Doomed Confessionary: Orroth (Smokecastle)
Smokecastle is an occult stoner/doom metal band formed in mid-2022 in Belgrade, Serbia.
The current line-up consists of Orroth on vocals and bass, Filip Stanković on guitar, and Bargest on drums.
Smokecastle’s debut EP »Stardust« was released on October 17th, 2023. Their song »Aeon Of Horus« also appeared on Weedian’s compilation »Trip To Serbia« in February 2025.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Smokecastle is an occult metal band from Serbia. Blending elements of stoner doom, black metal, post-metal and various other genres, while preaching about esoteric practices such as Thelema, Hermeticism, Alchemy & Magick.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Maintaining a consistent lineup has been a challenge, but it shaped the band’s identity as well. Working through transitions taught me to put the vision of the project first, rather than schedules or logistics, and it made me want to keep the Castle alive even more.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Probably our debut release »Stardust«. It captured exactly what I wanted Smokecastle to be at the time.
What was your biggest regret?
Perhaps not being able to release more material faster or play more shows, but I’ve learned that patience and letting the creative process breathe is more important than rushing. Everything will come when the stars align.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We’ve only had 4 shows so far,each of them held a special energy,but if I had to pick one it would probably be our set at Nebuloza Gathering festival in 2024. It was the only open air show we’ve done and it really felt magical playing surrounded by trees and nature.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How small the scene actually is and how much that fact strengthens the connections between listeners and the bands.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
When it comes to metal I mostly listen to doom & black metal, but besides that I listen to a lot of different stuff. I’ve been listening to a lot of neo/dark folk, ambient & electronic music lately.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
It may sound cliché, but the best advice I’ve been given is to follow what feels right to me, in music and in life, and to ignore norms and expectations that don’t resonate with me.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Guilty pleasures are all of the small escapes from heaviness. A film, a book, music or really anything that differs from what I usually create and try to represent.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Serbia?
Sadly it’s been kind of quiet lately, not a lot of new bands and releases are coming out, and most of those that are don’t really bring many new things to the table, so the scene is mostly run by pioneers that’ve been playing for multiple decades. However, there is a fair amount of a world class bands from Serbia that I think deserve much more recognition. At the end of the day, we all co-exist on the same scene, playing the same venues, and I’ve got nothing but respect for anyone that contributes to it in any way.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
No confirmed dates yet, but a tour is a part of the plan once everything settles.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are planning to make Smokecastle grow in every way. I’m exploring new influences and have been doing a lot of work behind the curtain, both for Smokecastle and my solo work. I’m excited for the next phase of the project to see the light of day.
How can people best support your band?
The best support is simply engaging with our art. Come to our show, buy merch, follow our socials and listen to our music on YouTube and Bandcamp where you can directly support the project as well.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks to everyone believing in us and finding meaning in what we create. Love is the law. Much love for everyone recognizing what we stand for and resonating with it.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well