Interview with Vladimir Korg of The Mist

The Brazilian Metal Scene

The Brazilian metal scene has long captivated audiences worldwide, characterized by its unique blend of influences and powerful sounds. Emerging in the late ’80s, The Mist, featuring former members of renowned bands like Chakal and Sepultura, contributed to the thrash metal movement. After releasing impactful albums in the early ’90s, the band disbanded, but they have now returned with a new album, *The Dark Side of the Soul*, which showcases their signature thrash style infused with Brazilian flair.

Current Activities of The Mist

What’s going on in the THE MIST camp at the moment?

Currently, we are focused on promoting our new album here in Brazil. It’s a challenging time as we aim to encourage people to listen to the full album instead of just singles. We are also searching for an agent to help us get back on the road, as many bands struggle to find audiences that appreciate full album experiences these days.

The Band’s Return and New Album

What motivated The Mist to return and produce a new record?

We needed to be ready as musicians and as a band before making our comeback. This wasn’t a spontaneous decision; we wanted to ensure we could reconnect with our original fans while also attracting new ones. The pandemic and lineup changes delayed our return, but we started with the *The Circle of the Crow* EP to warm up before releasing the new album.

Current Lineup

Who are the current members of The Mist, and what do they bring to the band?

The current lineup includes Vladimir Korg, Wesley Ribeiro, Riccardo Linassi, and Thiago Oliveira, but our primary guitarist is Edu Megale, who plays a crucial role in our compositions.

Reflections on the Past

Why did The Mist disband in 1997 after the release of the second album?

There was a disconnect during the ’90s, a strange period for metal. The band wanted to explore a more industrial sound, while I was focused on my studies. The metal scene in Brazil was struggling, with many bands breaking up and shows being poorly attended, even though we managed to release two albums during that time.

Sound and Production

How important was it to capture an old-school sound on the new album?

While we didn’t intentionally aim for an old-school sound, we sought to create contemporary thrash metal without losing our core thrash structure. Our goal was to produce an updated version of our sound rather than conform to modern trends.

Songwriting Process

Can you describe the songwriting and recording process for this album?

I had some lyrics written while studying radiology. Once we had the chance to sign a contract, we accelerated the songwriting process. Edu and I pushed ourselves to create, and eventually, Wesley and Lina contributed brilliantly. The collective effort led to a cohesive album.

Album Themes and Messages

What overarching message does the album convey?

The central theme revolves around mortality. Many tracks challenge listeners to reflect on their lives, critiquing the dehumanization and individualism prevalent in today’s society, driven by superficial obsessions and capitalism.

Album Title and Artwork

How did you choose the album title?

The artwork by Whelan speaks volumes, depicting the dark side of innocence. It reflects the inner conflict between the soul and body, showcasing the struggle between our higher selves and the negativity of modern life.

Final Thoughts on the Album

How satisfied are you with the final product?

I love the album; every song holds special significance for me. If this were the last album of my career, I would feel accomplished.

Balancing Old and New

Do you consider the album to be more old-school or modern?

We strive to maintain our essence without letting it become restrictive. Classic thrash bands seek to innovate, and so do we.

Legacy and Pressure

Did you feel any pressure from The Mist’s legacy?

Not at all. I am confident in our direction and our ability to respect our legacy while exploring new paths. We remain committed to evolving without being trapped by the past.

Record Label and Rights

How did you sign with Alma Mater Records?

Fernando Ribeiro is a metal brother, and collaborating with him has been a privilege. Although we had an opportunity with a major label that fell through, Fernando stepped in at the right moment.

Do you still have ties with Cogumelo Records?

Yes, they hold the rights to our early albums, and we continue to collaborate for the distribution of *The Dark Side of the Soul*.

Future Prospects

Is a tour with Troops Of Doom possible?

We hope so. We have shared the stage in Brazil before, and it would be great to tour together.

Influences and Memories

How has the Brazilian metal scene influenced The Mist?

South American metal is unique, infused with passion and history. Our influences come from both European and American metal, but we add our own flair, particularly from bands like Sodom, Destruction, and Kreator.

Do you miss the old-school Brazilian metal days?

Absolutely. Those days were filled with youthful enthusiasm and a drive to create something unique, a spirit still alive in some contemporary bands.

Involvement with Chakal

Are you still involved with Chakal?

No, my time with Chakal has concluded, but I value the experience and the friendships made there.

Writing and Recording History

What was the experience of recording *Abominable Anno Domini* like?

It was raw and charged with our youthful energy. We poured our fury into that album, which stands out even today.

Significant Brazilian Metal Albums

What are some pivotal Brazilian metal albums?

Albums like Sarcofago’s *INRI*, Sepultura’s *Morbid Visions*, and Ratos de Porão’s *Descanse em Paz* have paved the way for Brazilian metal’s evolution.

Conclusion

The Mist’s return with *The Dark Side of the Soul* marks a significant moment in Brazilian metal, blending classic influences with contemporary themes. As they navigate the modern music landscape, their commitment to authenticity and artistry continues to resonate with fans old and new.

FAQs

Q: What is the main theme of The Mist’s new album?

A: The central theme revolves around mortality and critiques the dehumanization prevalent in society today.

Q: Who are the current members of The Mist?

A: The lineup consists of Vladimir Korg, Wesley Ribeiro, Riccardo Linassi, and Edu Megale, with Thiago Oliveira as a substitute guitarist.

Q: How long did the songwriting process take for the new album?

A: The songwriting process accelerated once the possibility of a contract emerged, and it involved collective efforts from the band members.

Q: Is The Mist planning to tour soon?

A: Yes, they are looking to tour in support of their new album and hope to perform with Troops Of Doom.

Q: How does The Mist view their legacy in Brazilian metal?

A: The band respects their legacy but aims to innovate and explore new musical paths without being confined by the past.