Мещера (Мещёра/Meshchyora) was formed in 2022 in Ryazan' as a result of Dmitry Kokarev's (Sympuls-E) and Alexandra Sidorova's (Zmey Gorynich) mutual desire to create something dark and gloomy, beyond the sound of their bands. This is how the "blackish" track "В Неведомых Топях" ("In the Unknown Swamps") appeared. Inspired by the result, musicians continued vigorously to create, produce and promote the EP, and soon the full-length album "Жатва" ("The Harvest"). Their diligence paid off - the band quickly gained a lot of listeners and positive reviews thanks to resulting unique sound and flawless performance. The band doesn't bound themselves to a certain genre, but their darkened epic sound may be characterized as a balanced combination of folk metal and atmospheric black metal, generously decorated with ethnic instruments and other genres' elements. Vocals are predominantly clean by Alexandra, but growls and screams are also in their places. Lyrics and visual style of the band are mainly inspired by the history, mythology, culture, traditions and nature of the Meshchoyra krai (region), which includes ancient Moscow, Ryazan' and Vladimir regions. "It's on the level of emotion, on the level of blood, I guess. It non-verbally draws us back, so when we encounter it, love and admiration embrace us." © Dmitry Kokarev

Line-up: Dmitry Kokarev - guitars, ethnic instruments, vocals, songwriting, lyrics, arrangement, recording, producing Alexandra Sidorova - vocals, lyrics, arrangement Svyatoslav Krekov - drums, artwork Maxim Ayupov - bass, mixing, mastering

Links: VK Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Bandcamp Interview with Darker Interview with InRock