Interview: Necronomicon Ex Mortis

Interview with Michael Nystrom Bala of Necronomicon Ex Mortis.

What first got you into music?

When I was about 8, my mother bought me a guitar for Christmas. I didn't really understand what to do with it until a few weeks later when I heard Joe Satriani's "Surfing with the Alien." From then on, it has been nonstop music and guitar shenanigans!  

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

"Necronomicon Ex Mortis is 80s shred + 90s riffs and all wrapped in a cheesy B horror movie." It's basically all my favorite things at the same time.  

Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?

I don't really remember a time when I wanted to do anything else. I'm still that way. Not much other than music (or horror movies) appeals to me.  

Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?

HORROR. Everything comes from horror media, usually movies, but also novels, video games, and old comic books.  

How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?

I don't really. Everything the band has done so far has been genuine and authentic, and it will stay that way, or the audience will pick up on it immediately. We aren't trying to appeal to a mass audience; more so just trying to have fun with guitar nerds and horror nerds.  

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

Getting recognized by some fans at NAMM was pretty sweet. Professional accomplishments aside, there's a special kind of magic when someone genuinely likes your music and wants to say "hello."

Are there any specific milestones you’re working toward in your career?

There are many goals; short, medium, and long. The current goals just revolve around throwing a few more small releases out and playing a few tours. As for the bigger ones, we'd love to be signed to a medium sized label! 

How do you prepare for a show or tour?

I think the mental preparation matters even more than the physical preparation. Generally, I like to be left alone to practice and organize myself for about a week before tour or a recording session. During that time, I'll practice a lot, watch movies (horror), drink a lot of kombucha, along with simple workouts.  

What’s the most unusual or memorable thing that’s happened to you on stage?

One time, for absolutely no reason, I tried to see how many songs I could play without blinking. I think I made it through 3. To this day, I'm not sure why I thought that was a good thing to do at a show.  

Can you tell us about your latest project or release?

We just released a split album called You've Got Red on You with a band named Bloodfeast Ritual. The split is a good mix of styles all rooted in death metal. Our side was made up of 4 tracks, and each one represents a different side of the band.  

Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?

We have some exciting new guest solos on our next release, which will be announced shortly... (wink wink) 

What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?

I'm not so sure the music has a specific emotion; it's more just an outlet for me to get nerdy about both guitar and old horror movies. It's death metal, so I suppose the default answer is "rage."  

Who are you listening to right now?

Lately I've been really into the old 80s guitar heroes. There's been quite a bit of Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine, Paul Gilbert, and Yngwie Malmsteen. We could probably also toss Marty Friedman, Derek Taylor, and Joe Satriani in that list as well.  

How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

I'd realistically just like to keep settling into my own personality. I don't have any specific goal or direction with the music itself, but rather I would just like my own intuition to be honed so I can make the sounds in my head come out as accurately as possible.  

How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?

I don't, really. I mainly just focus on what the art looks/sounds like.  

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?

We have a few surprises up our sleeves, but nothing I want to spill the beans on right now before a few more behind the scenes details are ironed out.  

Anything You'd Like Your Fans to Know.:

For any fan that likes our music; go check out the films of Lucio Fulci. They're seriously odd, but the atmosphere is incredible.  

Link to Album or Other Media:

https://necronomiconexmortis.bandcamp.com/ 

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