Doomed Confessionary: Oleksandr, Yevhenii & Yehor (Vøvk)
Photo credits: Tetiana Horbatiuk
Vøvk is a Ukrainian band from Kyiv that blends progressive rock and post-hardcore, taking the best elements of both genres. Their songs are a fusion of ordered chaos, emotionality, and experimentation. The lyrics explore the intersection of the symbolic and the personal, creating phantasmagoric narratives.
Vøvk’s history includes two European tours, numerous charity concerts, performances on Ukraine’s underground stages, and participation in festivals such as Faine Misto, Gogolfest, Winter Mass VI, Barrockko Fest, Rock-n-Buh, Respublica, Impulse Fest, Electric Meadow, and Kazka Family Fest.
After a creative break of over two years, Vøvk presented the first single »Promin« from their upcoming album, slated for release in the autumn. Featuring Cult Of Luna vocalist Johannes Persson, the song draws the listener into an atmosphere of dawn breaking through darkness in a field scarred by steel and scorched by fire.
Vøvk consists of Oleksandr Kuts (bass, vocals), Yevhenii Khrulov (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Yehor Droozenko (guitars, synths).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We’re a progressive rock/post-hardcore band from Kyiv, Ukraine. For us, music is a way to process and share the complex emotions we live through every day – especially now, when our country is fighting for its freedom. We combine heavy, intricate, and atmospheric sounds, drawing inspiration from classic prog rock, modern alternative rock/metal. But above all, we believe music is about stories and human connection.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Obviously, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine changed everything. Keeping the band alive, writing and rehearsing during blackouts, air raid sirens, or when our friends are on the front line – that’s a challenge we never imagined. But it gave us a strong sense of purpose.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re proud that we haven’t stopped. That we managed to release new music like »Promin« and to collaborate with an artist like Johannes Persson from Cult Of Luna. We’re proud of our new album, which will be out this fall. But most of all, we’re proud of our community that keeps music alive, no matter what.
What was your biggest regret?
Probably that we couldn’t tour abroad as we’d planned. A lot of shows had to be canceled or adjusted because of the war. But we know there’s more ahead – and every live concert now feels even more precious.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
It’s hard to pick just one, but one of the most memorable for sure was our show in Sofia (Bulgaria) opening for Stoned Jesus. An incredible audience that knew our lyrics from the very first note – even though we’d never played there before.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
With the new album, we decided to sing in our native language – Ukrainian. We knew it was a risk, but the biggest and nicest surprise was realizing that the language barrier turned out to be so thin. We keep finding listeners all over the world who love the music, even if it’s not in English.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
We have very broad tastes – the list is endless. This year, we’ve really enjoyed new albums by Deafheaven, The Mars Volta, Slow Mass, Superheaven, Messa, Envy Of None. But we always come back to the classics too – Rush, Mastodon, Genesis, The Smashing Pumpkins, Fugazi. And of course, Ukrainian bands we share the stage with – they inspire us the most right now.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
It should be quiet on stage. 🙂
What are your guilty pleasures?
Only pleasures, no guilt. 🙂
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Kyiv?
It’s alive and resilient, even during the war – though touring and playing shows comes with way more challenges now. Many concerts also have a charity purpose. Musicians volunteer, fundraise – there’s a strong sense of community and shared responsibility. Good music keeps being made and keeps evolving despite everything.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Because of the war, we can only perform in Ukraine. Right now, we’re on our summer tour, raising funds for our friends’ charity foundation that supports soldiers who were part of the punk/hardcore scene in peacetime.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To finish and release our new album – »Promin« and »Iskra« were its first chapters. We also want to tour more and build bridges with artists and listeners all over the world. Our biggest plan is just to keep creating, no matter what.
How can people best support your band?
Listen, share, come to shows if you can. Tell your friends about the Ukrainian scene. Practically – buy something from our Bandcamp. And if you want to do more – support our country. Music and freedom are deeply connected.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We really hope our songs help you feel something real – and remind you that even in dark times, there’s always light worth fighting for. Music knows no barriers – its language is universal.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well