MONASTERY DEAD – Seeds of Apostasy

A brutal descent into existential chaos, death metal supremacy, and two decades of evolution.

Origins & Creative Process
1. Seeds of Apostasy is your first release since your last full-length. What creative spark or
internal shift led to this new chapter for Monastery Dead?
Despite the fact that some of these tracks were written quite a long time ago, were released
previously and, in fact, are the versions recorded by our current line-up in accordance with
modern production standards, at current tempos and arrangements, we can probably call this EP a
new chapter in the band's history.
We breathed new life into our old material, gave a wide audience the opportunity to get to know
our roots, understand the seeds of our concept. Creating this quintessence of our approach to the
genre and paying the homage to its origins we got back in time by ourselves to find the way to
move further.
2. When did the writing process begin for these seven tracks? Was the EP created in one burst
of intensity, or written over time?
The oldest track, called "One More Interrupted Life" was created in 2008–2009 and, like the
others, was reworked several times to reach its modern version. The EP track-list was made
pretty fast after we realized that it’s high time to resurrect the primal spirit of Monastery Dead.
3. Did you go into the studio with a fully formed concept, or did the themes take shape
organically during recording?
Yes, the concept was complete but it always happens that the details slightly change during the
recording process when it comes to the backing vocals or cymbals for example.

Themes of the EP
4. The record explores existential crisis, spiritual decay, and religious disintegration. What
drew you to these themes at this stage in the band’s evolution?
We believe these themes will always be relevant. The band addressed them back in 2004 and still
return to them in one way or another. In our opinion the creative process begins with diving into
the abyss of the human reason in order to bring to the surface what is hidden from the outside
world because often conflicts with it. This struggle births something raw, a truth stripped of
pretense, sincere, yet destructive to the one who uncovers it.
We capture the process of self-destruction, the fall from grace, and ask the question: "What if this
fall is the true path?"
5. Is Seeds of Apostasy meant to be interpreted as a narrative, a collection of individual
stories, or a philosophical statement about modern life?
Without a doubt, this is a philosophical statement built on the antithesis between human reason
and human nature.

6. How much of these themes reflect personal experience versus broader observation of society
and global events?
The personal experience is the entry point, the raw fuel. It's the intimate feeling of spiritual
vertigo, the private moments of disintegration, and the firsthand confrontation with existential
dread. You can't convincingly sing about a hollow core if you haven't felt the echo in your own
chest.
As for the broader observation, the decay of shared narratives, the collective anxiety of our era,
the spectacle of global instability aren't just backdrops. They amplify and give shape to the
personal void.

Sound, Style & Evolution
7. You’ve been compared to bands like Bloodbath, Misery Index, and Jungle Rot. How do you
balance honoring old-school death metal with pushing forward into your own identity?
I wouldn’t say that we are trying to “balance” things. We genuinely love old-school death metal
for its rawness, pure aggression, and energy, as well as for its unique sound that was born when
nobody really knew how death metal was supposed to be made, so everyone did it their own way
instead of following certain formulas or algorithms. We try to preserve that honesty and spirit in
our music, while at the same time making sure that our sound meets modern technical standards.
8. What elements of Monastery Dead’s sound do you feel evolved the most on this EP
compared to past albums?
With every new recording, we gain experience that we then apply to the next one. The same goes
for the engineers we work with. So I’d say that our sound as a whole evolves with each new
release. To be more specific we placed a much greater emphasis on the bass guitar sound this
time. Since the rhythm section is the essential foundation of any great track, we were determined
to make it as rock-solid as possible.
9. The EP is only 19 minutes long but extremely dense and intense. Was the short-and-brutal
approach intentional?
We didn't think about the timing at the conceptual stage of the EP and selected the tracks solely
based on stylistic parameters. First and foremost, we wanted to convey the essence of the band’s
approach to the genre, and we are happy with the result. We are also pleased that the release can
be listened to in one breath.

Track-Specific Deep Dives
10. “One More Interrupted Life” is a massive opener — what message or emotion were you
trying to establish right from the start?
We consider this track to be the most powerful one, setting the tone for the entire concept and
best conveying the mood of the EP. It establishes a message of death's absolute dominion,
existential inevitability, bleak fatalism and numb despair.
11. “Voracity Of Madness” has a chaotic, almost psychological edge. What inspired this track
musically and lyrically?
This track, along with the others, draws inspiration from the old-school masters of the genre. It
has a chaotic structure, designed to make the listener feel the atmosphere of an internal war that

drives one toward mad, nihilistic conclusions. It's not meant to be easy listening but rather an
immersion into a state of cognitive dissonance and fraying sanity.
12. “Cold And Gloom” dives into atmosphere and dread. How did you approach writing
something so emotionally suffocating?
Our goal was to depict the ultimate entropy, complete victory of absolute nothingness over the
phenomena of life, civilization, and soul. It’s a metaphysical breakdown where we are trapped,
hope is extinguished, and our universe reaches its final.
13. “Sick Absolution” deals heavily with religious themes — what’s the story or concept behind
that song?
This song is a statement about the hypocrisy we face in religious contexts, where absolutist faith
corrupts into a system of ritualized abuse. The language of salvation ultimately becomes the
vehicle for utter subjugation, and the believer's body becomes the altar for a violent, blasphemous
sacrifice.
14. “Abyss Of Depression” is brutally introspective. Did writing or performing this track take
an emotional toll?
This track depicts the state where the self is purged through a revolting psychic emesis and the
only remaining choice is to acquiesce to the deepening fall.
15. “Left To Rot” feels like a tribute to classic death metal. Was that intentional?
Yes, it’s tribute to classic death metal as well as the other songs. Its core idea is not just death, but
a prolonged, conscious unraveling where all agency, connection, and hope are irrevocably
stripped away, leaving only the raw, indifferent process of decay.
16. “Overthrown God” closes the EP with immense force. Why was this the right track to end
on?
Overthrown God is the proper conclusion to the EP. It represents the final apostasy reached via
the pain, suffering and raw, visceral experience, the freedom achieved with the death of false god
within.

Production, Studio & Artworks
17. Seeds of Apostasy was recorded at BuzzyLick Studio. What made this studio the right
environment for capturing such intensity?
We have known BuzzyLick Studio and Ivan for a very long time. We feel completely at home
working within its walls. Ivan understands each musician's individual approach, which is
invaluable during recording. He has a deep grasp of our sound, is fully invested in the creative
process, and leverages all modern techniques and equipment available. What more could a
musician ask for in a recording session?
18. How did Dead Kennedy’s mixing and mastering approach influence the final sound?

We are incredibly grateful for his professionalism and contribution. His approach was
fundamental in shaping the final sound, and his work made a profound impact on the outcome.
We were thoroughly satisfied with both the results and the collaborative process.
19. Ivan Stan’s cover art perfectly captures the album’s decay and disillusionment. What was
your direction or vision for the artwork?
We tend to avoid collaborating with people who don't fully grasp our concepts. Ivan Stan
understands our creative vision completely, which is why we've worked together for so many
years. This time, the goal was to depict a dissent that grows excruciatingly from within the human
being, and in our opinion, Ivan executed this vision flawlessly.

20. Do the visuals tie into a larger conceptual world for Monastery Dead?
At least two of our latest releases are tied and we plan to enlarge the number of works that could
interact within our main concept.

Band Dynamics & Longevity
21. Monastery Dead has been active since 2004 — more than 20 years. What has kept the band
going through scene changes, global turmoil, and lineup shifts?
Of course, the band hasn’t been as active over the past 20 years as we are now. There have been
periods of inactivity and internal conflicts, yet we have always been united by a common goal. I
believe it is precisely this shared vision along with the adventures we experience on tour, the
emotions we share on stage, and, of course, our listeners that has kept us on our path all this time.
22. How has each member contributed uniquely to the sound of Seeds of Apostasy?
Each of us has our own playing style and set of instruments. I believe that it is the combination of
these elements that makes up the sound of Monastery Dead.
23. What is the band dynamic like today compared to your early years?
Over the past five years, we’ve significantly changed the approach to our work. I believe that at
the moment we are at the peak of our activity, but that’s definitely not enough. We plan to keep
growing, so we will become even more active over time.
24. You’ve shared stages with Dying Fetus, Unleashed, and other giants. What did you learn
from performing with such influential acts?
The biggest lesson was total conviction. They play with an authority that commands respect,
teaching us that extreme music must be delivered without hesitation, as an absolute truth. We also
learned about controlling energy on stage: how to build tension, pace a setlist, and turn a
performance into a physical experience for the audience.
Ultimately, it showed us that longevity comes from professionalism, consistency, and an
unwavering dedication to the craft. It was the ultimate masterclass in how to be a formidable live
band.

Scene, Culture & Identity

25. How has the Russian metal scene changed since you formed, and where do you feel
Monastery Dead fits within it today?
The Russian metal scene has changed a lot. Over the years, many professional bands have
emerged in Russia, some of which you have probably heard of. The music has become much
more professional, and there are far more opportunities now, including technical ones. I think that
today we are one of the oldest existing Russian death metal bands.
26. Has the band’s identity or worldview been shaped by your environment in St. Petersburg?
Undoubtedly, the atmosphere of Saint-Petersburg has influenced our music and lyrics. The city
often has a melancholic mood. Its grayness, monumentality, and elegance have made a significant
contribution to every aspect of our music.
27. Do you feel Russian death metal has its own signature style, and if so, how does Monastery
Dead represent or deviate from it?
I believe that Russian death metal definitely has its own signature. I’ve often heard from our
Finnish listeners that Russian death metal carries pure emotions, genuine aggression, and energy.
It seems to me that Monastery Dead fits this description perfectly. We strive to convey our
genuine feelings and emotions through our music, which is why it comes across as sincere.

Future Plans & Direction
28. Seeds of Apostasy feels like a statement of rebirth and aggression. Does this EP foreshadow
a new full-length album?
No, Seed of Apostasy is a separate work. It’s more of a reflection or summary of the stage in the
band’s existence.
29. How much new material is currently in the works?
At the moment, we are working on a single, which has already been recorded and is currently in
the mixing and mastering stage. We have also started writing new material for upcoming releases.
Stay tuned for updates.
30. Do you foresee experimenting with new sonic territories, or doubling down on the brutality
you’ve perfected?
We will stick to our current style, but since we are evolving, we will of course incorporate new
ideas if we deem them necessary. We are open to new things, but we don’t want to lose our
identity.
31. Are there plans for touring internationally to support the EP?
We would like to do a tour in support of the EP in 2026, but we’re not ready to share specifics
yet.

For the Fans

32. What do you hope listeners feel — physically, emotionally, spiritually — when they hear
Seeds of Apostasy?
We’d like listeners to feel an urge to smash concrete walls with their bare hands while listening to
Seeds of Apostasy. We want this EP to evoke anger and power, to fill people with energy and
give them the strength to face and overcome their challenges.
33. For someone discovering Monastery Dead for the first time with this EP, which album in
your discography should they explore next?
Without a doubt, it should be Ego Sum Dolor. It is more complex both conceptually and
technically. An attentive listener will find many interesting details in it that will make them think
and experience a wide range of emotions. While listening to this album, they will go through
many forms of suffering that truly happen to us and to our souls in this world.
34. What message would you like to send to your fans around the world as you begin this next
chapter?
We are grateful to every person who supports us, shows activity, and simply listens to our music.
We love you, without you and your support, we wouldn’t exist. Come yourselves and bring your
friends to our community and social media. 2026 promises to be a year full of events!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Get ready to unleash the fury! MONASTERY DEAD has officially released their highly anticipated EP, Seeds of Apostasy, and it’s available now on all major streaming platforms. This relentless offering from Russia’s death metal titans is sure to captivate fans of the genre with its brutal sound and uncompromising vision.

With Seeds of Apostasy, Monastery Dead delivers a powerful statement that showcases their evolution over two decades in the underground metal scene. The EP stands as a testament to their commitment to extreme music, blending old-school death metal grit with modern precision. Each of the seven tracks serves as a harrowing exploration of themes such as existential crises, religious decay, and spiritual disintegration, making this a must-listen for fans of Bloodbath, Misery Index, and Jungle Rot.

For fans of:
– Bloodbath
– Misery Index
– Jungle Rot

About MONASTERY DEAD:
Formed in 2004 in St. Petersburg, Monastery Dead has established themselves as one of Russia’s most formidable death metal bands. With a discography that includes four full-length albums and collaborations with legendary acts such as Dying Fetus and Unleashed, they have proven their resilience and dominance in the metal underground. Their latest release, Seeds of Apostasy, recorded at BuzzyLick Studio and mixed by Dead Kennedy, captures the raw intensity that fans have come to expect.

The striking cover art, crafted by Ivan Stan, perfectly encapsulates the themes of decay and disillusionment woven throughout the EP. With this release, Monastery Dead not only solidifies their legacy but also reaffirms their status as a lethal force in the death metal realm. This is not just music; it’s a declaration of dominance.

Tracklist:

1.One More Interrupted Life
2.Voracity Of Madness
3.Cold And Gloom
4.Sick Absolution
5.Abyss Of Depression
6.Left To Rot
7.Overthrown God

Total Length: 19:54

Monastery Dead lineup:
Anton Malov – Vocals
Kirill Tatarinov – Guitars / Backing Vocals
Vadim Nikolaev – Bass
Kirill Zharikov – Drums

EP: Seeds of Apostasy
Release Date: November 10th, 2025
Label: Self-released
Recorded by: Ivan Dmitriev / BuzzyLick Studio
Mixed & Mastered by: Dead Kennedy
Cover Art: Ivan Stan
Management: Extreme Management Group

Prepare to witness the next evolution of Russian death metal. Monastery Dead isn’t just keeping the flame alive, they’re pouring gasoline on it.