Doomed Confessionary: Kirill, Dimka, Dan, Arthur & Mr. Vee (The Chorts)
Photos by Margarita Currents
The Chorts are a heavy doom sound bastards, born in the industrial areas of the old Moscow (Russia). Metatexts synchronise with dark guitar heaviness. Disciples of doom and stoner brew psychedelics in factory corridors and underground labyrinths.
The Chorts released their third EP »Grimoire III« on August 13th, 2024 via CSBR Records. The band’s latest three-track EP is available for streaming on all digital platforms.
Can you say a few words about your band?
The Chorts is doom-rock/occult/heavy metal band from an ancient district of Moscow. We create a sound that is familiar to every doom fan but with some new accents. We released 3 EPs, each of them is a mini story in some special environment. The first one is some kind of “stories in the woods”, the second is about fighting Darkness and Light, and the third EP is about Death. The main theme in our art is a story, so we are trying to create concepts first. Now we are preparing something new, so we hope to announce it at the end of 2024. So the band members are Kirill (vocals), Dimka (drums), Dan (bass), Arthur (rhythm guitar) and Mr. Vee (lead guitar).
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I think the hardest test is work/life/music balance for each of us. Of course, we want more time to spend on songwriting and recording, but all this usual life distracts us. We think the main purpose of the human being in 21st century is to create. But life does not always let you do this properly.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are proud of the fact that we had waited long enough to finally meet each other. We cherish such moments as live engagement in St. Petersburg, fans singing our lyrics or the amount of feedback we got after Sandler Fest… (It’s a big progressive musical festival in Moscow).
There is and will be a lot more to be proud of in the future as long as The Chorts keep working!
What was your biggest regret?
That we wouldn’t make The Chorts earlier of course! It was a long way for each of us to find this band, to gather. Everyone has some story in underground music:
• Arthur and Dimka from Crypt Jaintor
• Kirill and Dan from Jäger
• Mr. Vee and Arthur are founders of Phantomass – an old doom occult band from 2014
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Every concert is unique, for every gig you have its own mood etc. But the most iconic gig for us is Sander Fest now because it’s the biggest and it’s kind of strange a bit. It was a big festival and our music was underground, but at this gig every people, who walked in the VDNH Park that day could listen to our music from every place in the park. It was amazing!
Regarding tour – we didn’t have a chance, but our dream always was to play in Europe at some club/festival near to bands that share our musical tastes.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
That people really love more pure analog sound. So choosing between many playbacks/digital processing in a small-mid stage analog will always win.
Also, some musical tricks that you create in your home will not work live, you always need to check the song first live before recording. And live/studio material could be different because you can’t do such a little sound nuance at the stage, where the rhythm and base are the main course.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
When you think about, it seems like we are getting heavier, but it’s hard to tell in which direction. I believe we were missing some speed and drive, so now we’re gonna introduce a couple of speedy brutal songs. There’s thrash, stoner, power combined in them, we don’t limit ourselves.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Always be yourself and never try to make music that you don’t like. It allows us to bring pure new creation to the musical scene instead of copy.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Kirill: If I tell you they are not secret anymore! I can share that real satisfaction comes with a glass of cold beer gifted to you by the fans at the stage. Sometimes I think that’s the reason I attend our concerts.
Mr. Vee: To find a guitar pick under a couch after 5 years lost…so dramatic!
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Moscow / Russia?
Mr. Vee: I believe our doom metal scene in Russia is so small now. Of course, the environment does not let musicians work normally so we can see the result. But it still exists, trying to make music etc. So we are all waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel…or Gandalf.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
For now, our gigs are located in Moscow and nearby, but we hope one day to be at some big doom festival or to make some gigs outside. Hellfest, we are coming! 😀
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Create music, playing gigs as long as we can. We have more than 40 demos for now that we plan to transform into songs. Maybe a good live video someday, maybe a full album, not an EP. Hard work, shortly speaking!
How can people best support your band?
For people who can attend our gigs – attend! We are always happy to see everyone in our concerts. For those who can’t attend – listen to our music, comment on our videos. We are always open for interviews, any conversation.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Hi folks, we are The Chorts band and we are officially THANK YOU for the support.
For everyone who listens to doom/stoner/metal – we are family, let’s meet in the concert, let’s talk, you are not alone! Let there be doom!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well