Doomed Confessionary: Rok Henigman (Jegulja)
Jegulja is an instrumental progressive stoner metal trio from Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Permanent members of the band Jure Gašper (baritone guitar) and Jan Kozel (Fender Stratocaster) are currently enjoying the company of the band’s seventh drummer Rok “Boogie” Henigman. Jegulja released their second full-length album »Exit Sandman« in March 2020.
Jegulja has seven years of activity and around two hundred concerts in clubs and festivals in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. They already supported bands like Kvelertak, Yawning Man, Dave Lombardo’s Philm, Nebula, Stoner Kebab, Lambda, Suzi Soprano, Britof, Omega Sun and more.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Jegulja (Slovenian for eel). We’re an instrumental band that is not confined to a specific genre, or a “traditional band line-up” for that matter. So we’re an undefinable blob of cosmic star dust, floating between metal, rock, stoner and doom. I mean what can you expect when you put together a death metal/grind guitarist, a jazz guitarist and (as of recent) a black metal dude.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
The biggest challenges this year were actually everyone’s personal demons. Biggest of which would be the traffic accident of one of our guitarists. Apart from that, familial problems also caused major disturbances in the force.
What can you be most proud of this year?
We are most proud that we all even survived (referring to the accident mentioned in nr. 2). We are also proud that we managed to create enough new material for a new album. We are also super proud we didn’t lose another drummer. I guess 7 really seems to be a lucky number.
What was your biggest regret?
It’s barely a regret, but we didn’t get to play StonerKras festival with Mondo Generator, due to the accident.
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
Best concert is a very subjective thing, but an interesting gig was in Ribnica. Every time we play there some random things happen. This year the police came to stop the concert, just as we finished our set. The time before our drummer fell into a concrete shaft, mere minutes after arrival, bruising his arms and legs… mind you it’s his home town.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The surprise for us is how much talent and hardworking musicians and quality music can be found in the underground. So everywhere we play we find people who could be professional musicians, but chose a different path.
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
At the moment we have been turning down gig offers, to be able to prepare for the recording of the new album. The only confirmed concert we have at the moment is in Trbovlje on February 17, 2024.
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
First of all recording the new album in January and then mastering, releasing, making new merch and all that jazz that comes with a new album. We would also like to play more venues outside Slovenia.
How can people best support your band?
You can buy our CDs and merch directly from us. But most of all come to shows and shake your booty and afterwards give us critical feedback, a beer and/or weed.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Life sucks but it’s awesome! We are limited to the empirical experiences our senses provide, so don’t search for the meaning of life, because we are incapable of comprehending it. Life is its own purpose. Also: God doesn’t exist.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well