Mizar Delivers Captivating Performance at Podgorica Cultural Summer

A unique concert held in Podgorica on July 29, 2023, featured the renowned Macedonian darkwave band Mizar. The event took place as part of the annual cultural celebration, “Podgoričko kulturno ljeto,” organized by the Secretariat for Culture of the City of Podgorica. Performances unfolded on Ulica Slobode, captivating an audience eager for a distinctive musical experience.

Mizar opened their set with an adaptation of the 135th Psalm. The performance then seamlessly transitioned through a selection of their most notable songs, including “Devojka od bronza,” “Magla,” “Gradot e nem,” and their latest track, “Grozomora.” The powerful and evocative voice of lead vocalist Niko Đorgievski particularly resonated with the crowd, showcasing a blend of operatic tenor strength, the depth of traditional Orthodox chants, and the high-energy style characteristic of dark metal.

Niko Đorgievski expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic reception during an interview with the local publication Pobjeda. “I am incredibly thankful to the audience. I never expected such warm reactions and compliments,” he said. “Everyone was with us; there was no wall, and the looks from the people were sincere. I felt embraced. It’s an emotion we all share in the band.”

This concert marked Đorgievski’s first performance in Montenegro. He shared that after the show, he spent over an hour taking photos and engaging with fans, including a young man from Scandinavia who, despite not being familiar with their music, stayed until the end, moved by the energy of the performance. “This is my first time performing in Montenegro, and we all know that we are very similar in the Balkans; we recognize each other,” he noted.

Reflecting on his journey with Mizar, Đorgievski revealed that he joined the band a year and a half ago. The collaboration began when the band sought a rehearsal space, leading to an invitation for him to sing backing vocals in a concert in his hometown of Bitola. “Everything happened spontaneously and simply,” he explained. “I have enjoyed a variety of musical influences, which has helped me develop my vocal capabilities.”

Despite the band’s music often embodying religious themes and symbolism, Đorgievski identifies as a non-religious person. “I have a deep understanding and respect for religion. As long as what we do is sincere and real, we can connect with people,” he stated. He emphasized that their mission is to connect individuals with ideas and make life a bit more bearable.

The concert attracted several hundred attendees, primarily from younger and middle-aged demographics. According to Đorgievski, while older generations are more familiar with Mizar’s work, younger audiences are only just discovering it. “This is not a genre for the masses. People listen to us more today than before, as information spreads faster,” he explained.

As the band continues to represent their cultural roots, Đorgievski remains optimistic about future performances in Montenegro. He shared that Mizar is actively working on new material, with “Grozomora” merely serving as a starting point. “I sincerely hope to see everyone again soon,” he concluded, reflecting the enthusiasm that characterized the vibrant concert atmosphere.