The phrase: "… We are not in Kansas anymore", it can be interpreted in various ways. Thinking ab it deeply about it, there is a constant fear, even if not as part of the Pop culture, that is due to a certain end of the world, sometime, someday. There is someone watching everything, perhaps a plotting evil person that is behind all this, or just watcher that looks at everything is if it was a tragedy set. The ongoing project, Ty Morn, already made it mark with a promising debut, and as time went by, thinks started to get even more serious with the appearance of "Last Villain Testament". Steinmetal, once again, had the pleasure to talk in brief with Aron Biale, the mastermind of Ty Morn, about how did it all come to be.
Hi Aron, I can't really believe that nearly three years have gone by so fast, surely the saying "Time Flies" isn't a cliche. How have you been doing sir? What is going on at your end?
Hey Lior, good to chat again! Well, since "Istor", I've been writing Ty Morn's new one, plus two new side project albums that are slowly coming together. So, buried in the studio a lot, haha. Hope everything has been going well for you.
The rise of Ty Morn, and certainly its strong debut album "Istor", made its mark upon Heavy Metal. Other than myself finding the debut to be stellar, others joined in the fun and realized that as well. A little thought, when you reached such a peak with the debut, what came through your head while writing the next one? Did you feel any inner pressure to make sure that you are coming out with something even better, or at least the same level?
No pressure really, I just carried on writing. This time I had the thought that I wanted the second one to feature a more consistent style plus shorter songs so that the sound of Ty Morn could establish more.
Following "Istor", and prior to the pandemic, did you happen to rethink your decision to take the songs, and of course gather up the great musicians you worked with, to become a live band? Since the record made a wave, didn't it serve as a momentum for a live performance act?
I was offered a few festivals, but logistically, with players based in different countries, there was still the problem of realizing it live. When it becomes feasible to have a line up all in the same country, then live would be great.
Eventually, and sadly, the pandemic struck in the midst of 2020, and I guess that you were already brainstorming for the next thing in line. How did that turn of events influence you mentally? Were there any doubts in regards to Ty Morn's continuity, even as a studio project?
Not really, no doubts. I always wanted a second Ty Morn, but at the same time, I was starting a "battle metal" project with an awesome singer called Berzan Onen and when finances allow, we shall continue with that. Plus, a third project with a female singer.
Within the lots of time that you had, with all the lockdowns, and probably due to your strong spirit at focusing on the fact that Ty Morn has a lot more to offer, you forged the sophomore "Last Villain Testament". In relation to influences from the outside, let's call it that, what exactly generated your motivation towards the put together of the record?
I started to get some lyrical ideas across all the songs about how humanity is either fighting itself or is subject to nature's wrath and supernatural forces. All of this observed wily by a mystical villain (the Warlock) from the future.
The story of the record is quite interesting, presenting, at least from what I could gather, a united front of mankind against its own deeds, with nature coming to strike back. For me it felt like a sort of enough is enough, yet not as a struggle between people, but of something that cannot be really controlled. From your perspective, is the current situation so grim that it made you write about it?
Actually no, it was all written before Covid haha. But the virus is another example that fits the theme for sure.
Your messages towards the public are scattered throughout the album, these mean to shock its listeners, to understand a certain gravity, but it is told in a colorful way. Other than the struggle, what do you wish to tell people listening to the album, in connection to the narrative?
This is difficult as I didn't really plan on a message, but in "The One", I like the idea of a character trying to leave a future digital world behind that is monitoring society more and more.
I have been thinking about that, while listening, there are connecting dots with the pandemic no doubt, some are even rather identical that it made me cringe a bit. Even though this virus is suspected to be human made, nonetheless, the environmental change, for instance, is also manmade. What are your thoughts about the closeness between the two?
Well, we interfere with everything and from that we benefit and suffer endlessly. Some more than others. Having said that, I like to treat song subjects like a B movie and not be too downbeat.
Continuing your journey through the shores of Heavy and Power Metal, "Last Villain Testament" sees Ty Morn a little more eclectic in its music, tweaking between East and West driven influences of 80s and 00s, cutting to the chase rather than illustrating eposes. Nevertheless, elements that served "Istor" well, also are there to be witnessed on the sophomore. How do you view the musical development of the project in light of the album?
The first one was a journey through styles but now my writing for Ty Morn has settled somewhat so that certain other genre ideas can be sent out to other projects.
After "Istor", even though it is considered a powerful record, what form of conclusions did you gather from its songwriting, recording and production phases? Which of these assessments did you implement while "Last Villain Testament" was in the making?
I had many songs coming through, but I kept off the longer epic tracks to make a punchier second album. Recording was done in my studio again and for the mix, DocGator Records suggested Shasank Venkat from the band Against Evil. His work is great and very modern sounding.
Putting a focus on the songwriting, what did the work on "Last Villain Testament" teach you in regards to your approach towards a song? How would you say that the record made you improve as a musician?
My workflow is more streamlined and I have a better awareness of what sounds I'm reaching for. And nothing is more important than having a phone by your side to record ideas haha.
"Last Villain Testament", as an album in the making, must have had quite the impact on the performance of your vocalist, Raphael Gazal. I was glad to notice that he is still with you on Ty Morn, he continues to show promise, and I believe that this album brought him to new heights of what he can do with his voice. How do you find his passion for the material, and of course his form on the album?
Raphael is a great guy with a powerful and melodic voice. And what a range! Check out the final notes of "Firenado" ! We work well together, and we plan to start his vocals for Ty Morn 3 in the summer.
One of the album's great riffers, and not only that, but also showcasing an inspiring atmosphere, is "Wherever Demons Roam". It has hooks, yet it's dark nature makes it more than a mere memorable hit. How do you find the song's impact on the magnitude of the album?
It is funny how it came together. I live near the sea, and I was on a boat out to one of the islands. I wrote most of it on the boat, inspired by the rhythm of the engine.
"Hellastryke", the energetic uplifter, taking twists and turns, between its channeled vigorous music and being a fine hooking tune. Gazal is on the rise on this track, one of his best performances on the album. How do you find his particular tune?
I like it. It's my Priest influence coming through. Always been a fan.
With "Last Villain Testament" set to be out shortly, are there already wonderings and thoughts about the next Ty Morn album or do you need a good break just to gather yourself?
Actually, it's all written haha and I'm recording now. It will be a busy year if finances allow as there are these two new bands albums to be launched as well. Maybe this year, if not 2023.
Aron, it was a great pleasure again, I believe that you did great this time around, sharing your vision in a strong release. Thank you sir, Cheers
And thank you sir for the chat and for your continued support of Ty Morn. Take care. Cheers, Aron
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