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MORTEMIA is the new project of Morten Veland, whose name is not unknown to the metal and gothic scene as his musical career goes all the way back to 1992. Since then his endeavours have been many. At the age of 15 he entered the music scene with his first band Uzi Suicide, a band that performed music in a style that can be described as a fusion of rock and metal. But his interest for more alternative music grew, especially the UK gothic scene inspired him to change his song writing and lean towards a darker and more melancholic musical expression.

In ‘95 he co-founded the band Tristania and signed his first record deal at the age of 19. He released 2 full length albums and several EP's with this band and they took the underground scene with storm and almost instantly become one of the leading acts in the genre back then. Extensive touring in Europe and America followed and the band performed at some of the biggest music festivals in Europe. As the band's lyricist and main song writer Morten was part of defining gothic metal from a very early time on.

In January 2001 Morten parted ways with his former band and formed Sirenia. With this band his intention was to set a new standard with his musical endeavours, a task he succeeded to fulfil. He took his song writing to a new level with a strong focus on the melodic aspects as well as more accessible song arrangements. Nevertheless he was determined to still keep the basics of his musical expression and sound. The dramatic, symphonic and bombastic elements still had an important role in his music. Up to date Sirenia has released 4 albums and an EP. The band has toured worldwide and hit the album charts in 6 countries, topping radio charts and receiving great reviews from the international press.
 
With the new project MORTEMIA his intention is to bring a new musical concept into the metal scene. Also this project is strongly influenced by Morten's signature song writing. MORTEMIA's musical concept is based on a balanced mixture of metal and classical music. The debut album ‘Misere Mortem' is filled with bombastic songs where the classical orchestrations are perfectly blended with the massive and powerful basis of a metal band. The guitar work is probably more dominating here than in any of his previous projects. MORTEMIA bursts of powerful guitar riffs accompanied by melodic leads and solos.

The vocal concept in MORTEMIA is based on an interaction between Morten's extreme vocals and the dramatic choirs. The interaction between the vocals adds diversity and dynamics to the songs. Morten decided to leave out the female lead vocals in this project to make it sound different to his other bands, but he also wanted MORTEMIA to stand out from the huge amount of female fronted gothic bands out there these days.

MORTEMIA's debut album ‘Misere Mortem' is a new start for Morten in many ways. It's his first album where he is credited as the sole producer, in addition to also engineering and mixing the album on his own. The recording sessions and the mixing took place in Morten's own Audio Avenue Studios in Stavanger, Norway. The additional recordings of choirs were tracked in Sound Suite Studios in France. Morten performed and programmed every instrument on the album. The only additional contribution he got from the outside was that of a French choir.

‘Misere Mortem' is scheduled for a late February 2010 release via Napalm Records. Prepare yourselves for a new contribution to the world of metal and gothic.

MORTEMIA's "Misere Mortem" is the latest work by gothic metal giant MortenVeland.  His brand-new band's debut album continues to justify the Norwegian mastermind's outstanding reputation within the dark scene over the years. His signature compositions deliver smashing metal songs enveloped in sonorous and mythic choral arrangements, as well as sensual melody lines.  The classical passages fit in perfectly with the overall atmosphere, refining with myriad details MORTEMIA's unique and melancholic sound, as only Veland can. It is the master himself, who lends his aggressive vocals to the nine new tracks, further embellishing them with a darkened aura. Coupled with the mastering expertise of Finnvox Studios, Morten Veland has created a gothic metal album not only far removed from any inkling of kitsch and pop, but also one that will thrill fans of Tristania's classic "Beyond the Veil".   "Misere Mortem" is already a gem of the somber scene and will undoubtedly allow the gothic metal of the glory days a well deserved comeback!

For promotional material please contact:
USA:  nathan[at] napalmrecords.com          
All other countries: ben[at] napalmrecords.com
Or visit: www.napalmrecords.com