MORBID ANGEL Guitarist: 'I Am Very Fascinated By The Powers Of The Extreme'

Rock Overdose recently conducted an interview with MORBID ANGEL guitarist Destructhor (a.k.a. Thor Anders Myhren). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Rock Overdose: We all know that a new album requires really hard work and creativity. Do you think that [the new MORBID ANGEL album] "Illud Divinum Insanus" is a complicated and creative album and as a result, is that the reason it took you so long to release it or you just didn't want to rush because you didn't want to release an album you will not be satisfied with?

Destructhor: It is for sure a very different album! Wouldn't say complicated, but creative yes, regarding all the stuff that is on the record. Hard to say why it took so long, I mean one thing is the fact I have only been in the band for three years so I really can't speak for all those years. But anyway, sometimes things for different reasons can be a lot delayed. It is a long process to create an album, that is for sure.

Rock Overdose: Is teamwork important for MORBID ANGEL or everyone "stands on one's shoulders"?

Destructhor: Teamwork is very important in MORBID ANGEL. I mean, in a band with strong individuals musically, teamwork can make wonders. In MORBID ANGEL, Trey [Azagthoth, guitar], David [Vincent, bass/vocals] and I all contributed with songwriting on the last record. Trey did the main part of the songs and me and David both have a couple of songs each. And David is behind the lyrics, of course. Tim [Yeung, drums] came up with a lot of the ideas for the drumming on the album, which did turn out great, I have to say.

Rock Overdose: MORBID ANGEL is an extreme band with extreme music and extreme attitude. Do you all live respectively like that in your everyday life?

Destructhor: Music definitely reflects the composer. With me, I am very fascinated by the powers of the extreme. The dark side of life has so much interesting to offer. The dark, sick and disturbed makes great art! Darkness is beautiful. But it is very important to know the fact that this is something I use and create through musical/artistic expressions. It lives in me through the art. It is a hell of a way to live out the beast in you, to let the aggressive one inside loose in a highly positive way which is very constructive for body and soul. A lot of narrow-minded people think what we do is very destructive, but the fact is the opposite.

Rock Overdose: "I Am Morbid" is one of the most easy-to-listen songs you ever wrote but on the other hand, a really great song! Is that MORBID ANGEL's new anthem?

Destructhor: Well, I think the album got several quality songs which deserves the same attention, so to speak, but that song definitely got the "big arena" kind of feeling to it. This was also intentional with the song, which, by the way, was written by David. It is a catchy easy listening song, so I can understand people will see this as an anthem. But then again, MORBID ANGEL is a sick and twisted extreme metal band and there are several of those songs on the album that I think represent MORBID just as much.

Rock Overdose: Pete [Sandoval] was a great and successful drummer. How do you feel now, with Tim behind the drum kit?

Destructhor: First of all, yes, Pete is a great drummer, and I wish him all the best for the future thinking about his back surgery as well as with his career. I have had some awesome time with him in the band, social and performing wise. With Tim, it also works out just great! With his more machinery-like kind of playing, he adds a different vibe to the music. He's got a very powerful way of drumming and he is very technical. An extremely talented guy. He really makes it fast and furious. He is also a very professional and good-natured person. We are very pleased with having him in the band.

Read the entire interview from Rock Overdose.

Photo credit: Alex Solca