Mezereum Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

Mezereum is a black metal band from Vilnius, Lithuania, formed in 2018. Currently it consists of one member - Skir. The self-titled debut album is set to be released in September 2020. The album was recorded as a duo, with Skir on guitar, drums, and synth simulation, and former member Anisoptera on bass, and session vocals.

2.You have your first album coming out towards the end of September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style  you went for on the recording?

It's rooted in classic 90s black metal, and the objective was to write interesting songs, which don't sound too alike, while also taking a musical approach to songwriting.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored with the music so far?

Mainly dark themes. Some based on certain negative aspects of life, some related to nature, and others fictional, based on fantasy and imagination.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mezereum'?

Mezereum is a plant, found in forests, and it grows red berries which are fatally poisonous if consumed. The plant itself looks visually pretty though, and therefore possibly deceptive. So I like the word Mezereum itself, and what it may symbolize.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?

It's a desolate forest landscape, which fits the music.

6.Originally the project was a duo but now is only one person, are you open to working with other musicians again in the future or do you prefer to work solo?

I do like working solo, although I'm aware that I can't do everything all by myself properly. But I'm trying to make it work within the limitations on the upcoming second album, which should be released next year. And I'm open to playing live with a band someday. 

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

I'm not actively looking for a label, but I would definitely consider it if a label expressed interest in a proper physical release.

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

Mostly positive.

9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Hopefully just being able to create more albums.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

It's difficult to answer briefly, because I like a lot of very different music. In Lithuanian there is a word "melomanas", for which there is no direct translation to English, but it implies being a serious fan of music. When it comes to Mezereum in particular, I've been listening to black metal for over 10 years, so I've accumulated many influences. But my favorite black metal band has always been Darkthrone. And my favorite metal band in general is Katatonia. 

 

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

I've had an on-and-off fascination with the pro wrestling business since age 12. I find that it has many parallels with music, 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for reading, and thanks for the interview.

https://www.facebook.com/MezereumBand

Mezereum/Self Titled/2020 Full Length Review

  Mezereum  are  a  duo  from  Lithuania  that  plays  a  very  diverse  and  old  school  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  and  self  released  2020  album  which  will  be  released  on  September  25th.

  A  very  dark  yet  heavy  sound  starts  off  the  album  while  synths  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  and  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  an  atmospheric  feeling.  All  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.  Clean  playing  can  also  be heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  along  with  the  vocals  also  getting  very  deep sounding  at  times and  adding  in  some  growls.

  When  tremolo  picking  is  utilized  it  also  gives  the  songs  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  music  also  adding  in  a  decent  amount  of  90's  influences  but  keeping  it  modern  at  the  same  time.  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  also  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  all  of  the  songs  also  sounding  very  different  from  each  other  and  the  album  also  closes  with  an  instrumental  The  production  sounds  very  raw  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Mezereum  are  a  very  great  sounding  diverse  and  old  school  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Apocryphal"  "Supreme"  and  "Clearance".  8  out  of  10.

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