Pits Interview

 

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

Pits is a blackened progressive metal band formed in 2022 by our guitarist, Alex. It started as a solo studio project to record a decade’s worth of ideas but evolved into a full lineup.

Alex Prokofyev: Guitars (ex-Urskumug)

Andrey Nyarl: Vocals (Begotten, ex-Urskumug, ex-Disease)

Alex Potapov: Fretless Bass (Aal, Evulsion, ex-Ygodeh, ex-Consumed..)

Rodion Belshevits: Drums (Åskog, Kolotun, Noctem, ex-Urskumug, ex-Interment..)

We aim to blend melodic black metal riffing with progressive rhythm sections.

2. You have your first full length coming out in January, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

We wanted to explore the heavier side of the progressive spectrum. The goal was to create a soundscape that feels unstable and alive. It shifts between ferocity and introspection without losing that raw, emotional edge.

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

Macabre Luxuria deals largely with the "luxury" of demise. We explore themes of scorched earth, internal consumption, and the creeping dread of the end. Songs like "Premonition" and "Nero’s Blues" tackle different angles of this apocalyptic mindset, ranging from personal anxiety to total collapse.

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

It represents the bottom—whether that’s an emotional void, a state of depression, or the darkest depths of the human experience. It’s a simple, stark name that fits the claustrophobic atmosphere of our music and the bleak urban imagery we use.

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

Our vocalist Andrey created the artwork. It features a gritty, high-contrast image of a massive apartment block at night. We wanted something grounded and real rather than typical fantasy art. The gold lettering against the bleak, grainy concrete creates a contrast that fits the irony of the title Macabre Luxuria perfectly—finding a strange intensity in decay.

6. Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?

Pits is mainly a studio project at the moment. We don't have current plans for live shows as we are focused on the recording and release side of things, but we don't exclude the possibility completely for the future.

7. So far very little is known about the band, do you prefer to keep a lower profile?

It wasn't a strategic choice to be mysterious; we just prioritized the work. We wanted to make sure the songwriting and the recording were exactly right before we started making noise. Now that the album is ready, we are happy to step out of the shadows.

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

We are currently independent. We are always open to working with a label if they understand our vision and can help get the record out to a wider audience, but for now, we are focused on getting Macabre Luxuria released on our own terms.

9. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of progressive black and death metal?

Since the album drops in January, it’s a bit early to gauge a worldwide reaction. However, the early feedback from those who have heard the promo material has been encouraging.

10. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We want to continue refining that balance between technicality and emotion and keep lean further into that fluid, unstable sound while keeping the aggression high.

11. 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?

Since some of these riffs were written a decade ago, the influences come from quite a few different places over the years. I would say bands like Shining, Craft and Ihsahn were major influences on the vibe we went for. We wanted that mix of raw black metal aggression and progressive structure.

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

Thanks for the interview. Our debut Macabre Luxuria is out in January 30 and first single on January 20. If you’re into music that is melodic, crushing, and a bit unconventional, give it a listen.

Pits/Macabre Luxuria/2026 Full Length Review

 

  Pits  are  a  band  from  Latvia  that  plays  a  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  self  released  album  "Macabre  Luxuria"  which  will  be  released  in  2026.

  Clean  playing  starts  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  heavier  direction  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  grim  sounding  black  metal  screams.  Elements  of  death  metal a re  also  utilized  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  At  times  the  music  also  gets  very  progressive  sounding  while  the  riffs  also  add  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody.  Blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking  are  also  added  into  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  which  also  gives  the  recording  more  of  a  raw  feeling  along  with  the  songs  also  adding  in  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts .  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style

  Pits  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  a  progressive  form  of  black  metal  and  mixes  it  with  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own.  The  production  sounds  very  professional  while  thr  lyrics  cover  dark  and  philosophical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Pits  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  mixture  of  black  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Premonition"  "Non  Licet  Bovi"  "Dead  man's  Letter"  and  "Macabre  Luxuria".  8  out  of  10.