It is difficult to comprehend that, in our times, there are still places and people suffering from war. Just look at what is happening in Ukraine and Palestine. Despite these hardships, it is incredible—almost unbelievable—that musicians and bands from these regions continue to create new music. This is proof that even in the darkest times, music remains a beacon of expression and resilience … Archsin, hailing from Ukraine, craft intricate art metal soundscapes. Myth of Rock listened to their debut EP (“On Death and Dying”), and here you can read our conversation with this promising newcomer band.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
Where, when and by whom was Archsin formed? Give us a biography of Archsin in a few words.
Archsin is a story of two colleagues that just started playing and demoing stuff. Then, they felt like not just playing some music, but telling a story with it.
Why did you choose this name “Archsin” for your band?
Reminds of math, and something’s off with it ;-). The band was unable to come with the name for the first ten years, then Alex’s [guitar] wife came up with it in five minutes.
You have your debut EP out now. Which are your feelings about this first release?
We went through all those Kubler-Ross stages multiple times when making that record. Right now it’s Acceptance. Go give this track another spin 😉
How would you define your music style?
Let’s go with “art metal”
Which are your main music influences? I believe that you are also influenced by 70s progressive rock and jazz rock bands, am I right?
There’s Opeth. No use hiding it. There’s Pink Floyd. And a whole lot of music outside rock and metal – like, Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Tord Gustavsen Trio. Not too late to name a bit of Chopin, we hope?
Your EP is based on a book by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. How has this book inspired you? Which is the connection between the books and the songs?
We did a piece for each of the stages described in the book, but also partially addressed the later criticism of the book by slightly mixing up the stages, referencing previous ones later on, etc.
Your songs are instrumental. Why is that?
Because we believe in music that speaks for itself, and needs no subtitles to be able to convey a story.
How is a typical Archsin song composed?
Alex [guitar] brings the initial pitch, Andrew [bass] transforms it into a textured skeleton, Demon [drums] finds a way to present whatever came out of this, so it sounds less Meshuggah.
How would you describe the atmosphere of your songs?
Obsessive.
Where was the EP recorded? Who did the production? The mixing and the mastering?
Drums were recorded at Joncofy studio, 2014. “Depression” drums re-recorded at Dmitry Kim studio, 2023.No idea where the saxophone was recorded, to be honest 😉 Guitars were recorded across four Alex’s homes, following his migration patterns. Initial audio engineering by Dmitry Kim, stem mixing and mastering, also “Acceptance” complete production was done by Chess Records Kyiv.
Have you written already new songs for your first full-length album? If yes, how do they sound? When should we expect your debut album?
Not on the table right now. A bit busy trying to survive.
Have you played any live shows until now? Are you planning any new shows? How do you sound live in concert?
We’ve been writing music with live shows in mind, but now we’re separated because of the war and there’s no good way to reunite and play live.
You hail from Ukraine. How are things for metal in Ukraine?
It’s soaked in war. And much more underground. Almost no touring even for mainstream bands. Imagine covid on top of covid, but it’s missiles instead of batshit flu.
How has the war against Ukraine affected you as individuals and as a band?
There’s a lot of disillusionment during the war. You see lots of things, people, and institutions for what they are. You see yourself for what you are. The priorities shift quite a bit, which might have helped us finish and release the album. The war is far from over, as is our change of perspective on the world around us, so it’s hard to predict how it will affect the band in the end.
Send your message to the fans!
Don’t let the world make you insensitive, even when there’s so much suffering around.