Mizar Delivers Captivating Performance in Podgorica’s Culture Festival

On July 15, 2023, the renowned Macedonian darkwave band Mizar delivered a mesmerizing concert in Podgorica, Montenegro. Part of the annual Podgoričko kulturno ljeto festival, the event took place on Ulica slobode, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to experience the band’s unique sound.

Powerful Performance Captivates Audience

Mizar opened their set with an adaptation of Psalms 135, immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. They followed up with a selection of their well-known tracks, including “Devojka od bronza,” “Magla,” “Gradot e nem,” and their latest release, “Grozomora.” The band’s distinctive blend of musical styles, rooted in darkwave, resonated deeply with the audience, but it was lead vocalist Niko Đorgievski who truly stole the show. His voice, a powerful mix of operatic tenor, Orthodox choir depth, and dark metal energy, echoed across Trg nezavisnosti.

Reflecting on the concert a week later, Đorgievski expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the crowd. “I never expected such heartfelt reactions and compliments. Everyone was with us; there wasn’t a wall between us,” he shared. “I felt embraced. That emotion is something we all share in the band.”

A Unique Connection in Music

This concert marked Đorgievski’s first performance in Montenegro. He recounted an interesting encounter with a fan from Scandinavia who, despite being unfamiliar with Mizar’s music, was captivated by the energy of the performance. “It’s my first time performing in Montenegro and I can say, as we all know, that we are very similar on the Balkans; we recognize each other,” he noted.

Having joined Mizar only a year and a half ago, Đorgievski’s journey with the band began when the band sought a practice space and he offered them his studio. “Everything happened spontaneously and simply. I was invited to sing backing vocals at a concert in my hometown of Bitola. A year later, I was invited again, this time to be the lead vocalist. And here we are now,” he explained.

As a young musician, Đorgievski admitted he initially struggled to understand the music Mizar creates. “I grew up as a rocker, a metalhead, and I didn’t see the depth of what they were doing. I started listening to Mizar towards the end of high school, while I was already in a metal band,” he recalled.

Despite Mizar’s songs often containing religious themes and symbolism, he clarified his personal stance: “I am not religious, but I have a deep understanding and respect for religion. As long as what we do is sincere and real, that’s what touches people most deeply.” He emphasized the band’s mission: “Our task is to connect people with ideas and make life a little more bearable.”

The concert attracted several hundred attendees, primarily from younger and middle-aged demographics. Đorgievski observed that older generations are more familiar with Mizar’s work, while younger audiences are just beginning to discover it. He noted, “This genre doesn’t appeal to the masses. People are listening to us more today than before because information spreads faster.”

Looking Ahead: New Material on the Horizon

As Mizar continues to evolve, Đorgievski expressed excitement about the band’s future projects. “We strive to present our cultural roots as best as we can. Music is alive and moves somewhere. We don’t know where, but we know it’s a gift from people for people,” he stated. He added that it is essential to allow younger generations to form their own opinions about music and culture.

Đorgievski hopes to return to Montenegro for more performances soon. He revealed that the band is actively working on new material, with “Grozomora” being just the beginning. “Honestly, I would love to see you all again soon,” he concluded, leaving fans eager for what’s next from Mizar.