We caught up with Art Liboon, bassist for Bay Area crossover thrash legends Mordred, for a conversation that spans decades of heavy music, local history, motorcycle crashes, and the evolving San Francisco music scene. With a new album The Dark Parade now out on vinyl, cassette, and CD, it was the perfect time to look back—and forward—with one of the scene’s foundational figures.
From Mission District to the North Bay
Art is no stranger to the Bay Area. He’s lived in just about every corner of it—from San Francisco to Vallejo, and now the North Bay.
"I lived in the Mission District until around 2012 or 2013," Art recalls. "Our landlord kicked us out, so I ended up moving to Vallejo. It was a whole new experience—my first time living outside the city."
Vallejo offered more than just new scenery. Art found himself living in a massive, historic Odd Fellows temple—an experience that was both affordable and community-focused.
"It was awesome. At the time, our Odd Fellows lodge was all about bringing people together—throwing live music events and trying to help Vallejo rebuild a bit. But, like many things, politics eventually got in the way."
From Garages to the Thrash Vanguard
Mordred formed in 1984, cutting their teeth in the garages and clubs of a Bay Area scene that was teeming with energy. By 1986, they were in a rehearsal studio alongside bands like Jetboy, laying the groundwork for what would become their signature sound.
Art recounts the early lineups with a grin: “We had so many lineup changes, even before our first show. Slade was our first drummer, and Sven was our second guitarist. They ended up leaving to form Mercenary just after our early gigs.”
The band’s unique twist? A DJ. At a time when thrash was known more for speed than experimentation, Mordred took a chance—and made history.
“We were probably the first thrash band to have a DJ,” Art says. “It added dynamics and allowed us to create these cinematic soundscapes that you just don’t get from traditional setups. That element brought a whole new energy to our music.”
The New Album: The Dark Parade
Released amidst a changing world, The Dark Parade captures the chaos of recent years with a sound that’s both aggressive and reflective.
“2020 felt like a never-ending parade of terrible things,” Art explains. “So the title made sense—it reflects that time.”
The writing process was far from typical. Guitarist Danny White had been living in New York and was sending riffs remotely—an approach that didn’t quite connect for Art.
“I can’t just sit in a room with headphones and feel it. I need the kick drum punching me in the chest,” he laughs. “Once Danny moved back to the Bay, we finally got in a room together and started building the songs the right way.”
Bike Messengers, Crashes, and Crazy Days
Before Mordred became a name, Art and his bandmates were living fast—sometimes literally. The San Francisco bike messenger scene was a proving ground for many musicians, including Art and vocalist Scott Holderby.
“We all did it,” Art recalls. “I started with Western Messenger, then worked for Aspen Graphics where I eventually became a dispatcher. I even crashed my motorcycle working for Blueprint. It was a dangerous job—people got hit all the time.”
Then and Now: The Bay Area Scene
Back in the day, the Bay Area was packed with venues: The Stone, The Omni, Ruthie’s Inn, and The Rock on Broadway. Today, things are thinner—but not gone.
“There were a lot more venues back then,” Art says. “Now you’ve got places like DNA Lounge, the Parkside, Benders, and the occasional festival like Redwood Metalfest.”
While Mordred postponed their indoor album release show due to health concerns, they’ll be playing Redwood Metalfest in Ukiah—an outdoor event that offers a safer alternative during uncertain times.
What’s Next for Mordred?
With The Dark Parade now available and gigs slowly returning, Mordred is poised to continue their legacy as one of thrash’s most creative forces.
“We never saw ourselves as just a thrash band,” Art says. “We always wanted to represent metal, but also push its boundaries. Having a DJ wasn’t a gimmick—it was a way to add dynamics and storytelling.”
For a band that’s lived through every phase of the Bay Area scene, from punk dives to pandemic shutdowns, that willingness to adapt is what’s kept Mordred relevant for over four decades.
The Dark Parade is available now on vinyl, cassette, and CD. Stream it wherever you get your music—and catch Mordred live at Redwood Metalfest next weekend.
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow Mordred on their Bandcamp, Spotify, Website and catch them when they come to your town.
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