The outstanding Norwegian five-piece Madder Mortem were originally formed in 1993 under the name Mystery Tribe but ended up changing to the more enigmatic and adaptable title Madder Mortem after releasing their first demo Days In Sorrow, also replacing a few members along the way to strengthen their line-up. January of 1997 saw the recordings of the self-financed 5-track MCD Misty Sleep that created quite a stir among insiders on the worldwide dark metal scene and led to a deal with the esteemed UK label Misanthrophy Records. Their debut album Mercury was released in early 1999 but despite its high-class atmospheric music and subsequent ecstatic media feedback, Madder Mortem were prevented from immediately keeping their momentum intact when Misanthropy closed its doors soon after the album's release. The band used the downtime to their advantage once again, making some line-up changes to further bolster the musical skills of the group and enable them to write ambitious material previously out of their collective grasp. After recording some stunning new demo songs, Century Media Records took advantage of the band's newfound free-agent status and quickly gave the band the things they wanted most: artistic freedom and the chance to reach a worldwide audience. Madder Mortem then entered the fast-growing Studio Underground in Sweden (Opera IX, Carnal Forge, Necrodeath, etc.) during October of 2000 to record the 9-song album All Flesh Is Grass. Influenced from a diverse range of bands between Black Sabbath, Faith No More and Darkthrone as well as progressive elements and classical composers like Arvo Pärt, Madder Mortem are sworn to challenge the listener with their original approach of achieving the ultimate mixture of catchy yet intricate melodies, an eerie atmosphere and powerful guitar-riffing presented with an always-astonishing instrumental ability... all of which is complemented by majestic vocal work that has already drawn comparisons to a "metal" version of Diamanda Galas. All Flesh Is Grass is an album that lives off its devotion to fine detail, a variety in moods and the unending obscure, yet very individual character of each song. Somber, harsh and dynamic apocalyptic metal at its very best and, quoting Madder Mortem lyrically: "This is where forever opens..."
In early July 2005 it was announced that the band had signed a new deal with the UK label Peaceville Records.
MADDER MORTEM
