IoMP 135: Metal Around the World: Kyrgyzstan
Metal truly is global — and this episode proves it.
In the latest Metal Around the World adventure, Collin and Tom explore the underground metal scene of Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked Central Asian country better known for its mountains than its mosh pits.
Despite the small number of bands documented in the region, what the country lacks in quantity it absolutely makes up for in intensity. The hosts discovered that Kyrgyzstan’s scene is dominated by black metal — and lots of it.
The episode kicks off with Darkestrah, one of the country’s most recognized metal exports. Their epic folk-tinged black metal brings sweeping atmosphere and cultural influences that immediately set the tone for the episode.
From there, things get raw.
Bands like Faustus and Ornugle showcase the gritty, underground side of the scene — the kind of lo-fi black metal that sounds like it was recorded in a cave somewhere deep in the mountains.
But Kyrgyzstan’s metal scene isn’t entirely one-dimensional.
Tom uncovers Melissa Dead, a mysterious project that blends thrash elements with unexpected influences, creating one of the episode’s most surprising discoveries.
Meanwhile, Kashgar delivers a darker fusion of black and death metal, while Shahid closes out the journey with a brutal mix of death metal and hardcore.
Even with only a handful of bands to explore, Collin and Tom find plenty to appreciate in this small but determined metal scene. The episode also highlights how metal continues to thrive in unexpected places — proving once again that the genre truly refuses to die.
If you love discovering underground metal scenes, chaotic podcast banter, and the occasional mispronunciation of international geography, this episode is a must-listen.
🎧 Listen now and discover metal from one of the most unexpected corners of the world.
DISCLAIMER: Copyright Exceptions under the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), allowance is made for "fair dealing" for the purposes of criticism or review.
Check out more from the Influencers of Metal Podcast!
