Mental Home

Mental Home, a progressive doom metal outfit, came together in Russia during November 1993 when brothers Sergey (handling vocals and guitars) and Igor Dmitriev (on drums) launched the project; guitarist Roman Povarov and bassist Denis Samusev rounded out the original roster. Their 1994 demo Funeral Service paved the way for the group’s first proper album, Mirrorland, which the modest Metal Agen imprint released before the year ended. An unforeseen hand injury soon sidelined Povarov from guitar duties, prompting him to move to keyboards while Sergey Kalachov joined as the new guitarist. The 1996 release Vale propelled Mental Home to prominence within Russia and drew notice from The End Records in the United States, leading to an international contract. Povarov departed shortly afterward, making room for keyboardist Michael “Maiden” Smirnoff, who also assumed managerial responsibilities. Black Art arrived in 1997 and began cultivating an international following through its expansive, goth-infused atmospheres that evoked the experimental leanings of Tiamat and the Gathering. Century Media subsequently licensed the follow-up Upon the Shores of Inner Seas for broader release and distribution in 2000.