Show Notes
Mortiis, the project of Norwegian musician Håvard Ellefsen, began in 1993 after his departure from Emperor, where he had been the band’s original bassist. From the start, Mortiis developed as a separate creative outlet, first centered on atmospheric, synth-based compositions that stood apart from the black metal scene he came out of. In the years that followed, the project expanded in both sound and form, moving through distinct phases that introduced darker electronic, industrial, and rock influences.
That progression has made Mortiis a career defined by change, with each period reflecting a different approach to mood, structure, and composition. Looking back across those shifts offers a way to talk not only about the development of the project, but also about the writing behind it: how ideas take shape, how methods evolve, and what connects the work across different eras. With that in mind, this interview turns to his career and songwriting process, and to the way his music has changed over time.
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Tony Reed is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and recording engineer whose career is rooted in heavy, soulful rock ’n’ roll. Best known for Mos Generator, he has built a respected body of work both onstage and behind the console, bringing a hands-on, independent approach to every project. As a member of Pentagram, Reed contributes guitar, songwriting, and a deep understanding of the band’s powerful legacy. His work helps connect the classic sound of Pentagram with a new era of music and recording. Beyond Pentagram, Tony continues to create with Mos Generator and his other musical projects, while producing and recording artists across the heavy-rock spectrum. In this interview, he discusses recording, writing new music, working with Pentagram, and the bands that keep him inspired.
Bobby Liebling is the iconic frontman and founding member of Pentagram, one of the most influential bands in underground heavy music. Since the early 1970s, Pentagram has forged a distinctive sound built on heavy riffs, dark atmosphere, blues, and raw rock ’n’ roll energy. Over the decades, Bobby and Pentagram have inspired generations of musicians and fans, helping lay the foundation for doom metal while remaining fiercely original. Their music has survived trends, lineups, and eras because it carries a timeless intensity. In this interview, Bobby reflects on Pentagram’s history, the road that shaped the band, its lasting influence, and the music still to come.
Alex Mitchell is the singer and creative force behind Circus of Power, the hard-rock band that emerged from New York City’s East Village in the late 1980s. Known for its raw sound, blues-driven riffs, and high-energy performances, Circus of Power built a dedicated following and remains an important name in underground American rock. Mitchell has continued to create beyond the band, pursuing music through a range of projects while staying true to the independent, uncompromising spirit that shaped his career. His work carries the same intensity and individuality that made Circus of Power stand out. Today, Alex is also focused on visual art while developing new music and creative collaborations. With fresh projects underway, he continues to explore new ways to create, connect, and push his work forward.
Evan Seinfeld’s story starts in Brooklyn, where Biohazard forged a raw crossover sound that brought hardcore, metal, and hip-hop energy into the same room. Decades later, the band remains a symbol of resilience, rebellion, and community—qualities that have defined Seinfeld’s life onstage and off. In this podcast conversation, Seinfeld reflects on Biohazard’s return to creating new music and what it means to revisit that chemistry with the band’s classic lineup. He also discusses the discipline required to keep evolving creatively while honoring the intensity and truth that built the group’s legacy. The discussion moves beyond music into what is ahead: a forthcoming book, mantorship, and his continued commitment to fitness and personal development. Seinfeld shares a practical message for anyone rebuilding themselves—show up consistently, stay accountable, and turn hard-earned experience into something that can help the next person.