We recently interviewed Kaliningrad-based Russian act Ape on the Rocket. Read the full article on their new anti-authoritarian single, negative impacts and censorship from the Russian Ukraine invasion, secret concept of Deacon the Hornet, writing lyrics in English vs. their native language, the regional metal scene, and plenty of upcoming plans for the rest of the year and 2023 by clicking here.
During the interview, we asked the band their opinion on metal bands from nearby countries like Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, and Latvia. Check out their thoughts as part of our Love Thy Neighbor series below.
Mora Prokaza [Belarus] – “Check It”
This one went straight to my black heart with well-measured black culture, hip-hop, and Slavik swamps. “Check It” is like first step Little Big would make if they would choose a bit of a different way. I will show Mora Prokaza to all my friends for sure.
0% Mercury [Ukraine] – “Reflection”
This is a cool band! That girl has such a strong voice! She is going to the edge of her limits; I like it am trying to do the same. Also, the sound and the vibe are very catchy. I’ve never heard of them by the way.
Sever [Latvia] – “Cold World”
I know them! I would say we’re friends. We always share common things on social networks. I met the vocalist Leo [Korenevsky] two times before. He is a very nice guy and good singer. His band is quite unique for me. I am not a big fan of melodic post-hardcore or alternative metal; it’s dead for me and too much in the past like 2011, but Sever sounds fresh and you could hear their Baltic vibe. And their videos… each is a masterpiece, soulful.
Infestation [Lithuania] – “Pork ‘n’ Roll / 993 Missed Calls”
This is amazing! Sometimes I listen to grindcore; I would like to see their live shows. It’s just pure fun to me.
Materia [Poland] – “Rosa Alba”
I don’t understand why, but progressive metal is very popular in Poland. I also know a few cool
bands from there, specially my friends Interferences from (be careful, don’t break your tongue) Bydgoszcz; they rock! Materia is a metal band without compromises, as we say. You are getting a dose of pure metal in your brain; try to not shit your pants.
The interview was excellent, and what a fun segment to come out of it too! Can’t wait to check out all these bands!