Launcestonian Pagan Madness...
MIRK are a relatively new Metal band from northern Tasmania, their music partaking of the heathen vision of Jarmed (who also has a hand in the Asgard Musik distro up there). MIRK's first cassette release, Of Spirit and Blood, was completed in late 97 and shows that Jarmed has definitely forged his own sound, a somewhat rare achievment these days. Recently the Norwegian magazine Nordic Vision (notorious for it's harshly critical reviews) was moved to describe MIRK as "a solid dose of direct Black Metal. Out from the dungeon of down under they hail, and do you worship the fruits of splendid DARKTHRONE, then be sure that MIRK hold the knife that will cut your wound open once again..." This short interview was answered right at the very start of 98, and a few things have changed since then. The Banned in Tasmania CD has been delayed due to the master DAT tape getting lost in the post, but it will definitely be ready before the end of the year. The STRIBORG/MIRK
What do you mean to express with the title Of Spirit and Blood? Do you think today's society has substituted money and television for blood and spirit?
The reason for the name Of Spirit and Blood is because that is what Mirk and their music is about. The writing and recording of OSAB was a sacrifice of a part of ourselves to the earth and our fellow brethren, hence the drop of mead (spiritual) and blood (physical) upon the tape. I don't know if there's a substitute for these, but there's a lack/loss of pride/honour with them.
Did the demo recording go according to plan? Are you happy with the way it has turned out? What would you say to anyone thinking of getting a copy?
Yes, the recording went well, but firstly OSAB is a cassette EP, not a demo. The reason for a cassette release is so that people can be introduced to Mirk for an affordable price. Of course we're pleased with the recording, as it is great, but we're never 100% happy with the recorded product, as this would mean that it was perfect, and if this ever happened we would have no need to continue and should surely end on our musical journeys.
How do you aim to progress your music from here? Do you have any definite plans for future releases, and if so, what can we expect from them?
Musically we will NOT change due to the belief of we need to change, we write music from our emotions and beliefs. The post-OSAB material so far is more diverse in tempo, but apart from that it's too hard to explain the other changes. For future releases we have planned a split 7" with fellow band from Van Diemen's Land called Striborg, this will be out around May 98 and we will also be entering the studios around August 98 to record our full length album which will be released upon Asgard Musik (this will also see an end of our present contract with them), but after this release no plans are certain as yet.
Who are your main musical influences?
Our beliefs are that to be a truly original band you can't let influences come into your own music, but some of the musical projects we listen to are; Burzum, Nærvær, In The Woods, My Dying Bride, Gorgoroth, Darkthrone, Enslaved etc.
Would you say you have drawn any tangible inspiration from Norse mythology/cosmology?
As Mirk live a heathen life, our emotions and perceptions will be that of a heathen mind, which in turn will be reflected on our music.
Has Tasmania itself (landscapes, history, unpredictable weather) had any influence on your music?
Surely. Tasmania, more importantly the Isle of Van Diemen's Land, would have to be one of the more important influences in Mirk. If we weren't a Tasmanian band we would NOT have the same feeling and sound as what we have at present (well, we do live in the most beautiful country in the world).
Some of your lyrics deal with the revenge of the Earth on it's traitorous children (the human race). A lot of New Agers, leftists etc. would like to portray "mother nature" as some kind of helpless, benevolent force, but in reality nature is merciless, cruel and not at all answerable to human ethical standards, wouldn't you agree? Do you see humanity as surviving for much longer?
Mother Earth is the most powerful entity or man made product (this includes the Gods invented by their sheep like followers) ever to be known to her "traitorous children". She can punish our disrespect in many ways, terrible weather, extreme climate change, earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanoes, famine, and these are only but a few. The people of the South Americas called it El Niño. You do bad to Nature, Nature does bad to you. In reference to humanity, it's a war which I'm sure (and hope) humans will lose, because then she can fully heal herself from these cruel people. Another way of ending this confrontation is for us, which wish to live in harmony and learn from the earth, to rid the earth of all the foul, cruel conformists.
You have started up a label and distribution service called Asgard Musik. What were your reasons for starting it? How has the response been so far?
Well actually I only help Ben who runs Asgard Musik. This is his label. I help him with whatever is required because we share similar enough views upon Asgard. The reason I believe he started Asgard was because up North of Tasmania we don't have anywhere where you can get these sorts of products/genres, and the people up here are too lazy and don't care enough about the music to order it themselves. So if any sort of movement or scene is to start it will be from us pushing these people along.
Could you tell us a bit about the compilation CD of Tasmanian bands you are releasing?
Asgard are in the process of releasing Banned in Tasmania, which at the moment consists of 8 original bands (Mirk, Striborg, Spine, Eminence, Bodies Drawn Backwards, Nux Vomica, Synthetic, Hemlock), but this may change before it's release. The reason for this compilation is to promote the quality bands/projects which are of Tasmanian origin. This will be released in early April 98 and there will a promotional concert for it's release, which most of the bands will play at. But with having a release of this sort, it doesn't mean Asgard are changing it's goals or views. We are doing this as more of a tribute to the Tasmanian music scene.
How does Mirk stand on playing live? What is the live audience like in Launceston?
So far we've only played one gig, but Mirk does enjoy performing live. We like the shock that we receive from the audience, and also with performing to the people you can express so much more pain and anguish as they can see it as well as hearing it.
Could you give us a personal overview of the music scene in Launceston at the moment?
What scene? We have only Mirk, there are 2 other Black oriented projects in construction as well at the moment. On top of these there's 3-4 Death/Metal bands, but nothing which could constitute a scene.
To sum up, what will 98 hold in store for Mirk and Asgard Musik?
Well this has basically been answered already, but here it is again:
Feel free to add anything else you wish...
Well thank you for this interview. You can be proud in knowing that this is the first Mirk interview. Hail to all the Tasmanian scene. Also, everybody support any kind of worthwhile Tasmanian project/product.
Thanks for the interview, Jarmed...
FARE THEE WELL.
split 7" has sadly been abandoned...
Banned in Tasmania - April
Mirk/Striborg 7" - April/May
Mirk full length - late 98
There may also be a few different tops and hopefully a couple of Mirk gigs, but that's it.
Asgard Musik
P.O.Box 1833
Launceston 7250
Tasmania, Australia
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