Dutch multi-instrumentalist Maurice “Mories” de Jong has been releasing sonic terror for almost 30 years under various guises, with blackened industrial drone project Gnaw Their Tongues active since 2006 and with a plethora of releases under his belt already. Ahead of the release of his latest album, Genocidal Majesty, now out via Consouling Sounds, we talked to him about his many collaborations and the political backdrop that has influenced a small change in direction for his latest sensory assault.
Astral Noize
Your body of work since 2006 is staggering, with over 40 different releases, what drives you to constantly create and write music?
There’s a big internal drive to create music. Where it comes from I don’t know. I feel a need to express myself too, a lot.
Astral Noize
Your new release, Genocidal Majesty, is sheer sonic terror. What were the influences behind it?
The biggest influence is the shitty state of the world right now. The disappointment in humanity is a common thread that runs through this album. I also tried to strip the music and art down. It’s all very to the point, in my opinion.
Astral Noize
There are less black metal elements on the album, was there a reason behind a more industrial-focused release this time around?
I lost interest in riff-based composing for GTT for this album. I was much more interested in working with pure sounds and atmospheres.
Astral Noize
‘Ten Bodies Hanging’ has such an abrupt ending that leaves you shocked, what’s the backstory behind the song?
A picture from Islamic State-controlled land where they had people hanging from a bridge as a warning, that’s an image that stuck in my head.
Astral Noize
You’ve only been performing Gnaw Their Tongues material live for the last few years. How different is the live experience for you compared to when you’re in the studio?
Live it’s a loud storm of noise with abysmal shrieking on top. Lately, we simplified the set. We used to do complex songs but that has not always worked. It’s very different from the studio, it’s very very intense.
Astral Noize
You’ve collaborated with artists from various ends of the heavy spectrum in the past, what do you look for when deciding who to work with?
In real life, a personal connection is as important as the music. For collabs done over the internet, a musical connection is important. I must at least like the music.
Astral Noize
Who would you most like to collaborate with in future?
I hope to do a proper collab with The Body in the future. Nice people, good music.
Astral Noize
What does the future hold for yourself and for Gnaw Their Tongues?
No idea, to be honest.
Genocidal Majesty is out now on Consouling Sounds.
Words: David Brand
