1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
MROH was formed as a Russian black metal project. We adhere to the direction of atmospheric black metal in our creativity. The band was founded on December 1, 2019 and initially consisted of two people: Vladislav Yashalov and Yuri Rykov, a little later Florian Issel joined the project and it actually became international.
2.So far you have released a full and an ep this year, musically how do they differ from each other?
Our debut was the full-length album The Story. An instrumental version of this album was released a little later, and instrumental tracks that were not included on the album became available as an EP.
3.You also released an instrumental version of the full length, can you tell us a little bit more about that decision?
The decision to release an instrumental version of the album was made as a result of studying the reviews of the album, a fairly large number of listeners wanted to enjoy the melodic lines and atmosphere of the guitar parts, which would not be overshadowed by extreme vocals. After receiving several similar reviews we took this step. Of course the instrumental was not so popular but it found its audience and has the right to exist. We value our work very much and try to convey the whole atmosphere of the album to the listener as much as possible, plunging into which it is impossible to remain indifferent!
4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
Our album contains a whole story, the plot of which develops in the Universe created by us and throughout all the tracks is a reflection of such manifestations as: creation and oblivion, birth and death, becoming and betrayal, life and death. All this is mixed in one bottle and it gives the listener the opportunity to dive deeply and experience the events that are happening together with us. But this is not the end of our story, it will definitely have a development and continuation!
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mroh'?
This was the name of one of the first now-defunct bands, which was used as a short form of M. R. O. H. We wanted to revive this name but in a completely different light. So MROH became the name of the entity that controls our fictional universe. Later the concept of the future album and the story that unfolds on its pages were born.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the symbolism in the band logo?
Our logo is created in the image and likeness of ancient occult seals that contain something mysterious and hidden. That is why we do not want to fully reveal its meaning leaving the opportunity for inquisitive minds to solve this riddle on their own.
7.Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows?
From the very beginning to the present our group is more of an Internet project formed in the social network Instagram and it united people with a common idea and common interests. Thus, our project can be considered one of the most successful examples of internet collaboration. Born in the depths of Instagram it has not only developed but it also spread far beyond it. The wide geography of our participants ' residence does not allow us to plan live performances yet but we are looking for various ways to compensate for this and hope that in the future we will have the opportunity to perform live.
8. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Our album was released and produced on our own independent platform MROH Records but we are open to collaboration and would love to consider an offer from some serious label that would help us in our development and promotion.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Yura, [17.06.20 21:13]
This question is difficult to answer since relatively little time has passed. But we are already getting a lot of positive feedback from the audience that supported us from the beginning. This support inspires us and sets us up for further creativity and development.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We would like to keep our style and sound that we have achieved in our album to the maximum. We may make some changes but they will not be so significant and will not dramatically affect the result.
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?
Almost all members of our group were interested in the work of Krzysztof "Christopher" Drabikowski and his band «Батюшка», this was more of an occasion for acquaintance and further joint creativity. We were also inspired at various times by the already iconic albums from Burzum and Immortal and among our contemporaries we would like to mention the Polish band Mgla and the Russian project Grima.
12.Does Occultism play any role in your music?
Obviously, yes. Devoid as an occult basis, our music ceases to carry its secret mystical meaning. Therefore we not only do not renounce occultism but we also emphasize our connection with it in every possible way. At the same time our stories do not have any anti-religious or anti-clerical rhetoric since this is a well-worn topic already, it's difficult to surprise anyone today. Our philosophy is aimed at the knowledge of hidden and unknown forces within man and in the world around him, nature and the universe. This is what our first album is about and we will have something to say about it in the future.
13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak out and be heard. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to all those who support our creativity. We also want to appeal to novice musicians especially those who still doubt their abilities or do not have the opportunity to show their creativity to the world. We are ready to help you with mixing, mastering and production. Our independent studio MROH Records can be a launching pad for your debut. Connect with us, we will be happy to cooperate!
