We’re five years after [redacted], which means we’re at the point where all of those “Pandemic Projects” are getting sifted into “one-time thing” and “The Thing That Shall Not Die” piles. Part of that comes to opportunity and luck, though much of the flowing into latter is due to the ways that those unexpected endeavors have lit a fire under their creators. Look at ludicrously prolific Phil “Landphil” Hall of Municipal Waste, Iron Reagan, Cannabis Corpse (RIP), and now Morbikon. What started as a hypothetical into the only area of extreme metal he hadn’t previously mastered—black metal—has become arguably his best work to date. Morbikon’s sophomore release, Lost Within the Astral Crypts, out November 21 via Tankcrimes, matches that sense of leveling up and maturation normally not associated with the sophomoric world of black metal.
Everything that worked on their debut is doubled or tripled here, with a genuine sense of unhinged, barely contained pandemonium working in the band’s favor. Thrash-y, hyper-melodic, symphonic (with a hat tip to a WWE hype legend), Morbikon masters the ability to sound evil with a smirk. It’s not quite camp, but it knows how much damn fun it’s having along the way. Does that mean it’s the best black/thrash record of 2025? Yes, it does to these ears, but the longevity has been a welcome surprise for Hall:
“I put a lot of effort into every album I create. I learn things each and every time as well. I am a huge music fan, first and foremost, and that includes just about every genre. In my head I want to try different styles, as a way to test my own creativity. The original Morbikon album was created during the pandemic as a way to channel some of the anxiety into something positive (or negative maybe?); we soon realized that it was turning into something pretty good in our opinions. When things began to return to normal Morbikon received opportunities to play shows and tour, so it became something much more real. Playing shows live showed me a few things about what is really working and what is not, so I applied that knowledge into writing this new album. Continuing the band was an easy decision because I really enjoyed making the first album and wanted to see how much I could improve in my songwriting [in this style].”
Given his wealth of experience and competing priorities, how does Hall keep these projects distinct when creating? Does having separate projects help you in getting out the musical echoes that need a voice?
“I find that separating projects is fairly easy,” he says. “Each band has different members and dynamics, Morbikon by far is a project that I hold personally. It’s a test of my abilities in every way. I hope that the attention to detail shows. Moving forward I would love to play more shows and get the music out there.”
“My main goal with this album is to fill it to the brim with different things for the audience to uncover after multiple listens,” he adds. “Some of my favorite music feels somewhat challenging at first, but then once you learn the riffs, you notice the extra sauce added. Black metal is a genre that can go in many directions. Going way over the top with orchestration or atmosphere is completely acceptable.”
Both this record and the debut seem to lean into that medieval horror motif that black metal excels at. If anything, this record feels a tad bit more cosmic in its terror, or at least that the horror is all-consuming as opposed to just eerie crypts and dudes being chased by ghosts in chainmail. Nostalgia for the old black metal guard aside, what is it about medieval horror that appeals to you?
“In my mind medieval fantasy horror and black metal go hand in hand,” Hall answers. “This time around we have incorporated Lovecraftian horror elements as well. Both feel fitting for the music. The symphonic orchestration was done by my friend Thomas Saltman, who believe it or not used to work for WWE creating wrestling intros (he did the original Seth Rollins theme and Finn Balor, among many others). Thomas has a great ear for metal and has even been drafted as a guitarist for the live band. His contribution to the album is amazing.”
Lost Within the Astral Crypts is out Friday, and you can preorder it from Tankcrimes Records. Follow Morbikon on Instagram for future updates.
Photo Credit: Marc Birr
