Мещера - 'One can’t live on a single emotion'
- Sparky
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Мещера (Meschera) is ever evolving. Their music captures the essence of their traditional Russian homeland and is combined with the power of black metal to create sonic soundscapes that are textured and rich in both history and atmosphere. Superb vocals combined with music that transport the listener on a journey that is both folk and epic. Their superb Debut album Zhatva has been surpassed by the new album Песни вечных ветров (Songs Of the Eternal Winds)
Alexandra (Vocals): We set the bar high with our first album, and our goal for the second album was not to fall below that standard. We wanted to create something truly unique, unlike anything else in the world of Russian or global ethnic music.
Dmitry (multi-instruments vocals): We continued working with familiar folk instruments, such as tagelharpa, gusli, jaw harp, and blended their sound with powerful electric guitars and dynamic drums. The initial concept was conceived while working on the first album. But we managed to diversify the sound of the new album by adding modern metal genres. To deepen the overall atmosphere, we also lowered the guitar tuning.
It is a deeper, more enriching experience and still very much connected to nature.
Alexandra: Yes, absolutely. Nature imagery is one of the core themes inspiring us.
Is This where inspiration for ''Lullaby of the Forest " comes from?
Dmitry: Yes, exactly. Slavic mythology features a vast pantheon of lower mythical beings like leshy (forest spirits), domovoy (house spirits), and other minor entities. The song isn’t really about these creatures but rather their presence in our lives—not literally, but as reflections of human thought patterns. These spirits embody our anxieties and doubts. Depending on one’s mindset, they can become either benevolent or malevolent.
Musically it has also progressed into something stronger yet more nuanced.
Alexandra: Undoubtedly, the band isn’t stagnant; our sound is evolving. Many factors influence this, including our musical influences and tastes. But sometimes, while composing a song, the sound of a riff or drum part feels predestined—like it must be that way and no other.
Yet it is still very much rooted in metal and traditionalism?
Dmitry: “Songs of the Eternal Winds” is also steeped in the aesthetics of early medieval Rus’ and lands inhabited by other peoples that later became Russia. While specific gods or pagan idols aren’t directly named, there are hints of them. The stories we tell are indirectly linked to Russian mythology, much like in the first album.
It is also aggressive. Is it important to reflect anger and emotion?
Dmitry: Humans have always experienced a wide range of emotions. One can’t live on a single emotion—like only joy and smiles. Life is changeable, and people react emotionally, both now and in the past. In moderation, aggression can manifest in art. For many, music offers a way to channel aggression without acting on it—they can simply hear that familiar emotion.
Vocally how did you prepare for this album? Did the lyrics create the atmosphere required for each song?
Alexandra: The vocal style for each song takes shape once the lyrics are ready and we’re in the studio. Sometimes we record three or four vocal takes in different styles and ranges, then choose the one that blends most organically with the music while conveying the song’s core emotions and atmosphere.
You have also tried some new vocal techniques. Do you never stop growing as an artist?
Alexandra: Yes, I’m genuinely interested in learning new techniques and applying them. It’s great that listeners respond well, though extreme vocals can sound too aggressive to some of them.
How do you describe ‘In Silent Sadness"? What does it mean to you?
Dmitry: "Silent Sadness" is a song about inner turmoil and accepting that everything is finite, everything fades. It explains how the cyclical nature of time and human life is inevitable. We all die, new life is born, and like a stream cutting through sand in a forest, it evaporates, rises through treetops to the sky, falls as rain, and becomes a stream once more.
Your darkness is tempered by light, is it a delicate balance?
Alexandra: In our music, as in Russian folktales, the balance between light and darkness is the key. Our lyrics tries to answer the questions about the world, morality, human destiny, and our connection to nature - a source of wisdom and aid.
How do you describe darkness? Is it something to be feared or embraced?
Alexandra: In Russian lore, darkness isn’t just a symbol of the unknown and fear. It’s also a space where goodness and wisdom can be revealed. That’s precisely the balance of light and dark.
The importance of shadows and texture in your music to create a complete experience?
Dmitry: They convey the atmosphere of Russian melancholia and sorrow. We often weave in such textures, though occasionally we shift toward brighter imagery—but not often.
Future plans and shows? Meschera seems to never stop writing.
Alexandra: Since “Meschera” isn’t just a music project but also a band that produces its own videos and handles everything independently, our songs are deeply tied to the visuals we create. It’s a multi-layered creative process, and we have many ideas we want to make real one day.We’re currently writing a new album and working intensively on it. We’ve also prepared several collabs with other artists, which is an experiment for us. A major tour in support of the album is planned for this fall.
The top 6 things that inspire Meschera?
Alexandra and Dmitry: Nature, history, folklore, personal experiences, collaborative creativity, social themes. ______
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