“Under pressure and fear approaching death, you don’t want to postpone anything” – Introducing Death Pill, Metallic Riot Grrl from Ukraine

Offering raw feminist riot grrl from the embattled heart of Ukraine, as far as bands go, none are more urgent than Death Pill.

Formed in 2017 and composed of Mariana Navrotskaya (Vocals, Guitar), Anastasiya Khomenko (Drums, Vocals) and Natalya Seryakova (Bass), Death Pill are – quite frankly – a product of oppression. Sick and tired of witnessing toxic masculinity dictating and stagnating their national Ukrainian scene, the band formed as a kickback against the overtly male presence that dominates not just culture but society as a whole. Using the righteous and riotous sound of classic riot grrl as their primary drive and musical foundation, Death Pill enrich their sonic takedowns with hardcore-orientated energy and raw thrash metal fretwork. The end result is the concise musical equivalent of a knife fight between Exodus and Bikini Kill whilst Black Flag and GEL cheer from the sidelines.

For some time, Death Pill seemed unstoppable. A dotted fixture of their underground national scene and with their news of their namesake floating across borders, the band’s drive and incendiary mix of metallic riot grrl soon became a rallying call from an entity most unstoppable. Of course, the events of February 24^th 2022 changed their course. Following the invasion of Ukraine, the trio split, with Nataliia seeking refuge in Australia, Anastasiya traveling to Spain and Mariana staying in their hometown of Kyiv. Their attitudes, plans and lives altered by unjust war and bloodshed, the band hastened work on their forthcoming debut LP. Now – earlier than initially planned – Death Pill are on the cusp of releasing their self-titled, a body of work that’s thrilling, dynamic, urgent and understandably ferocious.

With the self-titled record due for released February 24^th – an exact year following the invasion of Ukraine – via New Heavy Sounds, we got in touch with the band to discuss their work and ethos.

For those new to Death Pill, how would you briefly describe the band?

Anastasiia: “We are angry and we care about what is happening around us. “You must hear it, and better yet see our live performance. We are definitely not a commercial band which think just about money and “how to be famous”. We are pretty “underground” punk minded people. Everyone can find something about themselves in our lyrics.”

Musically and topically, what are your main inspirations?

Marianna: “Punk like Black Flag and metal. We all have different tastes in music (this is our issue and strength at the same time). Power, because each of us can bring something fresh to our music. This is why our songs are different and every time then we play a show, the organisers and audience are confused as our style is often a mix of 4 or 5 different influences.”

You started Death Pill as a kickback against toxic masculinity in heavy music. Do you think that’s improved in recent years?

Nataliia: “There is still work to be done, but personally I am happy that there are a few more female bands on the Ukrainian scene. Everything, including the music world, is changing, slowly. But we are heading in the right direction, where people will not focus on stereotypes.”

You’re about to release your first record, how are you feeling about the release?

Marianna: “Excited, a little embarrassed by all this attention, but it’s very nice and keeps us going. This album came a long way to get finished and we are very happy to share it with people.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--eBPi_Fmts

There’s a lot of influences on the record, but the two that fully stand out are Riot Grrl and Thrash. Did the sound of the record come about naturally or was there a focus on these two genres when writing?

Nataliia:” Of course naturally. I may be repeating myself, but I want to note that this band is 100% not about liking any one genre or trend. We talk about what touches us in a form convenient for us – through musical instruments and text. Of course, each of us has our own idols and principles, and that’s how they influence our music. However, this has nothing to do with liking the mainstream or anyone in particular. We, like other musicians, have the same 7 notes, or to be more precise, 12 notes, musical instruments and imagination, and that is it!”

Personally, what does Riot Grrl mean for you?

Anastasiia: “It is a voice which can shout aloud if something happened and we don’t agree with it.”

There’s quite a profound sense of reliance to your sound, was that intentional?

Nataliia: “Hm, thank you for the interesting question. I don’t think we have any special formula or elixir that got us to the sound we have now. We just wanted to see what we created when we all came together. We invest 100% in making sure that we like the sound first and that we are satisfied.”

Marianna: “If you are honest with yourself and make your music with good intentions, then your listener will most likely feel it as we.”

At the current time, you’re all living in different countries as a result of the invasion. How has that changed the dynamic of the band? How are you all managing given the circumstances?

Anastasiia: “A lot has changed: we are in a different time zone now and for us to get together to discuss something important we need to manage our time based on these circumstances. It’s hard because we don’t see each other in real life, we miss each other, we miss playing music together. But still, we communicate a lot, make plans and continue to work.”

Did the events of last year influence the record in any way?

Mariiana: “Yes, it hastened the release.”

At the current time, what is the status of the punk, metal and alternative scene in Ukraine? How has it adapted and resisted the invasion of the country?

Nataliia: “It was and even now is a community of people, who support each other, working together for the development Ukrainian heavy music scene. We are all a big family, no matter where you are, you have in a common this love to a heavy music. We did a lot’s gigs, festivals, having fun and support Ukrainian scene.”

Anastasiia: “Right now our musicians are doing a lot for our country: some touring, spreading the news about Ukraine, collecting funds. Some went on a frontline with a weapons in their hands to protect us from the Russian occupation. Also there are a lot of concerts now in unoccupied territory, for example, in Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa. They also collecting funds for our army, supporting each other and living their best lives. I think right now we are united more than ever before.”

Marianna: “A lot of cool releases came out this year, under pressure and fear approaching death, you don’t want to postpone anything. The Ukrainian scene is alive and fighting, raising funds for the army and supporting our fighters in every possible way.”

Ukraine has a rich musical history and scene. What are some bands from the country that you would recommend? 

Anastasiia: Warningfog, Knifeman, Kentawr, Homesick, SOOM, Pusca, Amphibian Man, Mauser, Kasu Weri, 1914, Blasphemy Squad, Obrij, White Ward, Sectorial, Straytones, Kiteflighter, Sidius Atrium, Heruvim, Bluesbraker, Zwyntar, Vovk, The Troubled, Stinx, Maloi, Zooanthropy, Vidmershiy Shmat, KAT, Відсіч, Wolverine Blues, Homesick, BOMG, Stoned Jesus, the Cow, Dreadnought in the Pond, Smile, Chaos! Drudkh, Mrtva Vod, Zlyden, Funeral Candies, True Tough, Rude Riot, Stinx, Mortal Vision, Bluesbraker, Somali Yacht Club, Wormitorium, Terrorscum, Yah, Pree Tone, Concrette Control, KAT. Here’s a playlist – Ukrainian Muzlo”

Finally, what do you want listeners to take away from your record?

Nataliia: “All tracks have a strong message and some even have a meaning between the lines, but it is all presented in an understandable, unobtrusive way.”

Marianna: “Whatever they need. Of course, we want people to like it, but this is not the main goal. We want people to stop being afraid to keep all their fears inside and start talking to each other. In the end, they feel that they are not alone in their problems; there are many people who suffer from violence in the family, who suffer from misunderstanding in society, and someone just had an asshole ex-boyfriend.”

Death Pill is released February 24th via New Heavy Sounds. Pre-order the record here.