When you think of the ultimate chameleons in the global extreme music scene, one name consistently rises from the shadows to claim the crown: Mortiis. From his early days forging the fires of Norwegian black metal on bass for Emperor to completely reinventing himself as the grandfather of dungeon synth, Håvard Ellefsen has spent more than three decades refusing to play by anybody else’s rules. He’s an artist who doesn’t just push boundaries—he completely obliterates them, evolving musically, visually, and conceptually with every single release.
Now, the enigmatic mastermind is preparing to bring his legendary, dark sonic landscapes back to our shores for a highly anticipated Southern Ritual Australian tour. This isn’t just another standard run of shows; it marks a monumental moment for local fans as Mortiis brings a full live band to the region for the very first time. Audiences can expect a massive, immersive journey into dystopian despair, with the setlist heavily diving into the iconic sounds of The Smell Of Rain alongside a curated selection of his most atmospheric and industrial-tinged masterpieces.
To make this dark pilgrimage even more essential, he’s not coming alone. Sharing the headline billing are Siberian pagan folk innovators Nytt Land, who are set to mesmerise crowds with traditional throat singing and handmade instruments, alongside Turkish dungeon synth outfit Tir. It is shaping up to be an absolute masterclass in live atmosphere, visual theatre, and raw sonic intensity.
HEAVY caught up with the man behind the mask to get the full story on what it takes to bring this massive production Down Under. We chatted about the logistical chaos of transporting a full-band show across the world, what it feels like to revisit tracks from The Smell Of Rain in a live setting, his excitement to finally give his Australian fans the uncompromising, full-throttle theatrical experience they have been craving for years and more.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Wednesday, 18 Nov – SYDNEY – FACTORY FLOOR NEW SHOW
Thursday, 19 Nov – SYDNEY – FACTORY FLOOR SOLD OUT
Friday, 20 Nov – BRISBANE – CROWBAR
Saturday, 21 Nov – MELBOURNE – CROXTON
Sunday, 22 Nov: – ADELAIDE – ED CASTLE
