Mortiis, a Norwegian industrial metal band formed and fronted by Emporer's original bassist, opened for the Genitorturers on Wednesday. Mortiis' style has changed significantly over the years and they have moved away from the synthesizer heavy goth-rock that dominated their last CD. The band's sound is now entirely in the industrial genre and I would compare their current sound to mid-period Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy or early Genitorturers. I haven't heard Mortiis' most current release The Grudge, which was released last year on Earache but, as I didn't recognize any material from Stargate, I would assume that most of his 50 minutes set came from this new release.

The front room in CBGB really filled in when Mortiis took the stage and I heard a number of people talking that they were there just to see Mortiis. Mortiis (the man) proved that he has a great voice for industrial music and his band is top-notch, playing complex and intricate music that extends beyond the reach of the run-of-the-mill industrial bands. I "rate" most bands by how quickly I would see them again (if ever) and I would make a point of seeing Mortiis next time he comes through town.

What is really interesting is that Mortiis' CD The Grudge has been selected by the Norwegian Culture Council to be made available for listening to the public in all the libraries in Norway for free. The Norwegian Culture Council selects a few recordings each year which best reflect and promote Norwegian Music and Culture, and this year selected Mortiis' The Grudge.


Mortiis @ CBGB, NYC Sept. 20, 2006 



Mortiis @ CBGB, NYC Sept. 20, 2006