Psilocybe Larvae - Honey Tea and Silver Spoons
By: Darren Cowan
Russia is not exactly a hotbed for metal acts. There are probably legions of great metal bands, but location prevents these groups from stepping outside their cold, northern confines. Saint Petersburg’s Psilocybe Larvae hopes to break through to a Western European audience, and ultimately get in front of American audiences.
Dark Harvest Records has helped the group take its first step toward achieving this lofty goal by giving the group its first distribution in the United States. Already having captured the psyche of European audiences, this Tiamat-dubbed act hopes to further its presence in America.
From scathing black metal to pummeling death metal, all the way down to abysmal doom—Psilocybev Larvae’s unique blend of manic-depressive dark metal seems the perfect remedy to America’s ever-growing lack of originality! Read onward to learn more about this lost gem from eastern latitudes.
Blistering.com: Psilocybe Larvae takes its name from a line in the Tiamat song “Whatever That Hurts.” Why did you pick this phrase and how does it tie in with the music and themes your group creates?
Vitaly Belobritsky [vocals/guitars]: I don’t really know and even can’t explain why. That phrase just conquered my mind when I was skimming over this album’s lyrics; and it stuck in my head. Of course, I’m aware the fact that this band name is not commercially attractive but we do it all not for the benefit. I think the name is so weird like our music and they match each other. All in all, thanks to [Tiamat mainman] Mr. Edlund for lyrics.
Blistering.com: Psilocybe Larvae relates dark, melodic music akin to My Dying Bride, Opeth and Anathema. What are some of the lyrical themes you write upon, and how does Psilocybe Larvae compare/contrast to the above-mentioned bands?
Belobritsky: I’ve been always trying to look into darkest depths of the human psyche and mind. One of the most interesting themes for me is the topic of dreams. Dreams are a mystic state, something inexplicable verging on madness or maybe another dimension. Also, the lyrics are bound up with my thoughts about futility of our existence, struggle with personal demons and searching of purpose in life.
I’m not sure that my lyrics relate to the lyrical themes of mentioned bands, maybe to some Opeth’s themes in terms of atmosphere. I’ve always been impressed by works of Jim Morrison or Roger Waters. I look up to [System of a Down’s] Serj Tankian’s lyrics as well.
Blistering.com: All three albums—Non-Existence, Agony, and Stigmata—contain one-word titles. Did you do this intentionally?
Belobritsky: Yeah, it contrasts to our complicated band name. These titles actually have a certain tie between themselves. On one hand, they show the state of the band during in one or another period. On the other hand, they show the way of the man from wanderer (shaman) to enlightenment (nirvana), and finally reaching realization. He has to go through sacrifice, pain, decease and oblivion. Sometimes it seems that this is a long, infinite way, and sometimes it seems it’s all about our band and we have prophesied our destiny ourselves, so expect the continuation…
Blistering.com: Non-Existence is the newest dark, melodic offering from Psilocybe Larvae. How do you feel about the finished product?
Belobritsky: Non-Existence is exactly the type of album that we wanted to create this time around, so we couldn't be more pleased with how it has turned out. Sonically, I think it sounds well enough. Considering that the recording was completely self-funded, it is definitely a well-done album. Regarding the music: It’s a very serious, I could say, monumental work with disturbing and dark atmosphere. Maybe it’s not so easy to sit through these tunes; it takes a long time to put your business aside, sit down and simply feel it deeply. It’s like a boa slowly swallowing and dissolving you. This music couldn’t serve as a background while you’re hanging out, drinking or doing something else. It claims your attention.
Blistering.com: How do you perceive Non-Existence in the pantheon of Psilocybe Larvae releases?
Belobritsky: This is undoubtedly a huge step up from our previous albums, the most significant album that we've come up with. I really hope the album will earn us a certain status worldwide. Non-Existence also serves as a starting point for our next record where we continue to evolve what we’ve created in this album. I think we have our confidence back with this material.
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