When No Echo last checked in with Morbid Visionz in early 2025, the Arkansas death metal band was still fueled by the impact of Remnants of Death. In the months since, they’ve sharpened their reputation through focused touring and a deliberate push toward their most ambitious material to date.
Things have been quieter for Morbid Visionz recently, but vocalist Evan Grove points to a handful of moments that left a mark. “Thanks for having us back!” he tells No Echo. “We’ve honestly been taking it pretty easy over the year and a half since we spoke last.”
Morbid Visionz took their sound to the East Coast with Damnations Domain and Gored Embrace, but it was an unexpected offer that would soon define their year. “Right before we left for that run, we got an offer to open the first few days of Summer Slaughter because Incite wasn’t able to make it to those shows,” Grove says. “That was surreal for us.”
After a quick Texas run with Boltcutter, Morbid Visionz spent most of the year focused on writing. “Outside of those three runs and weekend runs around festivals last year, we’ve kept our heads down writing the new record.”
Grove sees a clear line between the band’s earliest recordings and where Morbid Visionz stands now. “Our earlier music was really us just jumping in and writing some stuff to put out into the world,” he says. “We still love the stuff off Cycle of Cessation, but we hadn’t fully honed in on the idea of the band yet when writing those songs.”
Over time, the band’s sense of direction has sharpened. “Musically, our songs have become a lot more technical and thought out,” he says. “But we still carry that mid-tempo, knuckle-dragging type beat. You’ll notice a little more brain power in the new stuff.”
Listeners will get a taste of that evolution before the full-length drops. Morbid Visionz is set to drop two new tracks this summer, building on the direction first hinted at with Remnants of Death. “It’s been almost two years since Remnants of Death came out,” Grove explains. “Those songs gave a glimpse of where we were headed. The two songs we’re putting out this summer will further showcase what listeners can expect from the new record.”
With the LP writing nearly wrapped, the band decided to bridge the gap with fresh material. “We’re not terribly far off from hitting the studio,” he says. “Between these songs and Remnants of Death, listeners are going to have a good idea of what’s coming.”
Of all the recent live moments, stepping onto the Summer Slaughter stage stands out for Morbid Visionz. “Opening Summer Slaughter those first few days last summer was something we never imagined being a possibility,” Grove says. “Those were some of the biggest crowds we’ve had the opportunity to play in front of, and it felt good being well-received every night. We’re so grateful for that experience.”
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Morbid Visionz is gearing up for another stretch of shows before locking back in on the album. The tour was assembled by Josh White of State of Mind Touring, whom Grove describes as “a great dude and friend.”
He’s also eager to finally share the stage with bands he’s been wanting to play with. “We finally get to link up with Fear the Dark in Minnesota,” he says. “New Found Power is playing the Milwaukee and Chicago shows, and they rip. Bifid Corpse, who we played with last summer, will be on the Chicago date too, and those dudes are so sick. Our homie Alex plays in Embittered, who’s also on that lineup.”
Even with writing taking up most of his time, Grove keeps an eye on what’s happening in heavy music across the country.
“Our homies in Ectospire are doing awesome things in Oklahoma,” he says. “Primitive Rage just put out some heat not long ago. Our labelmates in Mutilation Barbecue dropped a killer EP.”
He admits hardcore isn’t in heavy rotation for him lately, but one new band still managed to catch his ear.
“There’s a band from Lexington called Tears of Blood that just put out an insane demo,” he says. “And the young guns in Subserviency from Little Rock are about to release their debut EP. Do yourself a favor and check them out.”
For Morbid Visionz, the focus now is finishing the next record.
“We’re basically just trying to finish writing and get into the studio, hopefully by the end of the year,” Grove says. “Outside of the current tour and some local shows, we don’t have much planned—but that could always change.”
Before signing off, he wants to make sure people recognize what’s happening in his hometown.
“First and foremost, shout out Little Rock,” he says. “This city has and continues to thrive. More people need to be paying attention to bands from here. Our bands are always on the road and probably in a city near you.”
He also offers encouragement to anyone considering becoming more involved in their local scene.
“Start a band. Book a show. Tour the country with your friends,” Grove says. “If you want to do more than just be a face in the crowd, just do it. There aren’t any rules. It’s just about figuring it out. In the metal, punk, and hardcore world, there are more people willing to help you than you think.”
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