1.Hello please introduce yourself to the readers?
Hi Patrick and hails to bangers worldwide. Grand Mongrel here.
2.When did you first start listening to metal music and who were the first bands you discovered? Who are some of the current bands that have caught your attention?
I grew up in a small area in Australia right on the beach and there weren't too many metallers getting about there in the 90's. I first discovered Metallica when I was about 10 years old and two years later I was on my way for a surf when I heard the infernal battery of blast beats coming from a garage. I stood out the front mesmerised by the sound and soon after a pale ghoul with long black hair and an old entombed shirt emerged. Turns out he had just moved up from Melbourne and had drummed for Blood Duster. He began showing me Morbid Angel, Dismember, all the 90's death metal bands but it was stuff like Impaled Nazarene's album Ugra Karma that really effected me. The imagery merging with that insane, satanic, cyberpunk metal gave me nightmares....and I liked it! Needless to say I was hooked immediately!
3.Mongrel's Cross was started back in 2009 what gave you the idea to start this band?Are you satisified with how things have gone with the band over the years?
Goet and I had worked together in another band called Netherkin in 2004 and it was actually in 2008 we decided that we needed to get back together and begin writing music again. We have had great times playing live and meeting other like minded souls all over Australia. In the last few years stripping it down to a three piece, four now with the mighty Proscriptor McGovern, and focusing on recording rather than live has worked out really well.
4.How did you choose Mongrel's Cross as the name for this band? Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?
One night we were sitting around listening to metal and I was brainstorming the potential band name. I knew I wanted the word Mongrel's in it but couldn't put my finger on the second word. A good mate chimed in and said "Mongrel's Cross." I said that's it! Our influences are from all the 80's and 90's greats. Mercyful Fate, Metallica, Dissection, Aeternus, Abigor, Gorgoroth, Destroyer 666...I could go on for quite a while.
5.For the readers who have never heard the band's music how would you best describe the music? How do you feel the bands musicial style has changed over the years?
I'd say recently we have incorporated a bit more of a heavy metal edge and therefore aptly call ourselves Arcane Heavy metal. That said there is a wide array of styles in Mongrel’s arsenal. Everything from 80's heavy metal to thrash, death and black metal. No "shoegaze" though.
6.Arcana,Scrying And Revelation is the bands third full-length release how long did it take to write the music for the new release? How long does it usually take to complete one song?
We had it written within a year but took our time recording it and i quickly decided I wanted to step down from vocals as I don't have time to practice that art and would prefer to focus exclusively on guitar playing sorcery. These day Goet and I are sharing the riff writing process and we are a force to be reckoned with. For example we have another 8 songs completed for a follow up full length.
7.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics written about on the new release?Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
Goet and I shared responsibility for the lyrical content on Arcana also. Key concepts explored are mysticism, magick, man's internal struggle.
Religious perils. Music comes first always as we are very active musicians. Goet and I play guitar for many hours a week.
8.Besides the upcoming Arcana,Scrying And Revelation release are the bands previous releases still availible for the readers to purchase? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently availible if yes what is availible and where can the readers buy it?
Yes I think HHB and some other distros carry some older releases. There is a bandcamp page up too where previous offerings can be found. We are in the process of doing up an exclusive Arcana shirt which will be unveiled shortly and ready for the official release of the album,
9.Has Mongrel's Cross played very many live shows over the years or do you prefer working in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows?
Our last live performance was about 6 years ago. Finding dedicated members was proving very difficult so Goet and I decided to hone all our energy in to writing music. We had 5 years of playing live and got to play with many Aussie bands that we respect greatly, Innsmouth, Gospel of the Horns, Denouncement Pyre and many others. If the stars align we are going to look at coming back in to the live arena and you can expect some truly Arcane, Heavy Metal Magick.
10.What does Underground Metal mean to you?
For me it's got may different facets. There is the aural sensation that no other music has been able to come close to for me.There is the esoteric element which takes it to even further heights and then you bring in the imagery which creates another layer of atmosphere. For me there has never been another music scene which is as interesting and powerful
11.Mongrel's Cross comes out of Australia's legendary metal scene what are your thoughts of Australia's metal scene over the years?
I think we have produced many bands of world class quality. Bands like Armoured Angel, D666 and Bestial Warlust lit the fire early on. I suppose we have a different psyche here to other countries so the metal we make will embody some of that. Recently Brisbane has been a hotbed of metal magick with bands like Consummation and Paroxysmal Descent receiving widespread recognition.
12.Who are your all-time favorite Australian bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Well I've been name dropping a little already but some favourites are Armoured Angel, D666, Bestial Warlust, Hobbs, G.O.T.H.,Innsmouth,Sacriphyx, Myrddraal, Urgrund, Astriaal, Carbon, Anatomy and Samhain.
13.Besides working in Mongrel's Cross do any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
Goet has another project called Fate's Hand that is truly some magnificent Heavy Metal magick. It will be unleashed very soon.
14.When you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you like to do in your free time?
Magickal endeavours are very important to me so daily practice of meditation and ritual is paramount. Goet and I both lkive in S.E. Qld so there are many outdoor activities we engage in. I live right near the beach and grew up surfing so I can often be found battling the mighty Absu. I've always been very interested in film and literature so I indulge in those a lot too.
15.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
Arcana, Scrying and Revelation is out November 27th so get ready for a high dosage of Arcane, Heavy Metal Magick!
