1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Hi! How are you? I'm glad to have the opportunity to answer your questions.
After we finished recording the album Pradavni at Paradox Studio, we focused on promoting it independently and putting emphasis on live shows. The album was very well received by our domestic audience; the support at concerts has been strong and sincere. But to our pleasant surprise, we also gained new fans abroad, and their support means a lot to us.
I sing in my native language and incorporate elements of old Serbian lyricism and archaic language, which I initially thought might be a barrier for foreign listeners, but it turned out that this authenticity was actually something they found interesting and relatable in its own way.
There have also been some lineup changes. I believe a band needs to function as a unified whole—not just musically, but also in terms of vision and dedication. Some members left because of that, but the core of the band remains the same, with those who’ve been with me since the very beginning.
We've also worked on our image and stage presence, staying true to the spirit of old-school black metal, because for us, it's not just a style, it's something we carry within.
2. You have a new album coming out in May, musically how does it differ from your previous recording?
This album is our first, and so far, it's the only one we've released. The difference this time is that we previously released and promoted it independently. I'm excited about its upcoming re-release because it has finally found an excellent record label, Fentzer Death Records from Germany. Their professional work is something I consider a great advantage.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
When I decided to form the band Oskrnavitelj, I also made the decision that the lyrics I write should be the best they can be, so that I am fully satisfied with them. I chose to write in my native Serbian language because I primarily write about my ancestors and events that took place in this region centuries ago. There’s also an added touch of mysticism, a bit of imagination, and spiritual events from my own past.
I don’t limit myself in imagination, but I also explore themes around Serbian warriors, the ancient race of Slavs — there’s so much that inspires me and that I can write about. Our warriors and ancestors are still here, somewhere, and maybe they guide me to write lyrics easily. 🙂
I believe that old-school black metal resonates with me the most, both musically and in terms of writing lyrics. My earlier works were more oriented toward grind and death metal, but this is truly what I feel and express from the heart.
4 .A lot of your earlier lyrics covered Paganism and Blasphemy themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?
In my previous bands where I sang grind and death metal, these themes were mentioned. However, I primarily write about Serbian events, Slavic history, and my ancestors. I focus on real events and battles that took place in this region, exploring the psychological nature and strength of certain warriors from centuries ago. Some of my lyrics also delve into the play between God and the Devil.
What I want to say is that music and lyrics are a way for me to convey messages to people. These are true spiritual elements and events. This doesn’t mean I’m promoting blasphemy, but rather that both good and evil exist, and through this duality, we can learn about real life. It allows us to reflect on who we are and which path we should take.
5 I know that the band name means 'desecrator' in Serbian, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?
Oskrnavitelj carries a name that symbolizes the breaking of laws and norms, the new world order, and the lies that are imposed. It is a name rooted in past centuries, representing destruction, freedom, and something that belongs to us. The name fits perfectly with the spirit of old-school black metal, which deals with themes of defiance and questioning existing values.
Oskrnavitelj is a name of transformation, liberation, and a reminder of forgotten truths. The name carries the message to not forget our roots, and through music and lyrics, we are reminded of the ancient truths that have shaped us.
I thought a lot about what name to give the band, but I received a message, and that’s it.
6 Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
My friend Danilo Trbojević from the band Nadimac has successfully brought my idea and the sketch of the image to life exactly as I envisioned it. Since I’m not very good at drawing, all that was left for me to do was contact him and explain my concept for the album cover. Fortunately, he understood it and turned it into a masterpiece exactly as I had imagined.
The artwork represents the Moon, which is the ruler of magic and power, alongside the cracked Earth — symbolizing the energy of the Earth. When their energies merge at a specific moment, as it is written, great changes occur. It’s a strong energy, a transformation, and the beginning of something powerful.
7..What are some of the best shows that the band has plated so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We’ve had several shows that are especially meaningful to me, where we truly came into our own as a band. I would highlight the performances with two Romanian bands, Ordinul Negru and Nocturn. They represent the old school of black metal, and I really connected with their energy. Every song radiated that authentic old black metal spirit. They are two truly high-quality bands.
It’s also worth mentioning the show we played with the Greek black metal band Decipher and Shadowmass, a blend of black and heavy metal. It was a very interesting musical combination, and the sound came together really well live.
There have been many other positive experiences. For example, the performance with Nihilism, another black metal band from Greece, who left a strong impression and showed great support. I’d also mention the Riverion Festival in Petrovac na Mlavi, Slovenski Sumrak Festival, as well as our show organized by Hell Hammer Promotion. And of course, our gigs at Club Fest and in Garaža shouldn’t be left out.
When it comes to our stage presence, aside from the visual aesthetic inspired by old-school black metal, every performance is a moment of connection with our ancestors. Though we live in the modern world, the essence is not to forget our roots — where we come from, who we are, and how we relate to those who came before us. In a way, our performance is also an offering of gratitude to them.
We’re not very talkative on stage, but there’s a deep connection with the audience. We aim to become one, to experience the melody, the rawness of the music, and its primal energy together.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Of course, we do have plans to continue playing shows after the album is released, both in our home country and abroad. Our goal is to appear at various festivals across Europe, especially those that embrace the underground spirit and support true black metal expression. We’re not aiming for exhausting, endless tours. What matters to us is that each performance carries meaning and the energy we want to share. If everything aligns and the conditions are right, we’re open to embarking on a broader tour. Above all, it’s important for us to stay true to ourselves and to the music we create.
9.Both of the albums where released through 'Fetzner Death Records', are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?
I’d like to make a small correction, we currently have one album, titled “Pradavni”, which symbolizes wisdom, maturity, and authority. It was originally released independently, and we handled the promotion on our own. Not long after, I discovered an excellent label from Germany – Fetzner Death Records.
We’re absolutely satisfied with their professionalism, promotion, and the support they’ve given us. Our digipak CD editions are arriving soon, and we’re getting ready to officially launch the album’s promotion.
What I particularly appreciate is that everything is done within the agreed timelines no delays, no wasted time.
Huge thanks to them for the great promotion and the surprises they’ve prepared for us. A warm recommendation to anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable label!
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
The reaction has been great! We've received a lot of praise and support, along with many positive comments about the album and specific songs. I must mention that BM Promotion featured us extensively on their YouTube channel, which helped us gain visibility and consistent support and feedback from audiences around the world.
Singing in our native language might be a bit hard to understand for international listeners, but as someone who comes from this region, I made a conscious decision to keep it that way. Just like every ancient culture expressed itself in its native tongue, I believe the Serbian language holds a rich expressive potential – especially in lyrical form. Serbian is part of the Old Slavic language family, with deep roots and unique characteristics. When singing about ancestral themes and ancient times from this land, the Serbian language captures that spirit in the most authentic way.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
There’s still some internal work and adjustments to be done within the band, but everything is definitely moving in a positive direction and it has to. There’s no other way forward.
I see us performing at solid festivals abroad, as well as continuing to play shows here in our region, including collaborations with international bands. The more live shows, the better!
Of course, the most important thing is that we’re already working on new material for the next album. Our goal is clear to stay true to the '90s black metal style. We’re strictly sticking to that path. There will be no change in direction only progress, taking everything to a higher level: musically, sonically, and in every other aspect.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
Oh, there’s quite a mix — from good hard rock, through '90s death metal, to old-school black metal, of course. Personally, I love the old Whitesnake, Helloween, old Kreator, Sodom, Nile, Dying Fetus, Immolation, Monstrosity, Malevolent Creation, Darkthrone, Kampfar, Naglfar, Burzum, Mayhem, but Bathory is at the top of the list. There’s much more I could name.
The other band members also listen to Bathory and similar bands, maybe some alternative stuff... Oh, and we love Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, old Nightwish, The Cult... and much more.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
“Thank you once again for the interview, we wish you all the best. Special thanks to Fetzner Death Records for their trust and support. Also, we’d like to thank all of our fans for their love and support. Expect new songs, new shows, and much more darkness to come. Stay true to the darkness and remember, this is just the beginning.”
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