Interview with CMYTER
!!!HEAVY METAL FROM SLOVAKIA!!!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about Cmÿter (Members, Starting Year etc).
In 2024 (I think it was after the Eisenhand concert), Palo mentioned that he was tired of being the vocalist in Beton, of which he was a member, and that he wanted to start a heavy metal band. But he didn't have or know of any singers. Since I had just left the band Goatcraft and it had always been my priority to play in a heavy metal band, I gladly took on the role. Holup was the obvious choice, not only because he played drums, but also because he provided us with a rehearsal space and the means to record our first EP. Paradoxically, the problem was finding guitarists. At that time, I wasn't 100% sure if I wanted to be a guitarist. Some people showed up, but in the end nothing came of it, and I realized that if I wanted the band to work, it would have to be mainly my responsibility. So I added guitar to singing. However, we still needed someone for the lead guitarist position. Because I was well aware that being the sole singer and guitarist in a genre such as heavy metal is practically impossible. For a while, we had Daniel as our guitarist, but he left to study in Prague. Until the second half of 2025, there were only three of us playing. Then, out of nowhere, Frederik, who used to play in the band Acid Force a long time ago, came to mind. Since I had a pretty close relationship with that band back then, I saw how everyone played, and Frederik struck me as the best guitarist in the band and among the people around it. This was also confirmed in Cmÿter. He brought lively and powerful solos to the band and lifted the band even higher.
You have recently released your EP ''Ave Lucifer''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
I would say surprisingly positive. We were well aware that when it was released on YouTube under the NWOTHM Full Albums channel, where singles, EPs, and albums (of fairly high quality, it must be said), are released practically every day, we would easily get lost. That wasn't and isn't quite the case. Ten days have passed and there are quite a few views and reactions. We've received negative comments from some friends about the production of the EP, and the exact opposite from others. As a band, we're quite satisfied given the recording conditions.
And what about the lyrics?
We draw inspiration from literary sources, particularly from Josef Váchal. This influence therefore indicates that our lyrics are about the inquisition, mysticism and blasphemy.
How did your cooperation with Tapes of Terror Records occur? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
Peťan (head of the Tapes of Terror label) contacted us as soon as we posted our photo, saying that he wanted to see our first EP. He wanted to know more about it. There is a demo recording where I still play all the guitars, so I sent it to him and he agreed to release our EP on physical media. In addition to Tapes of Terror, there will probably be a non-European release, but I can't say where or under what label yet. We already prefer Label. Or at least a producer outside the band and preferably outside the Slovak and Czech scenes. Why? You will find out in the next question.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
The recording was a real struggle. Holup was dependent on help and borrowing equipment from others, who were not always willing to help. Again, it must be said that it is no wonder, as they had enough worries of their own. But we were also troubled by the release date we had set for ourselves. The problem was mainly the mixing itself. We understood that the producer must be as I said: Someone outside the band and preferably also outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We haven't played yet, no concerts, so I can't answer the second part of the question.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Mainly vinyl and cassette tapes, though CDs or digital formats are okay too.
Your music style is Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Swedish Heavy Metal from the 80s, such as Gotham City, Mindless Sinner, and Heavy Load. Many influences also came from a "new" band called In Solitude or from classic bands such as Thin Lizzy, Saxon, Judas Priest, and Tublatanka.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
It's quite a personal question. But for me, it's mainly time for practicing and, overall, time for the band... Well, I had to sell a ticket to KIT once, which I always wanted to go to but never did because of a European tour with the band Goatcraft, of which I was a member at the time. I think that when Palo went on tour to the US with Beton, he had to wear sweatpants so that they wouldn't be discovered at customs as a band (because they didn't have artist visas). I would never do that... haha
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
The most important thing is that we can hear each other on stage and have some space. That's why I'm glad that there are only four of us in the end, because I've played on stage with five members before and it was sometimes quite uncomfortable given the size of the stage. Then, of course, so that people have fun.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
FUCK OFF.
What attributes do you think that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Good question, but I think the path leads through the inspiration of the band's local origins. In our case, these are Slovak lyrics about seemingly clichéd metal themes (inquisition, mysticism, and blasphemy), but inspired, for example, by Czech author Josef Váchal, who, in my opinion, is completely unknown to the world of heavy metal.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Heavy Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Definitely yes, because those who seek shall find, and platforms such as NWOTHM Full Albums or you guys from Filthy Dogs Of Metal make it easier.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Heavy Metal band to avoid or what to do?
Let them avoid AI! Haha! But everyone probably knows that... Heavy metal is, unfortunately, a dying genre. So I guess we just need to stick together and support each other. And perhaps I can also advise that although we live in turbulent times, that does not mean we have to adapt to them. So there is no need to rush things.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Slovakia (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
In Slovakia today, "harder" genres such as Death Metal, Black Metal, or Punk are dominant. There isn't much here, so it's more common to talk about the Czech-Slovak scene. But there are some really good new band called Hrob and then there are the old pieces that are still good like: Radiation, Old Hammer, Malokarpatan or Acid Force. We have a pretty good club in Bratislava called "Žalár". I recently saw some legendary bands there, such as the aforementioned Mindless Sinner, Impurity or Goat Semen.
What does Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
Personally? Heavy metal is a way of life for me. It can always change a little bit, but here is a list of how I got into metal (it is not ranked hierarchically): Persecution Mania, Honour and Blood, Thunder and Lightning, Bonded by Blood, Black Metal, Defenders of the Faith, Show No Mercy, The Nightcomers, Branded and Exiled and Black Sabbath.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
I can't say much about that, personally I consider the 90s to be the least attractive era of metal. Don’t get me wrong, but if I compare 70s or 80s metal/rock music to the 90s, the 90s lag behind. I only like a few things from that time, but that may change over time. Other members of Cmÿter might be able to tell you more.
What are your future plans?
Preparing and composing new songs, performing concerts, and possibly recording a new single.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you very much for the space and interest in us. We wish you all the best. It was an honor to be a part of this. Gregor from Cmÿter.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
CMYTER CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579200981976
https://www.instagram.com/cmyter/
https://cmyter.bandcamp.com/album/ave-lucifer