Doomed Confessionary: Hans Horn & Martin Toomsalu (Mang Ont)
Mang Ont is a stoner/doom metal band from Tartu, Estonia, which was formed in 2012. The band’s musical direction are characterized by heavy and slow riffs, mixed with psychodellic drone and noise.
Mang Ont’s latest releases, »Külmavärinad« full-length and »Sügavkülmunud Tuum« EP, both dropped in April 2024.
Current line-up consists of Hans Horn (guitar, bass, drums, modular synth) and Martin Toomsalu (bass).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Hans: Mang Ont is an instrumental stoner doom metal band from the city of Tartu in Estonia. We started as a four-man band during 2012 and at that time we also had vocals. 4 years after the release of our first EP, our bass guitarist and vocalist decided to leave the band. We only had two guitarists after that both guitarists added bass amps to their inventory in addition to guitar amps. As a new three-man band, we pulled through and recorded two full-length albums, »Võhk« and »Maa Sarv«. After that, we unfortunately had to part ways and that left me as a solo. During that time as an one man band, Mang Ont managed to record another album, »Jääaeg«. There was somewhat of a pause then and recently, Martin Toomsalu decided to join up as a bassist and we recorded our most recent album »Külmavärinad« and an EP, which is called »Sügavkülmunud Tuum«.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Hans: Making an underground band is already a big challenge. Currently, we are short of a drummer, so I’d say that is our biggest challenge at the moment.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Martin: I’d say the sound of the album. It sounds refined, but still doomy. You got those ambient bits and then repetition of riffs that almost resemble a mantra, but they don’t overstay their welcome.
Hans: It is definetly the amount of DIY and hard work that has been poured into the repertoire of Mang Ont. The fact that we have managed to record four albums and two EPs and somehow survive in this landscape, that’s something to be proud of.
What was your biggest regret?
Hans: There ain’t any that comes to mind. This is the path I have chosen and its the path I must walk.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Hans: Personally, I can’t really prefer one over another or pick favorites. It has always been a blast to play live and go on tours.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Martin: There are a few. I discovered Knocked Loose lately and they blew my goddamn socks off. Another one was Sleep Token, my friends would not shut up about them so I decided to give them a listen and I now understand why.
Hans: Usually, it’s quite hard to surprise me. Rarely something comes by that really wows me. However, considering the local scene here currently there are few exceptions. Buzhold which is a proper shoegaze band. Hukk and Kuritarvitaja are also very promising.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Martin: Lately I have been listening to this Estonian doom band Kannabinõid. They have this song on their new album »Päris« and there is a part where the singer is screaming “leave me alone” on the top of their lungs. Great for after a day working customer service, where Im screaming along in my head and imaging ripping off heads or something, because who even needs therapy. Health also released a new album »Rat Wars« and I have been digging that alot.
Hans: Bongripper’s »Empty«.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Martin: Gotta stop overthinking it. It’s something that I am guilty of myself occasionally, but friend of mine told me that screw it, just move onto the next section and see where the ride takes you. You might end up with something horrible, but you could also create something amazing without even realizing it until it’s done. I have been trying to keep that mentality throughout the process when writing something and it helps.
Hans: You have to be brave, persistent and try to do things as well as possible, as much as your abilities and skills allow.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Estonia?
Hans: Estonia, being a small country, has a suprising amount of good metal bands and venues, where an underground band/artist can make a name for themselves. Two main centres are Tallinn and Tartu.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Hans: We have show planned in september acctually. Local club in Tartu called Hell, where we will be performing with two other bands.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Hans: For starters, finding gigs to promote our new album and EP. Finding an actual drummer would also be nice and also working on new material for a new release.
How can people best support your band?
Hans: If you are into fuzzy and massive riffs that sound like a mammoth walking through a tundra then the best way to support us is to come to our shows and buy our merch. We are also on almost all major streaming platforms so giving our album a listen is already one way.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Hans: We are very thankful for everyone who gave us a chance and supported us. Thank you very much for listening to us and we hope that make you proud with upcoming releases and live shows.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well