Doomed Confessionary: Sergey, Ivan, Valentin & Mikhail (McKenzie Hills)
McKenzie Hills is a doom metal band based out of Sevastopol, Russia. Founded in 2016, McKenzie Hills currently consists of Sergey Nastyushkin (fuzz bass, vocals), Ivan Stroilov (guitar), Valentin Rebrov (bass) and Mikhail Shifman (drums). They have just released their debut album »Ice Crossing« on June 13th, 2025 via Electric Desert Records.
Emerging from the fog-drenched highlands, McKenzie Hills conjures a massive, windswept form of doom – cold, deliberate, and steeped in atmosphere. Their latest full-length is a slow-burning descent into melancholy and power, where soaring riffs crash against bleak melodies and distant, haunting vocals echo through the void.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
The band McKenzie Hills was formed in 2016 in the city of Sevastopol (Russian Federation). The lineup included three long-time friends who had previously played in different bands on the city’s underground scene. The drummer and other musicians of the project are session musicians, for rehearsals and recording.
Initially, we wanted to create the most dense, monotonous and at the same time dirty sound, so it was decided to give preference to the second bass with a fuzz effect instead of the second guitar. The lyrics were the plots of the Second World War, which took place on the Crimean Peninsula in the period from 1941 to 1944.
The name of the band was also chosen in connection with this and denotes the area near the city of Sevastopol, where the bloodiest battles of that time were fought.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The only challenge was finding a band member who could help us with keyboards and sampling, and also help with the arrangement.
What can you be most proud of so far?
While we are proud of the release of our debut album.
What was your biggest regret?
Too much time was spent recording the album.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
No concerts/tours yet.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
No idea so far.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Various Russian bands.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Change your strings more often.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Climb mountains and drink vodka.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Sevastopol?
It’s dead.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Sorry, no where for this day.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
In September we will start working on a new album, which will be dedicated to the events of the Crimean War of 1853-1856.
How can people best support your band?
Spread our music.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We are very glad that you listen to us, subscribe to us in the media and write reviews.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well