Doomed Confessionary: Kostiantyn, Oleksii & Dmytro (Cold Shell)
Cold Shell is a sludge/doom/industrial band from Kyiv (Ukraine), formed in 2016. In the search of their own sound under the influence of Acid Bath, EyeHateGod and Godflesh they made their first LP »Cryonics« in 2021.
Trio’s new four-track EP »After The War« was released on February 22nd, 2024.
Cold Shell are Kostiantyn “Motorcat” Hazhaman (guitar, vocal), Oleksii Makeiev (bass) and Dmytro Sapronov (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Cold Shell is a container with a frozen body, slowly flying through space to the other planets.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
To form a stable line-up.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Nothing special. Perhaps the overall progress that the group has made throughout the year.
What was your biggest regret?
That we lost much time waiting for the “right moment” to release and to perform live.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Well, every concert last year was felt as the best, because every could be last. But I guess the really best was on December 02, when we played with other atmospheric doom and black metal bands at the charity gig. Just it was the best sound, best line-up and we have played the most coherently and powerfully of all our performances.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
That too many artists, even in heavy music (which we consider as “honest”), are very different from their stage persona. Often for the worse.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Pitchshifter, Judas Priest, Lustmord, Warning, Acid Bath and Ukrainian bands Korypheus, The Cow, Motanka, Ritual Service, Pušča, Azimut, Пращур (Prashchur).
Can you say something more about the music scene in Kyiv / Ukraine?
The Ukrainian heavy scene has made huge progress over the past 10 years. Unfortunately, this movement was stopped due to the coronavirus epidemic and then by a full-scale war. Some groups are inactive because their members are in the armed forces, some have fled their homes. Now bands are practically unable to tour due to the difficulties of traveling abroad during martial law.
However, even in these conditions, many new great bands are emerging that make good albums, conduct tours within the country and achieve fame. You may ask every fan in Ukraine “When was the best time of the Ukrainian heavy scene?” and he will answer “Now!”.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Currently no plans of touring. The festivals are currently also paused due to war. Thus, only at local gigs in Kyiv.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
First, survive until the end of the war. Secondly, if conditions allow, then do small tours around the country until the big festivals return. Thirdly, slowly prepare the material for the second full-length album and some small experimental releases.
How can people best support your band?
Follow our pages on social media and listen to our music. And support Ukraine in the war – this also works as support of the band, sure.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Enjoy life, be honest, be brave, and listen to good music.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well