Interview with MOURNING STAR
!!!EPIC DOOM METAL FROM THE USA!!!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about MOURNING STAR (Members, Starting Year etc).
Mourning Star was conceptualized after seeing Candlemass at Hells Heroes Fest in 2024, Our singer Megan, guitarist Isaac and drummer Chris all attended the fest together. Isaac and Chris had been jamming together already and worked on their own project (Squelch.) Knowing Megan was a force vocally, and after her expressing interest in wanting to start a doom band, we quickly got to writing.
You have recently released your demo ''Mourning Star''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
We have had some personal motivational words behind the curtain, but it is still so fresh that press and reception have been a very new thing for us. So thanks to you for being our first formal interview!
Label or DIY and why?
DIY in regards to the recording process and release. But if anyone is interested… Hey. Unless you mean our form of preference, DIY is sick if you have the means. However, if a label you respect wants to back you and you have a mutual understanding of the overarching vision and passion for the project, there's no harm in letting people help you drive your vision.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
I had to chug three beers in a college campus restroom before recording vocal parts to get more phlegm. (Chris)
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Vinyl is the best way to experience the full artistic vision of a record without a doubt. From the full layout, lyric sheet, inserts, and a possible variant that can match the artwork color scheme… It’s unmatched. Though many of us also grab tapes. That warm analog sound, scratches such a specific itch. Sadly, the convenience of digital is very nice. But Vinyl for sure is top-tier.
Your music style is Epic Doom Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Candlemass, Black Sabbath, Crowbar, Electric Wizard, Bolt Thrower, Mournful Congregation, Doomsword, Eternal Champion & Mariah Carey.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
I think a band should be willing to spend their free time pushing toward creating the vision, and not putting other members in positions of discomfort or distress, and openly communicating their feelings. We’re so new to this that it has not come to a sacrificial term yet. However, we truly believe in these songs and have had the necessary talks, that if it does come down to making some life changes for the betterment of the band; we are very ready and willing.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
A barrage of voices singing along to the choruses, and a pit full of real mother fuckers on the hard parts. We have not played live yet!
What attributes do you think that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
In this genre it is hard to be unique, but I believe wearing your influences on your sleeve can be a positive if you don’t let it consume your whole identity. There are only so many notes on a guitar and even less if you are trying to be a part of a specific genre. But letting yourself write without worry of being too much or less of one sound is a very freeing thing. Even if you’re trying to stay within confines; your natural flow and inspirations will come out. Don’t rely on one sound, let it all creep in. Play hard and push your respectable boundaries.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Heavy Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Yes and no. In the popular zeitgeist of music, heavy metal has never been at the forefront of anyone's mind. That’s what makes this community so special though. When you’re in it, you’re in it. You’re hungry to discover new stuff, and it is and kind of always has been a self-sustaining economy in metal. So streaming can help, in terms of a band you might not have heard of coming up on a random playlist you decided to check out on your streaming service of choice. But if you truly want to support, you have to go to shows. Or buy records directly from bands' websites/labels. Bandcamp is also the best way to support and discover new shit in terms of music streaming.
Do you see any differences between the US Metal Market & the EU Metal Market (Labels, Bands, Fans etc)?
We don’t have personal experience with EU markets, but I can say from what we see, the festival circuit out there is INSANE compared to US metal fest. You don’t need shit like Slipknot funding your metal fest out there to make it insanely packed and have a good lineup.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Corona, California (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Corona specifically is hard to say, our most legendary venue (Showcase Theater) shut down many years ago. There is a new small movement being led by a place called DBZ backstage, but it's prominently hardcore and deathcore shows that happen there. Which isn’t exactly our forte. In our region though there are some exciting things happening with more shows happening in the city of Riverside which is just down the road. Shout out to The Hideaway, Deathspell, and Aurea Vista.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
When we started the idea for the band at Hells Heroes Fest, we all had the pleasure of seeing Rotting Christ! They fucking ripped! Outside of them we honestly don’t know much. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
What are your future plans?
Lots of writing, and better recordings. Hopefully a lot of shows! Wherever the wind takes us.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Much appreciated! Thanks for being our first interview! We’re excited to push this as far as it will go and hopefully, we can make it out your way someday!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
MOURNING STAR CONTACT:
https://www.instagram.com/mourningstar.doom/
https://mourningstardm.bandcamp.com/album/mourning-star
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4t4oLnpORzGxrHZ7AQjmUZ
https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0DZGS2M1N