«About the Band»

Мещера

The band "Meshchera" was founded by multi-instrumentalist Dmitry Kokarev, known for his work with Sympuls-E, and vocalist Alexandra Sidorova, known for her projects Zmey Gorynich and Smorodina Reka. The lineup also includes Svyatoslav Krekov (drums) and Maxim Ayupov (bass guitar, sound production).

According to Alexandra, she met Dmitry less than a year before they began collaborating. During a conversation, she mentioned her interest in exploring black metal. Unexpectedly, Dmitry revealed that he had already experimented in this genre, having composed and recorded a track "just for fun" in only an hour. This creative connection became the starting point for the band’s formation, which quickly evolved from an experiment into a fully-fledged project.

• Their collaboration soon led to the release of their debut EP "Tales of the Black Forests" in 2023 and the preparation of a full-length album.
• The debut album "Harvest" was released on June 8, 2023, further developing the band's concept.
• On March 21, 2024, an acoustic version of the debut album "Harvest" was released.
• In October 2024, on one of those autumn days when the wind whispers ancient legends, Meshchera opened a new chapter in their creative journey with the release of "Songs of the Eternal Winds." This album embodies the band's philosophy—a fusion of dark folk and ethnic influences, capturing the untamed spirit of ancient forests and rivers of their homeland.

Dmitry Kokarev, not only a guitarist but also a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and lyricist, has always sought new ways to express himself. His musical journey began with listening to cassette tapes of bands like Manowar and Children of Bodom, which became the starting point for learning to play the guitar. At an early age, he dreamed of being as cool a musician as his idols, which led him to experiment with different genres—from punk to metal. It was his desire to break free from conventional styles that inspired him to create the composition that became the first for the "Meshchera" project. For Dmitry, music has always been a way to express the full spectrum of human emotions—from intense love to deep despair, from rage to tenderness—which formed the foundation of the band's concept: contrast and harmony of opposites became their credo.



Alexandra Sidorova – a vocalist, lyricist, and arranger – has a rich musical education, having started her training in childhood with piano lessons, continuing at a music school, and later studying at a conservatory. Her vocal talent and ability to blend academic technique with experimental elements played a key role in the band's development. Already experienced in underground music projects, Alexandra immediately felt the energy that came from collaborating with Dmitry. Her voice ranges from pure, clean singing to extreme techniques, allowing for a multi-layered musical palette capable of conveying deep emotions and historical motifs. Thanks to her bold vocal experiments, the band was able to develop a unique sound that stands apart from the typical representations of black metal and folk music.



Svyatoslav Krekov, the band's drummer, has contributed to the project not only with his mastery of playing but also with his creative approach to visual design. He is responsible for album cover designs, video editing, and shaping the overall atmosphere, which is an integral part of the band's aesthetics. Svyatoslav, whose creative energy often manifests in the band's stage image, has managed to merge two worlds—musical and visual—into a single project. His approach to creating stage personas, along with his work on costumes inspired by historical reenactment, emphasizes the idea that every detail—from sound to appearance—matters for fully immersing the audience in an atmosphere of mysticism and antiquity.



Maksim Ayupov, the bassist and mixing and mastering specialist, completes the band's lineup, providing technical and sound support. His contribution enables the group not only to create high-quality sound but also to experiment with new instrumental solutions. Maksim is responsible not only for the core rhythmic section but also for enhancing the sound of traditional instruments, such as the flute, adding extra layers and depth to the music. His professionalism and ability to bring fresh ideas into the mixing process have become an essential part of the project's success. His involvement in other musical ensembles also highlights the diverse creative personalities of each member of Meshchera.

The defining feature of Meshchera is their rejection of formulaic solutions and their dedication to experimentation. Dmitry Kokarev and Alexandra Sidorova have repeatedly emphasized in interviews that their primary goal is to create music they genuinely enjoy. They do not seek to imitate others; instead, they draw inspiration from the world around them, history, personal experiences, and even fleeting thoughts that come in dreams. This creative "time crunch"—when ideas emerge under extreme urgency—helps them craft tracks that become true works of art. For instance, the song In Unknown Swamps, recorded as a joke in just one hour, became the starting point for developing an entire sound concept, where metal and ethnic instruments intertwine into a unified whole, creating a unique atmosphere of darkness and antiquity.

A special place in the band's musical repertoire belongs to ethnic instruments, which give Meshchera’s sound its distinct authenticity. Dmitry recounts how his passion for folk music led him to acquire instruments such as the talharpa, gusli, jaw harp, and even a gourd lute. Each of these instruments has its own unique sonic texture, capable of evoking an ancient atmosphere and transporting listeners into the world of old legends and myths. The use of the talharpa, whose strings are pressed in mid-air and require a special playing technique, has become one of the symbols of the band's innovative approach—combining electric guitars with acoustic, folk instruments to create a deep, almost hypnotic sound that sets them apart from other bands.

An essential aspect of Meshchera’s artistry is not only the music but also the lyrical content of their songs. The lyrics, written by both Dmitry and Alexandra, blend historical themes, personal emotions, and philosophical reflections on life, love, war, and friendship. The lyrics often explore contrasts—every composition contains both light and darkness, tenderness and brutality. This reflects the band's core idea: life itself is full of contradictions, and every emotion, even the darkest one, is natural. Their lyrics are not just a collection of clichés but the result of meticulous work, carefully placed accents, and a desire to convey profound meaning to the listener. Even in the most extreme notes, one can hear echoes of the ancient history of the Meshchera region.

The creative process in Meshchera is structured in a way that every song undergoes multiple revisions. Often, an initial track, hastily recorded, later undergoes dozens of changes—new instruments are added, vocals are reworked, and the song structure is altered. This relentless pursuit of perfection helps the band avoid stagnation and continuously experiment with their sound. As a result, each new composition is a product of collective brainstorming, where not just two, but all members contribute their ideas and vision to create something truly unique and original.



Beyond music, a crucial aspect of Meshchera’s image is its visual aesthetic, which takes shape long before the release of the first music video. The creation of stage costumes and decorations is a separate creative process that helps the band fully immerse the audience in the atmosphere of ancient legends and mystical tales. The group’s stage costumes, including armor, are crafted in collaboration with Alexander Nikolaevich Blinov, the head of the historical-patriotic club "Bely Krecet", and artisan Alla Boreisha, whose efforts have given the band's image a unique charm. Thanks to their work, the musicians have brought to life the personas of warriors, witches, and forest spirits on stage—an essential hallmark of their performances. For instance, elements of leather armor adorned with Scandinavian and Slavic ornaments, along with symbolic attributes like deer antlers and even a deer skull, have become Meshchera’s signature features. These details not only enhance the visual impact but also carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting a connection to the ancient traditions and legends of the Meshchera region.

On stage, the band goes beyond just the musical aspect—there is a theatrical element, where every detail of the show is carefully thought out.

The members of Meshchera are experienced musicians with active creative lives, participating not only in the main project but also in other bands. Dmitry Kokarev and Svyatoslav Krekov, in addition to their work in Meshchera, are members of Sympuls-E, where the sound is significantly different, featuring more complex guitar parts and melodic expression. Alexandra Sidorova actively performs in projects like Zmey Gorynich and Smorodina Reka, highlighting her versatility as a vocalist and songwriter. Maxim Ayupov, apart from playing bass, is involved in mixing and mastering, providing the technical foundation for the band’s high-quality sound. This division of creative tasks allows each member to maintain their individuality while contributing a unique touch to the band's overall sound. Each musician brings their own background—from early musical experiences to participation in various projects—making Meshchera a dynamic, ever-evolving entity where different styles, genres, and creative approaches merge.

At the core of the band's concept lies the belief that creativity is not just a way to earn a living but a life philosophy driven by a passion for art and a commitment to doing things in their own way. The band members adhere to the principle that if something is made for oneself, it cannot be mediocre. That is why they remain self-produced, functioning as a DIY band, controlling every stage of music production—from writing lyrics and recording vocals to mixing and mastering. This approach demands immense dedication, discipline, and mutual trust, but it enables them to constantly experiment and push the boundaries of conventional sound, creating music that deeply resonates with audiences both in Russia and beyond. Meshchera’s philosophy is rooted in honesty with oneself, rejecting compromises, and preserving a connection with their roots—whether it be the ancient history of the Meshchera region or their own inner emotions.

The name of the band "Meshchera" is directly connected to the history and culture of the Meshchera region. The name is based on a term referring to a sub-ethnic group of Russians that emerged through the assimilation of Slavs and Finno-Ugric tribes inhabiting the territories of the Moscow region, as well as the Ryazan and Tambov provinces. This ancient culture, known for its advanced metalworking skills, armor crafting, and jewelry making, has become a symbol of a forgotten yet still vibrant history for the band members. Dmitry Kokarev notes that despite the lack of documented information about the Meshchera people, the band feels a strong ancestral connection, perceiving themselves as carriers of this ancient memory. This genetic and cultural heritage, blending Finno-Ugric traditions, Slavic culture, and mythological imagery, served as the inspiration for creating the unique musical world of "Meshchera."

The band's journey has not been without its challenges. The recording of the album Zhatva, the culmination of their artistic search, took place under tight deadlines, where every minute counted. Work on vocals, instrumental parts, and mixing was accompanied by constant debates, compromises, and experiments with new ideas. Band members recall moments of creative insight in the midst of the time crunch—how a track could be recorded in mere minutes and then reworked until it reached its final form. These intense yet creatively fulfilling moments have become an integral part of Meshchera's life. Each member poured a piece of their soul into the music, and the result—an album filled with sincerity, energy, and deep emotion—resonated strongly with both Russian metal fans and international audiences.

Meshchera is a musical project that breathes life into ancient myths, giving them a fresh sound in modern metal. Their approach to music creation, stage image, and lyrical concept makes them one of the most distinctive bands on the Russian metal scene.

Interesting Facts:
• Ethnic Instruments: Dmitry mastered the talharpa in just a few weeks.
• Logo: Designed by artist Vladimir "Smerdulak" Chebakov, who also created logos for Arkona.
• International Recognition: The band has been noticed in Sweden, Italy, and Japan. An Italian fan even independently "released" their EP by printing out the cover himself.