EMQs with Abysmatic

EMQ’s with ABYSMATIC

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Bulgarian Industrial band Abysmatic. Huge thanks to singer-songwriter, Dennis Nikov, for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Dennis Nikov, I’m the producer-singer-songwriter for Abysmatic, a three-piece industrial band from Sofia, Bulgaria. Completed by Hristo Simeonov on guitar and Dobromir Vulkov on drums, the band had its first official release in 2013 and has since released 2 LPs, numerous singles, and has been a constant presence in the Bulgarian alternative scene. We just recently released our definitive self-titled album, a single from which was picked up by Bulgarian national rock radio, and which in turn led to us landing local opening spots for artists like Combichrist and Leeroy Thornhill (ex-The Prodigy).

How did you come up with your band name?

Abysmatic is a combination of the words “abysmal” and “automatic” and sort of refers to the Fibonacci sequence spiral, which in turn could be seen as a symbol for the passage of time and the inevitability of death. It also obviously refers to the depths of hell and has some Satanic overtones.

What country are you from and what is the Rock/Metal scene like there?

There is a thriving underground metal, punk and hardcore scene in Bulgaria, however everything is very DIY and there’s almost no mainstream outlet for heavy music. There are no big rock and metal labels and it’s very hard for a new band to develop an audience, but there’s definitely a demand for quality alternative music.

What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)

Our latest release is Abysmatic’s definitive self-titled album, which features a unique mixture of industrial metal and old school rave, and lyrics written entirely in Bulgarian. Check it out if you want to hear a truly rare combination of styles coming from the weirdest of places.

Who have been your greatest influences?

We all grew up during the late nineties and obviously the nu-metal era, so the likes of Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, Static-X, Limp Bizkit, Rammstein, Marilyn Manson etc. definitely shaped us musically. All of them incorporated guitars and synths or programming in some way, which we took to heart, and really decided to run with.

What first got you into music?

For me it was when I got my first Walkman and the soundtrack of the movie The Matrix on tape.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

We’d definitely love to do something with our hero Liam Howlett from The Prodigy, and with a lot of other UK bands and artists actually. Bring Me The Horizon, Chase & Status, Ocean Wisdom, IAMDDB… The UK is where it’s always been at musically.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

There’s a festival not too far away from us actually, called Electric Castle. It’s in Romania and it’s held in a medieval Transylvanian fortress. The line-up is always super diverse but heavy, and it’s just our cup of tea.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Our latest album actually sort of has a unified message, and it’s to believe in one’s power to do it all on their own.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?The three that I miss the most are Keith Flint from The Prodigy, Chester from Linkin Park and Wayne Static…

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

When you think about it, music is probably the most visceral art form, as it’s the only thing that can just set your mood instantly on its own. Just being able to create something like that feels like magic. What I hate is having to deal with the business side of it!

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I’d probably make trap illegal at this point.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

The 2 albums that just instantly come to mind are Limp Bizkit’s “The Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavoured Water” and Linkin Park’s “Hybrid Theory”.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Well, obvious any physical medium is a lot better than downloads, but you can’t beat the convenience of having all your music in your pocket.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Supporting Combichrist in our hometown was probably one our most exciting shows.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Well, the reality for most middle tier artists is that you shouldn’t really quit your day job, as the music industry is tough, especially for niche alternative bands such as ourselves. That’s why all of us actually have separate careers in software engineering, graphic design and finance.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

The other two guys from the band and three hookers!

What’s next for the band?

We’re currently working on a couple of new singles, and videos, and are hoping to hit the festival circuit this summer.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Official website:
https://abysmatic.com
Social media:

https://www.facebook.com/abysmatic
https://www.youtube.com/abysmatic

https://www.instagram.com/abysmatic
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4rcaQpPwFC21FcwQeLSu77

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

Well, it’s in the name, isn’t it?!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you and keep rocking!

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

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