Doomed Confessionary: Boris Pavlov (Embrace By Dark)
Embrace By Dark is a melodic doom/death metal band from Sofia, Bulgaria. After ten-year hiatus, the band returned with their second full-length album »Extrasensory«, which was released on October 25th, 2024 via WormHoleDeath Records.
Embrace By Dark is of those rare kind of projects whose existence denies the limitations of time and space to become something much more lasting and significant than an ordinary metal band. Stared in distant 1995, with the years, they turned to be one of the most impressive and distinctive names within Bulgarian extreme scene – a status, hold up until today.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Hello, I am Sami, the guitarist of Embrace By Dark from Bulgaria, and its longest-standing member. We play dark, atmospheric, melodic, avant-garde metal. The band was born in 1995 as a side project of Ilko Loki from the band Desolate. He crafted the entire concept and vision. He was the creator of the melodies and the lyrics. He was the driving force and the inspiration behind this project, which later transcended into more of an artistic phenomenon than just a metal band. The idea was creativity to be detached from the mundane, material, mental, and emotional aspects of our existence, and instead to delve deeply into the realms beyond the reality of the five senses. It was about dissolving into the never-ending flow of change and the unending search for truth.
And something very important – we placed no limitations on style or music; our only guiding principle was avoiding mediocrity. The creations had to be deep, to carry profound messages. The initial idea was simply to create intriguing music, without the names or faces of the participants being known. This, however, later changed. And so, the band embarked on an eternal journey, passing through countless transformations. Each new album’s style was different from the one before. The musicians too have changed. This wasn’t planned – it simply happened.
Recently, I have come to realize what Embrace By Dark truly is – it is that darkness, untouched by the movement of energies and forms, the darkness of complete stillness, where the light of consciousness can shine through.
Album lineup:
Ilko Gizdov (Loki) – vocals
Emil Enev (Icon-E) – bass
Georgi Radev (Hadelfar) – synths
Angel Nikolov (Angel) – drums
Vlasislav Stoyanov (Vlad) – guitars
Boris Pavlov (Sami) – guitars
Recent lineup:
Todor Krassimirov (Sirius) – vocals
Boyko Iliev (Fortis) – bass
Angel Nikolov (Angel) – drums
Vlasislav Stoyanov (Vlad) – guitars
Boris Pavlov (Sami) – guitars
Georgi Markov (Alvin) – violin
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
After IconE and Hadelfar had to relocate to other places outside Sofia, it became clear that it was physically impossible for them to continue playing with us. And so, we were left without a bassist and a keyboardist. We stayed on pause for a long time – with a recorded album but without a full lineup. Luckily, Fortis joined us and picked up the bass. We decided to start preparing for live performances without a keyboardist. Like that, we did a really great concert. Then, we were invited to participate in another live show, which was postponed to a later date right before the original show. Before the concert could take place, Loki didn’t feel well. He had lost his voice. He went to the doctor and came back with the worst diagnosis. Moments like that completely turn your world upside down… I didn’t know what was up or down anymore. I began to realize that I don’t know anything, and I can’t really know anything. No matter how much I think I know everything and have everything under control, the truth is that my whole understanding of life is just one big illusion in a holographic world of expectations, concepts, and arrogance. It’s really just a bubble that bursts in a second. And that’s when clarity comes – I don’t control anything, I’m nothing like what I think I am.
So… Loki’s condition was getting worse. It was clear he wouldn’t be able to sing anymore. We discussed the possibility of him taking over the keyboards, and inviting Sirus from Dimholt to take on the vocals. An operation was done, but it didn’t help. At the same time, the offer from Wormholedeath came through to release the album. Loki managed to sign the contract, and a few days later, he left this reality. His wish was for the band to continue its journey.
Photo credit: UnholyUnion
What can you be most proud of so far?
In my younger years, I found pride in every achievement, and, conversely, disappointment in unfulfilled goals. But as time has passed, I’ve come to realize that both pride and disappointment are merely transient states of the mind, stirred by external circumstances, disconnected from the true essence of reality. They bring fleeting sensations of satisfaction or dissatisfaction. And if it’s fleeting, it cannot be true. That’s why I now seek fulfillment in the journey itself, an eternal path. I am content to have come to understand the essence of Embrace By Dark, and to have the privilege of being a part of it. Embrace By Dark is, in its core, a sanctuary for the eternal, where I can always return and reconnect with my soul, my spirit, and my true self. I am grateful that we have preserved this vision despite the many trials we have faced. We have no set goals, no deadlines. We have nothing to be disappointed in, nor to take pride in. We have never compromised on our principles, nor yielded to conditions or ultimatums. And I intend for it to remain so. Embrace By Dark will continue to be a wellspring of pure art, and it will never be reduced to a mere product. The partnership with Wormholedeath has offered us a beautiful opportunity to share our art with the world, to refine what we offer, so that it may serve the greater good. The act of sharing is a source of joy and life. We are deeply grateful for everything unfolding. And I, personally, feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to have contributed to the creation of our second album – Sculpture of the Godforsaken Aeons. To me, this album stands in the top five of all time, among all bands.
What was your biggest regret?
My personal regret, if it could be named so, lies in the fact that, in the past, I had a sense of the essence of Embrace By Dark, but I did not have complete clarity. Only now, after Loki’s passing, has a certain clarity begun to unfold within me. For this, I am truly grateful. Better late than never. Now, I see everything we do in a very different way, as if from another place, through the heart.
In the past, we’ve encountered quite intense situations – manifestations of arrogance and ego – that have hindered us and brought heavy consequences. For example, our arrogance in wanting to control and dictate the process of recording and mixing led to the precious drums played by the late Mihail Yalandzhiev-Tsaro being too quiet in the mix. As a result, the album lost much of its dynamic power. Or the way we parted ways with our other guitarist, Ventus. Thankfully, we’re still good friends! In truth, all the situations and people who have crossed our path have been our teachers, and they were exactly where they needed to be, at exactly the right time, for our growth. So, in fact, it can’t really be about regret, but rather about gratitude.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
For me, the best and most intense show we’ve ever done was the promo for our new album, »Extrasensory«. We had the honor of being invited by Albena Tsolova-Beta (EventEase) to open for the legendary Rotting Christ at their massive 35th anniversary show in Sofia on November 17th, 2024. First time I’ve ever felt pure perfection. The whole organization was on point. The professionalism of the promoters, the club, the sound techs, the lighting crew… it was all next-level. I called it “quiet perfection” in that moment. The club was bursting at the seams, the fans were absolutely starving for it. The energy and presence were unreal. A huge thank you to everyone who made it happen. You guys made that night unforgettable.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I can’t really say. That’s one of the core aspects of the music scene – it’s always full of surprises. For example, I’ve been surprised by the direction Katatonia took. They were a huge influence on us with their early albums, but later on, they completely changed their style. Another surprise was the shift Ulver made – from black metal to dark electro wave. What’s been catching my attention recently, globally, is that bands with large lineups are becoming rarer, and the trend of solo acts is on the rise. Guess it’s easier that way. But still, I kinda wish people wouldn’t lose the desire for sharing and unity. That’s where the real magic happens.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Arcturus, Vortex, Covenant… pure magic. An atmosphere that feels like a fairy tale. On the next level, Dødheimsgard are carrying out their mystical rituals. And at the very top, Tumata are performing an endless Sema, the whirlwind of unity between heaven and earth.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
No one’s ever given me advice as a musician, because I’m not really a musician. And even if they did, I probably wouldn’t get it… haha. But there’s one piece of advice that’s universal on all levels of existence – Listen! The truth lies in the silence.
What are your guilty pleasures?
My guilty pleasure? It’s definitely my obsession with exploring different musical instruments and styles. At home, though, it’s starting to get a bit crowded… and let me tell you, my wife’s not too thrilled about it… haha.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Bulgaria?
The scene in Bulgaria has always been interesting – it’s always been a mix of the old and the new. We’ve got all kinds of bands here – from commercial products to full-on artists. A lot of the bands we started with are still around, evolving and changing. That’s something that really inspires me. At the same time, there’s a fresh wave of young, talented, and fired-up musicians coming up, forming new and exciting bands. The latest surprise for me? The new drummer in this very old band, Hate Campaign, is in eighth grade… which makes him about 15. And he plays like a beast.
Photo credit: UnholyUnion
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ve wrapped up our shows for this year, and I’m super stoked that we managed to get the full lineup together again. Even our violinist, Alvin, came back and played with us at the album promo. It felt like a real reunion, and it was epic!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
On January 29th, 2024, we’re hoping to play a show with the Brits, Fen. After that, we might have some gigs around the country, maybe even go international… No set plans yet, though. Right now, we want to focus on pushing our new album »Extrasensory« out there, put in the work to get it out to the world. After that, we’ll dive right back into creating new material. That’s the sweetest part of the whole process.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Nah, no plans really. I just hope we stay alive and kicking, and whatever comes our way, we’ll roll with it. Bring it on!
How can people best support your band?
The biggest support we can get is through sharing. If people feel inspired, we want them to share our music. Follow us on streaming platforms like Spotify, iTunes, or check us out on Bandcamp, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Of course, we won’t be mad if you decide to buy our music, either digitally or in physical formats.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Stay healthy, full of energy and inspiration. Let’s keep putting more energy into our inner quest for our true essence, dedicating ourselves to self-exploration. Only then will we find answers to questions that can’t be put into words. Out there, we won’t find anything truly meaningful, and nothing external can bring us complete fulfillment. Everything we need is within us – happiness without reason, unconditional love, total satisfaction, and wholeness.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well