Enter the Stygian realm of Moloch and his ZØRORMR in this exclusive interview where we talk about his latest offer The Monolith and a lot more.

The Headbanging Moose: Thanks a lot for taking time to answer some of our questions, Moloch. Could you please start by introducing yourself and ZØRORMR to our readers?

Moloch: As Fernando Pessoa would put it: “I am nothing. I’ll never be anything. I couldn’t want to be something. Apart from that, I have in me all the dreams in the world.”

THM: I read in another one of your interviews that ZØRORMR means “The Serpent of the South”, a play on the Old Norse words sør (south) and ormr (serpent). How relevant do you think the name ZØRORMR still is compared to when you started the band back in 2010?

M:  That’s a good question. A lot has changed since I started Zorormr around 2010, and I think the “Norwegian vibes” are not so much present on the new record. Zorormr has outgrown its initial influences and is an abomination in its own right. I would have thought of a different name for the project now, but I don’t know if it would make a difference to the music.

THM: Now let’s talk about your awesome new album The Monolith. What are the main differences you see in your new album versus your previous releases, and do you think the album is exactly how you were expecting it to be, or is there something that still bothers you in it? I personally think the sound in it is a step forward from The Aftermath.

M: I think that “The Monolith” sounds the way it should. It’s a different album than “Corpus Hermeticum“. It has more darkness in it, and the sound design reflects that. Arek Jablonski (the sound engineer) has done a terrific job on the record. His mixing corresponds with my older recording and “Corpus…” so the result is very aggressive but still has all the qualities of contemporary production. Everything is in place, and in a way, it’s like a monolith.

THM: Although ZØRORMR is considered a one-man project, you’ve been working with guest or session musicians since your 2010 debut album Kval, more specifically with guitarist Quazarre and drummer Icanraz. What’s your relationship or connection with those two musicians, and why have you selected them to be a regular part of ZØRORMR?

M: We’ve known each other for twenty years. We’ve collaborated artistically on so many levels that it’s hard to mention here all our ventures. We’re also good friends. Quazarre has been helping me out with every Zorormr record. He is a skilled guitarist and vocalist. You could say that he helped me become a better artist myself. As for Icanraz, he’s an excellent drummer whose style fits perfectly into what you can hear in Zorormr. So far, every time we’ve worked together, we had something special going on. They’re both “regular members” of Zorormr, even if they don’t admit it. (laugh)

THM: How were the recordings of The Monolith? Did everything occur as planned, or did you have to change the way you were doing things due to an unforeseen situation?

M: Frankly, it was a long and painful process. I had the music written back in 2016. I started recording in 2017 and finished it at the end of 2021. Meanwhile, I had many “tough times” along the way, so I couldn’t focus on recording “The Monolith”. I thought about ending Zororormr, and not only that… But I fought for myself. I started making darksynth, performing live, and slowly wanting to return to the latest Zorormr album. I owed that to myself, my friends, and those few fans that follow my musical journey. I’m glad I went through with it because the end result is something I can be proud of. Maybe one of the most important records of my life…

THM: Now that The Monolith has already seen the light of day, what’s next for ZØRORMR? Are you going to take the music from The Monolith to the stages anywhere, or will the focus be on creating more music in the coming months or years?

M: After “Corpus Hermeticum” I was ready to hit the road. I even looked for musicians to accompany me. But I couldn’t find the right people whose commitment to the band would allow us to perform Zorormr’s music. In 2016 I was on a downward spiral, and I stopped looking for musicians for Zorormr. Two years later, I was already performing with my darksynth project. I could have used some hired musicians, but it didn’t feel right. Nowadays, I’m focusing on different things. But I think that “The Monolith” is not the last thing you’ve heard from Zorormr…

THM: Who are your biggest idols and influences in music and in life in general? Although the music by ZØRORMR is Black Metal, do you draw inspiration from any non-metal artists to compose your music?

M: This a tricky question to answer since, in postmodernity, the influences create an endless whirlpool from which we can choose. It would be easier to answer this question when I was younger. Nowadays, I think it’s better to leave it to the listener to try and find the sources of inspiration for Zorormr. If you listen carefully, you will find some of them. And there are some hints in the lyrics too!

THM: I’m a huge fan of the Polish underground. There are so many amazing bands there from different styles including Sarmat, Hellfuck, Hyl, Chimera, Chainsword and Odraza, just to name a few, but all amazing. Are you proud of the current metal scene in Poland, or do you think it could be even better?

M: I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on the scene. Nor do I find pleasure in reviewing other bands’ work. But objectively, Polish extreme metal bands have a lot to offer, and I’m glad that we have so many great bands around here.

THM: Do you have any hobbies you would like to share with us, like collecting anything specific, playing a sport, anything that’s outside of music but that helps you relax and focus on your work as a musician?

M: There is never enough time to do what I want to do. I try to focus on making music as my main activity. But I do read, for example, Bukowski or Ellis, or some fantasy novels. I have a passion for B-movies. I bought a bunch of VHS tapes recently, so I suppose I’m starting to collect these. I’m an escapist. So whatever allows me to escape from the problems of this dreadful world is good enough for me. Sometimes it’s just a hike in the mountains or sitting by the seaside. Watching Star Trek TNG is also a comforting experience… I also like going to the forest. It always makes my demons go away (laugh).

THM: Once again, thank you very much for your time! Please feel free to send your final message to our readers, and any other comments you would like to make!

M: Thanks for having me! Stay heavy my friends!

Links
ZØRORMR Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | BandCamp