Enter the Dominion for Eternity – An Interview with Mistcavern – June 2020 AB

Right before the end of 2019 I came across this band by accident. Someone shared on a social media page the demo of this mysterious Hungarian entity called Mistcavern, who have just released “Winds of Misery“, their 3 track debut demo tape. Upon the first listen I was instantly blown away by the music and by the whole atmosphere these tracks contained.

Thanks to Osseum, the founder and the main songwriter in Mistcavern, some of the mysteries were disclosed in discussion we had. Just like his music, his answers are shrouded in a dark aura and sometimes less means more. Enjoy this interview and keep an eye on this band, you won’t be disappointed.

1. You released the debut demo “Winds of Misery” in December 2019 and there was almost no promotion or any social media fuss to support it (apart from some word of mouth and your Bandcamp page). Why did you choose this “secretive” attitude?

It was not that conscious to stay away this much. I just treat social media with reservations. Lots of bands are using these platforms with the intensity of a consumer brand which is disgusting. I am missing the beneficent obscurity of the underground before this conquered everything.

2. The demo was available at first only in digital format but later on, you released it on a self-produced tape limited to 30 pieces. Earlier this year, it finally came out again via Iron Bonehead Productions, on a pro tape format limited to 200 pieces. How did you end up signing an agreement with this important underground label?

We made 30 copies for the local allies and for promotion. Later I’ve sent the material to the label boss PK and he liked it. I told him our plan of finding a label for the demo and he offered his support with Iron Bonehead.

3. Mistcavern’s members are (or have been) quite active in several Hungarian black metal bands over the years. What is your insight about the local scene? How do see it nowadays, compared to the one from, let’s say, 15 years ago? Are you “related” to some bands in particular?

I‘m not really following what is happening now or at least not enough to make comparisons. I have been in some bands in the past but they are not relevant here.

4. “Mistcavern” is such a good name for a band and goes hand in hand with the music you play. It is cold, dark and has an evil feeling. Instead of speed, you mostly rely on the atmosphere. What influences/inspires you to write this kind of music? What triggers the creative mood in the Mistcavern camp?

I have the highest regard for music which has that ancient force or timeless atmosphere strong enough to transfer you to another sphere, seceded from reality. Even if it sounds cliché. This is the state I want to reach with and I have to reach while making music.

5. The first thing that hit me when I listened to the demo was how strong the 90’s Norwegian black metal vibe was in your music. Those familiar with it will surely understand my analogy. How were you able to infuse Mistcavern with such a nostalgic feeling/spirit, while still keeping a personal touch?

It was not an intention to do something nostalgic. These records of early to mid 90’s black metal transmit the most for me unto this day. The otherworldly atmosphere of these releases is still untouchable. The impression and the musical language of that era is reflecting naturally in Mistcavern.

6. The booklet does not contain too much info about the music, unfortunately. Would you like to describe a bit what the lyrics are about? Is there a message contained in those words?

I think mostly in pictures both in music and lyrics. The subjects alternate from nature’s hidden dimensions through end of times imagery to the all-embracing darkness of the cosmos and the complete irrelevance of man in all these.

7. I mentioned earlier that besides Bandcamp, Mistcavern is not active on the social media side of life. How does that affect your (musical) visibility, knowing that most of today’s bands have at least one profile on a platform out there? How satisfied are you with the reactions you received so far, only if this aspect is important to you?

So far I had no interest of trying to have a breakthrough in the sewers of social media platforms. Because of that we are less visible for sure, but I think the music slowly reach its audience. We received good reactions up to now and of course it’s good if somebody sees what you wanted to display with your music.

8. Have these solitary times we’re all living now been creative for you in any way? What can you tell me of the new Mistcavern release (assuming there will be one, of course)?

We are ready to rehearse the new material and I’m looking forward to hear its final form with the line-up. I’m not a fan of these kind of heralding but I think these songs descends deeper while also showing a sharper image than before.

9. Do you think Mistcavern will ever play live? Don’t you fear that by doing that you’ll lose some of the evil atmosphere present on the demo tape? How do you imagine the best set-up for your first live performance?

I’m not really interested in playing live. There are bands who are meant for the stage and bands that aren’t. I think Mistcavern belongs to the latter.

10. It seems like the end is upon us. Thank you for taking your time to answer my questions. I really appreciate it. Before Miscavern returns to its dark lair, the final words are yours, if you’d like to something more.

Thank you for the interest!

Line Up:

Angmar – Vocals

Osseum – Guitars, Keys

Whisper – Bass

Sadaist – Drums

Band contact:

https://mistcavern.bandcamp.com/releases

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/en/