It’s finally official: Depeche Mode will release a new studio album in spring 2023. The successor to the long player “Spirit” released in 2017 will be called “Memento Mori” — the band announced on October 4, 2022 at a press conference in Berlin.
What does memento mori mean?
“Memento Mori” is a Latin proverb that can be translated into English as “Be aware of your mortality” (or: “Think of death”). It has its origins in church history — and is said to have been used in triumphal processions in ancient Rome. Nowadays, “Memento mori” is a well-known saying, comparable to “Carpe diem” (seize the day).
The title of the album had already been decided before Andy Fletcher died
The album title can of course also be understood as a reference to the death of Depeche Mode founding member Andy Fletcher. Fletcher died unexpectedly on May 26, 2022 at the age of 60 from an aortic dissection (a rupture in the inner layer of the main artery).
However, the band explained at the press conference that the title was already decided before the death of their colleague and friend.
The idea for the title came from Martin Gore, as Gahan says: “We started talking about the feel of some songs and the general direction. Martin said: ‘I have this idea for the title’ – and I liked it straight away.” About the meaning, the frontman says: “The title sounds very morbid, but you can also see it in a very positive way. Live the day to the fullest, that’s how we interpret it.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n715-oCZsbs
Incidentally, Depeche Mode are definitely not the first to name an album “Memento Mori” — this seems to be a popular album title, especially in metal, there was also a band of the same name in the 1990s, that of King-Diamond/Mercyful-Fate -guitarist Mike Wead was formed.
It goes on with Depeche Mode – even without Andy Fletcher
In recent years there has been speculation about a new Depeche Mode album. Finally, in August 2022, it was announced that Depeche Mode were back in the studio — seeking solace in work following the death of Andy Fletcher. For a long time the question remained whether and how the British band would continue. Then, in mid-August, Dave Gahan and Martin Gore announced via the official Depeche Mode social media account that they are both working on new music. “Finding stability in what we know and love and focusing on what gives life meaning and purpose,” the musicians wrote about the studio picture.