Mothertomb - ''The only thing powerful enough to overcome that suffering is love''
- Sparky
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Dying to Live is the debut album from Michigan’s Mothertomb. It is a sound that is as fresh as it is classic. Epic soundscapes that carry the swagger of the doom metal greats yet blessed with a modern ethereal sensibility and a spirituality that is sensual and alluring. It is
a powerful debut that has a progressive improvisation driven by a huge rhythm section and some fantastic riffing. It is band that that was born from tragedy and mother nature’s wrath.
Alice Gawlinski (vocalist) ‘’Yes, in April 2025, Northern Michigan was hit with one of the worst ice storms recorded in the last 100 years — so much so, that it destroyed all power grids in the region and left 145,000 people (including us) without power in below freezing temperatures for several weeks, resulting in a national state of emergency. In witnessing this natural self-destruction of our forests, trees, and wildlife, we saw the polarization of beauty and despair intertwined and encased in inches of ice. It was both mystical and horrifying. It felt like Mother Nature had created her own tomb; and thus, with that thought came the name MOTHERTOMB - a duality of the light and dark that represents the human condition and inspires our sound.
Is Dying to Live the prefect representation of your music?
‘’Yes, instrumentally and lyrically the music represents the inherent beauty and struggle that comes with the human condition.
.What is the darkest part of the human condition?
‘’That is a loaded question but a good question. I think the darkest part of the human condition is the inevitable suffering; no one is exempt from it. I believe the only thing powerful enough to overcome that suffering is love… and, of course, music.
It has a huge sound, yet its vocals feel intimate and introspective?
‘’I appreciate that observation. Yes, it is very intentional for the music to sway between ethereal beauty and aggression, all while remaining thoughtful and tasteful.
Influenced by the past but has something new?
‘’Thank you. Yes, we draw from many musical influence but also hope that our own original sound can run in parallel with our influences
Darkness to it that’s sensual and alluring?
‘’Yes, I am very influenced by Type O Negative and goth rock/metal in general. I’ve always appreciated music that can be both haunting and sensual.
Hypnotic with its grooves as on the Summoning?
‘’Thank you, yes, we wanted that track to be minimal and entice the listener to prepare for what lays ahead on the rest of the album.
What is the Mountain Hag?
‘’In some ways the song is autobiographical, but the Hag is a woman is called by a spiritual entity within the mountain, never to be the same again… The song explores themes of personal transformation – for better or worse is up to the listener.
Where do those epic Riffs come from?
‘’That would be Chance Gawlinski on guitar. Chance draws a lot of influence from Black Sabbath, Type O Negative, Alice in Chains, Rush, and many 70s hard rock guitar heroes.
The inspiration for the sonic soundscapes that are Epic yet also ethereal?
‘’Yes, these seems to be our signature style, and we hope others will appreciate it!
The importance of presenting a true expression of oneself through your music or art?
‘’For me, it’s been both. I write all the vocal melodies and lyrics, and I do all the album artwork and art designs for the band. All of these things have been a rewarding outlet for me, and I am so humbled that other people have been enjoying it!
Top 6 favourite albums of all time?
1. Pink Floyd – The Wall
2. Type O Negative – October Rust
3. King’s X – Gretchen Goes to Nebraska
4. The Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
5. Alice in Chains – Dirt
6. Alice Cooper – Welcome to my Nightmare
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