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Zobrazují se příspěvky se štítkem#Brzask. Zobrazit všechny příspěvky
Zobrazují se příspěvky se štítkem#Brzask. Zobrazit všechny příspěvky

neděle 22. června 2025

A few questions - interview with black death metal band from Poland - BRZASK.


A few questions - interview with black death metal band from Poland - BRZASK.

Recenze/review - BRZASK - Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge (2025):
https://www.deadlystormzine.com/2025/05/recenzereview-brzask-der-wanderer-im.html

Ave, can you introduce your band to our readers? – When was it founded and what style of
music do you play etc.?

Hello! Brzask was formed in 2019, born out of a deep connection to the mountainous landscape we call home. The vision came during a walk through the mist-covered valley—something about that atmosphere just screamed black metal. We play atmospheric black metal rooted in the raw, traditional sound of the '90s, but with our own sense of melody and mood. Think cold riffs, blasting drums, haunting ambience—and a strong focus on nature, solitude, and the harsh beauty of the world around us. Since then, we’ve been channeling that spirit into everything we do, from demo recorded in the basement to full-length albums shaped by Karkonsze.


Where and under what conditions were you recording the new album? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?

We recorded the new album under pretty contrasting conditions. The drums were tracked at Kristiania Studio in Oslo, Norway—a professional setup with great acoustics that really helped capture the power and precision we wanted. The rest of the instruments—guitars, bass, vocals—were recorded in our home studio in the Karkonosze mountains. It's a more DIY space, but it gave us total control over the sound and atmosphere, which is crucial for a band like ours.

The mixing was handled by our own J. together with Dante—we spent a lot of time (or maybe too much) shaping the sonic texture to reflect the aggression we were aiming for. Once everything was ready, the tracks went to Unisound, where the legendary Dan Swanö did the mastering. He completely understood the vision and gave the final sound the punch and clarity it needed without sacrificing the raw essence. Working with him was a huge honor—he's been a major influence on us through his work with bands like Edge of Sanity and Dissection.

How many copies were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?

Thanks to Vendetta Records, the new album got a proper physical release—CDs and some absolutely stunning vinyl editions in classic black and royal blue. We’re really proud of how they turned out, both visually and sonically. As for the exact number of copies… I’d rather not get into that. Numbers stress me out, and honestly, we’re more focused on the music reaching the right ears than on counting units.


Who is the author of the lyrics and how were they created and about what do the lyrics deal with?

All the lyrics on Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge were written by J. The themes are deeply rooted in our connection to the Karkonosze mountains—especially the ancient spirits that are said to dwell there. Nature, solitude, and myth are central to our vision. One figure in particular looms large: Rübezahl, the mountain spirit and guardian of these lands. His presence echoes throughout the album, both in the atmosphere and in the words. The lyrics are meant to evoke that sense of mystery and reverence for the wild, untamed world beyond the edge of civilization.

Who created the logo of the band, and who took care of the graphics and the website? What about you and social networks? Do you consider these things important?

It's again J. 's work. The logo, and the graphic themes. For us visuals are an integral part of the release.


Which label did you choose for releasing your album and why this label? Are you satisfied by how your label represents you and takés care about you?

We released the album through Vendetta Records, and we couldn’t be happier with that choice. They’ve done a fantastic, fully professional job from start to finish—great communication, total respect for our vision, and a real understanding of the underground scene. It’s clear they care about the music and the bands they work with, and that kind of support makes a huge difference. We’re proud to be part of their roster.

Which bands do you idolise and where do you get your inspiration?

Our biggest inspiration comes from the '90s black metal scene—especially bands like Dissection and Mayhem. That era had a raw intensity and atmosphere that still resonates deeply with us. At the same time, we also draw influence from more recent acts like Mgła and Spectral Wound, who manage to keep the spirit of black metal alive while pushing it forward in their own way.

Did you send your record to some Labels - which are the labels? How was the response?

Yes, we did reach out and had conversations with a few labels during the early stages. Eventually, Vendetta Records stood out as the best fit for us—and it turned out to be the perfect choice for us.


How many gigs have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether it's (clubs or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?

Honestly, I’ve lost count. After the demo was released, we played a handful of shows across Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia, including both club gigs and festivals. We don’t really prefer one over the other—it all depends on the vibe, the sound, and the connection with the audience. Both formats have their highs and lows, but in the end, what matters most to us is the intensity of the performance, not the size of the stage or the crowd.

What about your plans for the future? What do you want to achieve with the band?

The next album is already in the works—some parts are written, and we’ll be starting early demo sessions soon. This time around, we’re aiming for something more atmosphere-driven, with memorable riffs and a more brutal, yet differently melodic tone than what we’ve done before.

Another big step for us would be to embark on a proper touring cycle—to finally bring our sound and vision to more stages across Europe and beyond. Our goal? To spread the tales of the Karkonosze, its spirits and mysticism, as far and wide as possible.

How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?

You can reach out to us directly via email at: brzaskband@gmail.com. We always appreciate hearing from people who connect with our music. Thank you for the Interview!

Thank you!

Recenze/review - BRZASK - Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge (2025):
https://www.deadlystormzine.com/2025/05/recenzereview-brzask-der-wanderer-im.html

středa 28. května 2025

Recenze/review - BRZASK - Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge (2025)


BRZASK - Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge
CD 2025, Vendetta Records

for english please scroll down

Když se dívám z chalupy v Jizerských horách na Krkonoše, tak vidím zasněžené vrcholy kopců. Mám to kousek, stačí sejít dolů, vylézt nahoru a potom se vydat po hřebenech. Dívám se na horský masív z druhé strany než polští black metalisté BRZASK. Ti se na svém debutovém albu věnují starým mýtům a bájím, ve kterých vystupuje pán hor, u nás Krakonoš, u nich Rübezahl. Pánové se věnují historii s nadšením a opravdovými znalostmi. Potkáte tak lidové léčitele, tajemné duchy hor i příběhy obyčejných lidí bojujících s přírodou. 

Určitě byste to měli zažít. Neznám nic lepšího, než vylézt na vysokou horu, dívat se do krajiny, sledovat poletující havrany i dravce. Nasávat pach z luk a strání, procházet se temným lesem, nechat se unášet ledovými potoky, ztratit se v mlze a poslouchat u toho "Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge". Jedná se o klasický, melodický, chladný black metal s jasným poselstvím. Ožijí před vámi tajemné příběhy hor. Duchové lesa by mohli vyprávět. 


Pokud bych měl nějakým způsobem hodnotit formální věci, tak by stačilo napsat jediné - vše je v nejlepším pořádku. Povedl se jak obal, tak i zvuk (mastering Dan Swanö), který je krásně chladný, podmanivý a syrový. Jako brzká rána v lesích kolem Harrachova. Opravdu vám doporučuji navštívit Krkonoše, poznat jejich krásu, sílu, tajemno i mystiku a teprve potom pochopíte sílu této nahrávky naplno. Jinak se jedná o klasický, tradiční black metal volně inspirovaný kapelami jako MAYHEM, EMPEROR, případně DISSECTION. Je znát a slyšet, že kapela pevně věří tomu, co hraje, o čem zpívá. Pánové pocházejí z Szklarske Poręby, kterou jsem několikrát navštívil. Víte, když sedím doma u reproduktorů, tak poslouchám opravdu pozorně. Protože pánové zpívají a hrají o tom, co mám sám rád, co ovlivnilo i můj život.  Mám v těchto místech kořeny, které nejdou (a ani nechci, aby byly) vytrhnout. Slyšel jsem podobné příběhy, které mi vyprávěl i můj děda, s pohledem upřeným do dálky i do minulosti. Jsem sice z Jizerských hor, ale Krkonoše mám prolezlé skrz naskrz. Mám rád staré legendy, chalupy, do kamenů vytesané vzkazy. Kdysi tu byly Sudety s velmi pohnutým osudem. BRZASK oživili vzpomínky, vytáhli ze starých spisů velmi zajímavé příběhy, opatřili je tajemnou atmosférou a zahalili je do temné mrazivé mlhy. U nás se říká, že jdeš do kopce nebo prší a když poslouchám "Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge", tak si na tohle přísloví často vzpomenu. Mraky jsou totiž velmi nízko a jsou černé jako lidské svědomí. Je lehké najednou věřit na léčivé účinky místních bylin, na duchy, na přízraky z onoho světa, na to, že každý strom má svůj vlastní příběh. Poláci mě zasáhli přímo do srdce. Nejen tématem textů, ale i hudbou samotnou. Pokud se vám tenhle styl líbí, tak se nechte pozvat na pochmurné toulky lesem. Určitě nebudete litovat. Naopak. Tohle je... Drsná, syrová, tajemná a záhadná black metalová duše hor! Velmi uvěřitelný, niterný zážitek! 


Asphyx says:

When I look from my cottage in the Jizera Mountains to the Giant Mountains, I see snow-covered hilltops. It's a short walk, just go down, climb up and then follow the ridges. I'm looking at the mountain massif from the other side than Polish black metallers BRZASK. On their debut album, they deal with old myths and myths, in which the lord of the mountains, in our case Krakonoš, in theirs Rübezahl. The gentlemen dedicate themselves to history with enthusiasm and real knowledge. You will meet folk healers, mysterious mountain spirits and stories of ordinary people fighting nature. 

You should definitely experience it. I can't think of anything better than climbing a high mountain, looking out over the landscape, watching the ravens and raptors fly by. To take in the smell of the meadows and hillsides, to walk through the dark forest, to be carried away by the icy streams, to get lost in the fog and listen to "Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge". This is classic, melodic, cold black metal with a clear message. The mysterious stories of the mountains come alive for you. The spirits of the forest could tell. 


If I had to evaluate the formal things in some way, it would be enough to write one thing - everything is in the best order. Both the cover art and the sound (mastering by Dan Swanö) have done well, which is beautifully cool, captivating and raw. Like an early morning in the woods around Harrachov. I really recommend you to visit the Krkonoše Mountains, experience their beauty, power, mystery and mysticism and only then you will understand the power of this recording to the fullest. Otherwise it is classic, traditional black metal loosely inspired by bands like MAYHEM, EMPEROR, or DISSECTION. You can see and hear that the band firmly believes in what they play and sing about. The gentlemen come from Szklarska Poręba, which I have visited several times. You know, when I sit at home at the speakers, I listen really carefully. Because the gentlemen sing and play about what I like myself, what has influenced my life. I have roots in these places that can't be (and I don't want them to be) ripped out. I've heard similar stories told by my grandfather, with his eyes fixed on the distance and the past. I may be from the Jizera Mountains, but the Krkonoše Mountains are right through me. I like old legends, cottages, messages carved in stones. Once there were Sudetenland with a very turbulent fate. BRZASK have revived the memories, pulled very interesting stories out of old writings, given them a mysterious atmosphere and shrouded them in a dark, chilling fog. In our country they say you go uphill or it rains and when I listen to "Der Wanderer im Riesengebirge" I often think of this saying. For the clouds are very low and as black as a man's conscience. It's easy to suddenly believe in the healing powers of local herbs, in ghosts, in otherworldly apparitions, in the fact that every tree has its own story. The Poles hit me right in the heart. Not only with the theme of the lyrics, but also with the music itself. If you like this style, then let yourself be invited to the gloomy wanderings through the forest. You won't regret it. On the contrary. This is... The gritty, raw, mysterious and eerie black metal soul of the mountains! A very believable, intimate experience!

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