme music anymore. I use a lot of time to create my own music which is within the more extreme kind. Though, I do not regard Mork as being extreme in a technical sense. Instead of making harshness for the sake of harshness, I am constructing deeper compositions with more melodic values. There are some rough passages, but I don’t rely on them. Music is feelings not just aggression and pounding. To be clear, when I think extreme, I am aiming towards pointless brutal riffs, blast beats and screaming.“

(Black Metal) trends come and go. I always really appreciate it when BM bands stick with their original logo - let’s take Darkthrone, for example - that always sends a clear message of staying true to themselves, doesn't it?

„Well, I created the Mork logo by hand over twenty years ago and the logo you see today is still the first draft with its perfect imperfections. I do appreciate bands that don’t change their logos, but can accept some who do. For example, AC/DC can never change their logo. They tried different logos in the 70’s, but when the “real” logo came along, it was set in stone. Burzum started changing the logo out of spite against expectations, which is very middle-finger-punk rock attitude. I can dig that. But the Burzum name is more powerful than any logo, in my mind. At the end of the day I grew up on classic bands that withstand the test of time, and they did not change their logos. Neither should Mork.“

I'm listening to your new album right now, and it's really winning me over - congratulations on "Monolitt"! How does it feel for you right now?

„Thank you. I am very proud and satisfied. This feels like a perfect album for me. From music, through lyrics and to the cover art, it feels like a monument in my discography and journey. A “milestone” if I can call it that. We did perform “Ødelagt” and “Torden” at this year’s Inferno Festival, which felt really good and powerful. Looking forward to do more live of this album.“ 


How do you see and evaluate this new output within your musical journey and what would you like to say about the new release in direct comparison to the previous longplayer?

„I feel ”Monolitt“ is more concrete and consistent. It is deeper, darker and overall stronger. I am proud of ”Syv“ as well. That album is a result of my life in that period of time. It has unique and special moments as well, as; the progressive track ”Heksebål”, the epic instrumental ”Til Syvende Og Sist” and the stripped down and vulnerable ”Omme”. My music grows and evolves along with myself.“

How has your atmospherically dense Black Metal style evolved, and what do you particularly like about it?

„It is a result of my getting rid of all rules and expectations regarding what Black Metal is and should be. I decided many years ago that Mork should follow its own path. I want to be different and original in my own way. Everything comes naturally. Earlier I was in a more strict bubble where I did tribute to the earlier bands. Looking back today, I am satisfied with the discography and its natural progression.“

How good and synchronized is the current chemistry between you and the other musicians in Mork?

„As of February this year we have a new live lineup, where Eivin Brye (drums) is the latest addition to the band. Øyvind Kaslegard (bass) has been in the band since late 2023 and Alex Bruun since 2014. Due to scheduling and life in general there is need for step-in musicians in addition to the main members, from time to time. We do have a couple guys we’ve approached regarding this. It is important that we jell as people and can spend time together. But most importantly that we do the music and show justice.“

Your words about the new album - “A stark monument to the relentless brutality of reality…” - seem more fitting than ever for the times we live in. Although humanity has always enjoyed making each other’s lives a living hell, hasn’t it?

„Subconsciously it may be a small influence from the current state of the world. But more so it is from my on mind and psyche. The hovering monolith represents a brutal truth and harsh reality that weighs down on us constantly, and there is no escape. Life is hard. Questions of existence. Meaning. Can you stand it and cross the finish line naturally, or do you end it.“

How can the readers imagine you writing, developing and finalizing one of the new songs?

„Usually every starts with one or two riffs. Maybe just a vibe. It can be a word, a sentence, a title, a mood, a picture. It can be anything. I create a musical piece from that first riff by building. What riff feels most natural after the first, and so on. I decide on drum beats quite quickly as well. It is like painting a picture. When I write lyrics it is done without a specific piece of music in mind, mostly. I try to mach words with music at a later point.“

The new album was primarily recorded and performed by you, with the immense experienced Asgeir Mickelson on drums - what was your experience of the recording process from start to finish?

„For my part it was done just like every album in the Mork discography. The obvious difference is the involvement of Asgeir. I did have finished ideas for the drums for all the tracks that Asgeir used as a guide. I gave him the freedom of including his own style and feel. He performed and recorded his tracks in his own studio, without my supervision. It really elevated the album as a whole.“

How was the selection of songs for the album done - was it difficult or rather easy for you?



„I have become harder for each album, as I feel I have to prove myself further and further. For 
”Syv” and ”Monolitt” I’ve had more songs to pick from than ever before. It’s been a fruitful period the last few years. I am searching for the perfect song, while earlier I consequently wrote ten or so songs and went for the first batch for the albums. That can also be because I wasn’t as open regarding influences and creativity as I am today. ”Ødelagt” wasn’t even supposed to be a Mork track. It was musically written for something else, but I took the chance, went out of the comfort zone and included it on the album. Today it is probably my favourite track.“

How did it go with recording the additional vocals by Øyvind Kaslegard? I think you’re all cut from the same cloth - when I listen to the songs, everything fits together perfectly.

„Øyvind came into the process very late but easily. I discovered that he has a great voice with several advantages, that has improved our live show several notches. I did already have all backing vocals ready and done for the album, but decided to have him do some over. It is good to add different voices sometimes to make things varied and dynamic.“

That's what I call self-esteem and self-respect. A lot of effort went into making sure only the most suitable and experienced candidates were “let in”, didn't it? Mixed at Toproom Studio (Mayhem), mastered by Jack Control (Darkthrone), and by Maor Appelbaum, also a true master of his craft. Are you completely satisfied with the final result?

„This is the first time since ”Eremittens Dal” that I try a new mixing studio and new engineer. I am huge fan of Mayhem’s ”Chimera” which Børge worked on, which was a big reason why I wanted to use him for the mix. I have worked with Enormous Door since third album as well and Appelbaum came along for the ”Syv” album. Between the three a truly great piece of Mork history is ready to be unveiled to the world.“

The cover image by Norwegian artist Kjell Åge Melland - it leaves no doubt that beneath it, things are heavy, gloomy, cold, and oppressive. It could also be the rightly anonymous gravestone of a cyclic acting humanity that has once again become exhibitionist and, in doing so, arbitrary - what a paradox. Or is it not?

„Meland nailed the art. We did a lot of back and forth with ideas and sketches. In the end he ended up with a painting where he glued a physical monolith shape into the canvas. It is stunning. I am really satisfied with the final piece. David Thierree also did a piece for the album, which is the eternity symbol that acts as the album logo. A complete well put together package. Suspended above us, the weight of reality.“

Anything you would like to add?

„Thank you for the attention. Keep supporting heartfelt and real human art. Physical products and live interactions. Don’t slip into the black hole of artificial intelligence, which sadly is the first nail in the coffin of humanity.“

© Markus Eck, 04.06.2026

Photo Credit: Mork

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