Introducing: MoGa

MoGa is an experimental death metal band from Sofia, Bulgaria. It combines extreme drumming, technical guitars, melodic female and harsh male vocals with atmospheric electronic elements. Get to know them, below, with Hristo Lazarov, MoGa’s rhythm guitarist, answering the questions.

What are the origins of the band, how long have MoGa been playing together?

MoGa in its current form came together last year. However, the origins of the band date back to more than 10 years ago. It can be seen as a continuation of ITSI, the band the lead guitarist and main composer, Tony, and the harsh vocalist, Milko, had back then. At the time ITSI disbanded, Tony and Milko already had a lot of new material on their minds, so they carried on what had already been started. Fast forwarding to last year, when all the songs were ready, we released our debut album entitled Where Do You Come From.

What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe MoGa?

New listeners who have never heard us before should expect a lot of contrast and vastly different and multifaceted tracks. We describe our style as experimental death metal because we have not only the classical ingredients – 8-string guitars in drop tuning, blast beats, harsh vocals, and technical riffs, but we also spice up our songs with clean vocals and electronic background elements. We also have ballads, played on classical guitars. There is a lot to explore, so – check us out!

How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!

This was on Nov. 2nd, 2023 – our first show as MoGa. We were well prepared but there was some level of uncertainty on how the album would be perceived and how the audience would react. Once we started playing and saw the crowd’s faces, the uncertainty was gone – we knew that what we’d been doing this whole time was right.

The new music scene is bursting at the seams at the minute with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out to build a name for themselves?

This is true. And while I don’t have an always-working success recipe, I can tell you that we are trying to stand out through our music. We are very proud of our end product and strive to play it live and share it with as many people as possible. What we play is not mainstream and definitely doesn’t conform to any established boundaries. We hope that this will help us attract attention.

What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?

This interview, for example 🙂 Other than that, we released a new music video a few weeks ago, we have new band photos and also new t-shirts in our official merch inventory (go check them out 🙂). We are also planning some more gigs in the near future, so stay tuned.

In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel MoGa would be best suited to open for?

As our music touches on a lot of different subgenres, it would be well suited to open a show for a vast variety of bands. However, in an imaginary parallel universe, I guess our music could make for a great opener for bands like Decapitated or Meshuggah.

Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?

In terms of newcomers, I truly wish all bands performing their own original music to break out and get to the next level. As you just pointed out, new talent is emerging everywhere.

What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?

My first musical memories date back to when I was 4 or 5. I started learning to play the piano back then. There was no lightbulb moment, really. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?

A Meshuggah concert in March 2024. Before that – a Lorna Shore concert in Dec. 2023. In between, a few gigs of small underground bands.

What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?

Entertainment industry in general and how unfair it could be.

The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?

Maybe most people would be surprised to hear that I also enjoy classical music.

What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?

Even though only three months have passed, 2024 has graced the scene with some huge new releases. Judas Priest just released their latest album and thus became the first metal band to release two albums that are 50 years apart. Need I say more?

What does 2024 hold for MoGa?

More shows to play and hopefully new listeners.

How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?

We are no social media champions, but there are plenty of ways to find and get to know us. All our official band links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/mogaband

You can also find us on:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mogaband

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoGaMusicBand

Bandcamp: https://mogamusicband.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2KALXNVkGU4DBgoyo6C836

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrxOH9EmbKc6V-yo-ZS9CIA

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mogaband