In the beginning Madder Mortem was formed in 1993 as Mystery Tribe, and recorded the demo "Days in Sorrow". The name was changed to Madder Mortem, and in January 1997, the MCD "Misty Sleep" was recorded. The result was mailed around, Misanthropy Records reacted and the debut "Mercury" (X-ray Studios) was released in February 1999. "Mercury" was well received, but sadly, Misanthropy decided to close down, which left the Madders with neither company nor contract.
In 1999 Christian Ruud (guitars), Boye Nyberg (bass) and Sigurd Nielsen (drums) left the band to pursue educations and other pastimes.
This was naturally a setback, but after some time Agnete and BP found new musicians. Eirik Ulvo Langnes (guitars), Pål Mozart Bjørke (bass) and Mads Solås (drums) joined the band. All former acquaintances, the new members fitted in perfectly.
In December 1999 Century Media got in touch. The Madders promptly got to work, and in January 2000 a new demo was recorded (Space Valley Studios). This demo, containing three of the "AFIG" songs, saw the Madders turn in a new and heavier direction. Century Media received this demo exclusively and Madder Mortem became a CMR band. Madder Mortem's second album, "All flesh is grass" (Studio Underground, Sweden) was released in February 2001, with cover art from former guitar player Christian Ruud. Reviews were very good, and the aggressive and driven music lent another face to Madder Mortem.
September/October 2001, Madder Mortem supported Tristania, Rotting Christ and Vintersorg on a 23-date European tour. Returning back home, the Madders started writing again. Studio Underground was re-invaded in May 2002, and after a hard-as-hell period of three weeks, "Deadlands" was born. It is darker and groovier than its' predecessor, but also shows even more sides to the Madder face. Music, lyrics and cover art (by Christian) was developed together, and the conceptual whole is a bleak but organic monster not fit for the faint of heart.
"Deadlands" was released 21st October 2002. The End Records licensed it for the US, and on 11th February 2003 we had our first album release in the US.
In February and March 2003 Madder Mortem supported Opeth on the European leg of their "Deliverance" tour. A chance like that doesn't come often, and the reason for it was Mr Åkerfeldt's personal interest in the Madder music. We had 6 fantastic weeks on the road with a band that have mastered both musical and social skills, and we're very grateful to the Opeth guys for giving us this opportunity. In addition to taking us all over Western Europe, the Opeth tour also saw us entering the UK shores for the first time.
2006 saw the release of Madder Mortem's 4th full length studio album, Desiderata. The album is more polished than deadlands and sees a shift back away from any "nu-metal" stylings that had crept into the deadlands album.
Eight Ways is the all new album from Madder Mortem, released in June 2009.
Deadlands
Madder Mortem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A master's touch to give me some serenity within
Now I know there's no one there to save me from myself
All I ever needed was a minute of safe rest
A stronghold to give shelter from the pressure and the test
Now I know there's no one there to save me from myself
Standing cold in victory and longing for some sun Begging still for mercy when the time for truth has come
Leave here. Turn home.
We're all dry and dead and gone and not to breathe again
Leave here. Turn home.
Rip the life and laughter out, rebuild it in my name
When the city rises, I will rule and I will blame
Now I know there's no one there to save me but myself
See me, fat and choking on the words that I remade
See my lover bleeding, there is beauty in the strain
Now I know there's no one there to save me from myself
The lyrics of Madder Mortem's song Deadlands shed light on the desperation and inner turmoil of the singer. The song starts with the singer expressing their desire for discipline and mastery, hoping that it would bring them a sense of peace within themselves. However, they come to the realization that nobody can save them from their own destructive thoughts and actions. The singer also longs for a moment of safe rest and shelter, but they feel like they constantly face pressure and tests that they can't overcome. The singer is trapped in their own mind, and they're the only one that can help themselves.
The next part of the song talks about the singer's desire for power and control. They stand cold in victory, but they still long for some light in their life. The singer pleads for mercy, but they know that when the time for truth comes, they can only rely on themselves. The refrain "Leave here. Turn home." represents the singer's desire to leave this dark and hopeless place and find solace somewhere else. The final stanza of the song shows the singer's twisted desire for control and power over their own life, expressing a willingness to destroy everything in their path to achieve it, even to the point of seeing their own lover bleeding.
In essence, Deadlands is a song about struggling with inner demons, feeling trapped and hopeless, but still clinging on to a sense of control and power. The singer's journey is a metaphor for the human condition, as we all face battles with our own minds and the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
All I ever wanted was a little discipline
I desired guidance and structure in my life.
A master's touch to give me some serenity within
I wanted an authority figure to offer me inner peace.
Now I know there's no one there to save me from myself
I have come to realize that I am responsible for my own well-being.
All I ever needed was a minute of safe rest
I craved a brief respite from the stress and challenges in my life.
A stronghold to give shelter from the pressure and the test
I sought protection and stability from the difficulties of life.
Standing cold in victory and longing for some sun
Even in triumph, I feel empty and desire warmth and light.
Begging still for mercy when the time for truth has come
I continue to plead for forgiveness even when facing the harsh reality of my actions.
Leave here. Turn home.
Let go of this world and return to where you belong.
We're all dry and dead and gone and not to breathe again
We are lifeless and gone, never to experience breath again.
Rip the life and laughter out, rebuild it in my name
Destroy the joy and vitality in life and reconstruct it under my authority.
When the city rises, I will rule and I will blame
Once I rise to power, I will take control and shift responsibility onto others.
See me, fat and choking on the words that I remade
Witness my verbal creations suffocating me with their weight and dishonesty.
See my lover bleeding, there is beauty in the strain
Even in the pain of my partner's suffering, I find something compelling and attractive.
Now I know there's no one there to save me from myself
I have realized that no one else can rescue me from my own destructive tendencies.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind