Four years have faded since the last album of MOURNFUL CONGREGATION was released. Their actual album "The June Frost" is now available and in my opinion a remarkable act of Funeral Doom. Adrian Bickle was so kind to answer some questions about the new output and the upcoming European tour this spring:
When did MOURNFUL CONGREGATION see the light of day?
Adrian: Mournful Congregation began in 1993 as school students in the South Australian town of Loxton, situated approximately two hours from the regions capital Adelaide which is where the band has been based since 1995.
Could you tell us about your actual album “The June Frost”?
Adrian: It's the latest album for the band, released very recently. We put a lot of time and effort into this record, trying our best to capture the current sound and atmosphere of this band. We feel it shows considerable development since our second album, "The Monad Of Creation", which was released in 2005.
Is the Australian heat responsible for the album title?
Adrian: It's more the fact that our seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere, so June here is one of the coldest months of the year. We live in a city where it never snows, where it can reach around +46C in the summer. Still, in June, you may find frost on your window and a cruel wind off the ocean.
Who is the main writer for the group?
Adrian: Damon (vox/guitar/bass/keys) is the principal composer in the band.
Which themes have influenced the lyrics?
Adrian: Over time it has varied but in general I would say depression, despair, suicide, certain forms of mysticism, aspects of the occult, and transcendental meditation have been the major foundations for the lyrics.
Who made the cover artwork and the great band photos inside?
Adrian: One of our friends, Pat Di Palo. He's a professional photographer and graphic artist. Awesome, talented guy who understands what we are about.
What bands have influenced your sound?
Adrian: Initially it was bands like Candlemass, early Cathedral, Thergothon but over time we have incorporated everything that has influenced us as musicians which is almost limitless.
How would you describe your musical evolution and style to anyone never heard before of MOURNFUL CONGREGATION?
Adrian: It's difficult to describe since I don't feel we sound particularly like any other band. We play a very dark brand of slow, oppressive music and have always played what we feel is right, not what anyone else expected us to be. This integrity is very important to us, we simply play what feels correct for The Congregation.
You will tour Europe this April for the first time. What do you expect for yourself?
Adrian: We are very much looking forward to this. We have a lot of friends over there and our former bassist Mark now plays in Esoteric/Pantheist so we have an idea of what the crowds are like in Europe. Still, it will be new to us and we hope to bring a unique form of extreme art to Europe.
Are there plans for the future of MOURNFUL CONGREGATION?
Adrian: Very much so. Work has commenced on the follow up to The June Frost and there are talks of live performances in other parts of the world. For now though, we focus on Europe and the Baltics and bringing a southern darkness to the north of the world.
Any final words?
Adrian: Thanks Sven, keep the spirit. See you in Germany!
Links:
Mournful Congregation - HOMEPAGE
When did MOURNFUL CONGREGATION see the light of day?
Adrian: Mournful Congregation began in 1993 as school students in the South Australian town of Loxton, situated approximately two hours from the regions capital Adelaide which is where the band has been based since 1995.
Could you tell us about your actual album “The June Frost”?
Adrian: It's the latest album for the band, released very recently. We put a lot of time and effort into this record, trying our best to capture the current sound and atmosphere of this band. We feel it shows considerable development since our second album, "The Monad Of Creation", which was released in 2005.
Is the Australian heat responsible for the album title?
Adrian: It's more the fact that our seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere, so June here is one of the coldest months of the year. We live in a city where it never snows, where it can reach around +46C in the summer. Still, in June, you may find frost on your window and a cruel wind off the ocean.
Who is the main writer for the group?
Adrian: Damon (vox/guitar/bass/keys) is the principal composer in the band.
Which themes have influenced the lyrics?
Adrian: Over time it has varied but in general I would say depression, despair, suicide, certain forms of mysticism, aspects of the occult, and transcendental meditation have been the major foundations for the lyrics.
Who made the cover artwork and the great band photos inside?
Adrian: One of our friends, Pat Di Palo. He's a professional photographer and graphic artist. Awesome, talented guy who understands what we are about.
What bands have influenced your sound?
Adrian: Initially it was bands like Candlemass, early Cathedral, Thergothon but over time we have incorporated everything that has influenced us as musicians which is almost limitless.
How would you describe your musical evolution and style to anyone never heard before of MOURNFUL CONGREGATION?
Adrian: It's difficult to describe since I don't feel we sound particularly like any other band. We play a very dark brand of slow, oppressive music and have always played what we feel is right, not what anyone else expected us to be. This integrity is very important to us, we simply play what feels correct for The Congregation.
You will tour Europe this April for the first time. What do you expect for yourself?
Adrian: We are very much looking forward to this. We have a lot of friends over there and our former bassist Mark now plays in Esoteric/Pantheist so we have an idea of what the crowds are like in Europe. Still, it will be new to us and we hope to bring a unique form of extreme art to Europe.
Are there plans for the future of MOURNFUL CONGREGATION?
Adrian: Very much so. Work has commenced on the follow up to The June Frost and there are talks of live performances in other parts of the world. For now though, we focus on Europe and the Baltics and bringing a southern darkness to the north of the world.
Any final words?
Adrian: Thanks Sven, keep the spirit. See you in Germany!
Links:
Mournful Congregation - HOMEPAGE
