Svarog (band)

Lore & Background

Svarog was formed in November 1993 by guitarist Zoran Đuroski "Đura Mysterious", vocalist Boško Blažić, drummer Vladimir Vilovski "Šola", and bassist Milan Barković "Bare". All members had previously played in other Serbian bands such as Brainstorm, Pussycat, and Sick Mother Fakers. The band's first release was the live album Smor (Dull), recorded on November 5, 1994 at the Belgrade KST club and released in 1995 on compact cassette via their own label Gong. The album included thirteen tracks, among them covers of Discharge's "Final Bloodbath" and Black Sabbath's "Electric Funeral". Production was handled by the band with sound engineer Ivan Brusić at Belgrade's Atelje Studio.

In 1995, Svarog appeared as performers in the film Geto (Ghetto), which featured a music video for their song "Trial Song". A live recording of "War (Is Within)" from a November 11, 1995 KST performance with the band Bjesovi was later released on the 2009 compilation Groovanje devedesete uživo. In spring 1996, vocalist Boško Blažić left the band, and Svarog continued as a trio with Đuroski taking over vocals. That May, the band toured Slovenia with Love Hunters, Ništa Ali Logopedi, and Goblini. They began recording material for a debut studio album but disbanded after completing only two songs.

Reader's Guide

Svarog holds a modest but distinct place in Serbian metal history as one of the earliest bands to play sludge and doom metal in the country. Their live album Smor, released independently on cassette, captured the raw energy of the Belgrade underground scene in the mid-1990s. The band's appearance in the film Geto, centered on the local rock scene, further cemented their role as part of that era's cultural fabric. Though short-lived, Svarog's members went on to contribute to other notable Serbian acts: guitarist Đuroski later joined Eyesburn and worked as a producer and sound engineer for albums by Bjesovi, Ventolin, and Scraps; bassist Barković became a sound engineer and founded Bare Wired studio; drummer Vilovski continued playing with various bands. The band's legacy is preserved through their sole live album, a compilation appearance, and their film cameo, serving as a footnote in the development of extreme metal in Serbia.

Did You Know?

• Svarog's live album Smor was released only on compact cassette.
• The band covered Discharge's 'Final Bloodbath' and Black Sabbath's 'Electric Funeral' on their live album.
• Svarog appeared as performers in the 1995 film Geto about the Belgrade underground rock scene.
• After Svarog disbanded, guitarist Zoran Đuroski joined the band Eyesburn and appeared on a Soulfly DVD.