Momento Mori UK
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Gothic rock music |
Momento Mori UK is a British ensemble established in 1987, recognized for its distinctive gothic rock sound. They were active within the UK's gothic music community and toured extensively across mainland Europe before ceasing live performances in 1992 due to waning interest in the genre.
Following this hiatus, the band members engaged in separate musical ventures until reconnecting through social media in 2007 to commemorate the group's 20th year.
Origins and initial period (1987–1992)
Initially known simply as Momento Mori, the addition of "UK" came later to differentiate them from a Swedish band with an identical name.
The band's name, "Momento Mori," appears to be a deliberate alteration of the phrase memento mori. Founder Mark Mori explained this was purposeful, as when worn with an unbuttoned shirt, it reveals the word "Omen," which ties into their use of the Omen theme as their opening music.
Throughout their early years, they performed more than 200 shows, sharing stages with groups like Every New Dead Ghost, Sins of the Flesh, Dream Disciples, and Rosetta Stone. Their tour across continental Europe culminated in a headlining slot at a festival in Czechoslovakia. Originating from North East England, several band members lived together in Billingham. After releasing vinyl records and being featured in Mick Mercer's book Gothic Rock, the band dissolved around 1992.
Revival (2007)
The band reassembled through Myspace after Jon Mori reached out to Mark Mori. The 2007 lineup consisted of Mark Mori, Jon Mori, and Roy Gibson. Gibson departed early in 2008 and was succeeded by Chris Mori.
On 3 December 2009, they launched In Harm's Way, an album combining fresh compositions with classic material.
Mark Mori’s move to Florida in 2010 restricted live appearances; only occasional concerts took place through 2012. In 2013, their activity picked up with performances at the Dark Waters Festival and support slots for Cruxshadows and Carpe Noctum. That year also involved updating their electronic sound and preparing a downloadable remix mini-album featuring tracks from In Harm's Way.
30th Anniversary (Mori 2.0) (2017–present)
In May 2017, Momento Mori UK performed as the opening act at the first Marquis Masquerade Gothic Ball held in Whitby, introducing new lead guitarist Jono Mori.
Musical style
Momento Mori UK is associated with gothic rock, drawing inspiration from influential acts such as The Chameleons, The Pixies, and The Sisters of Mercy.
Discography
- The Face That Shone (1991) Nightbreed Recordings
- In Harms Way (2009) JPB International
- High Ground (2009) Nightbreed Recordings
Members
- Current lineup
- Former members
- Jon Mori – bass, programming, guitars, backing vocals, production
- Ste Cosgrove – drums
- Charlie Charlton – guitar
- Roy Gibson – guitar and songwriter
- Gav Mori – drums
- Dunc Arundel – bass
- Simon Greenwood – bass
- Phil Tyler-Mori – guitar
- Austin Davey – guitar
- Paul Mileson – guitar