Zhmach Interview

 

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

We are band Zhmach from Minsk, Belarus. We play lo-fi euphoric black metal with a touch of d-beat since the start of 2021.

2.Recently you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

We imagined that if we bought a cassette on the advice of a seller in the minsk open-market "Zhdanovichi" in the early 00s, who said that it was "kickass black metal", this cassette would turn out to be zhmach. Also there are some bands that we were influenced by, mainly Wulkanaz from Sweden, Bergtatt of Ulver, Stormblast of Dimmu Borgir, Satanic Warmaster, russian punk bands such as "Korol' i Shut", Ksilema and others.

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

Our texts are a collage of russian underground artists' lyrics translated into English. Basically, these are the phrases that we found interesting as they would create a sense of mystical experience that accompanies the music. Also we do not touch on the topics of satanism, misanthropy, nihilism, depression and so on. We have nothing against it but it's just not our themes. We are one of those bands that uses the voice more as a musical instrument rather than a specific message.

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

Zhmach comes from the russian verb "squeeze". So zhmach is a squeezer. He is a kind of creature that squeezes something with his mighty hand. He can squeeze your balls while you listen to our music or squeeze the whole universe, he's a very interesting person.

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

We just took our old photo taken in a place where we often spent time. It has a quiet sense of magic and early spring that resonates a little with the music on the ep for us.

6.Are any of the band members open to doing any live shows in the future?

There are no such plans yet, but we'll see.

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

It would be interesting to collaborate with labels. I think there are labels that would like to release our music, but we haven't found each other yet.

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

The reaction is minimal, but despite this, there are also some positive reviews. So thank you for your support!

9.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We will live, accumulate ideas, impressions, and when there is some reason to make a record, we will do it. But it may not happen, it doesn't matter. Tons of music were released in the past. Tons of music come out every day. And most bands can also provide physical copies, branded clothing, wristbands, grillzas with their logo and other useful stuff.

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?

We love almost all kinds of music, the main thing is to look for what you like. As for me personally, my favorite musician is Aphex Twin.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

The major interest is music, but we like to explore all forms of art. We also like walks, trips, food, like ordinary animals.

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

D-beat!

https://zhmach.bandcamp.com/releases