Žudnja

Location: Novi Sad, Serbia

Year active: 2015 - 2018

Members: Marko (bass, vocals), Mladen (drums), Vuk (guitar, vocals)

Related bands: ????

FFO: Amanda Woodward, Belle Epoque, Mihai Edrische, Raein, With Engine Heart

Žudnja was a short-lived trio from Novi Sad. Somewhere in early 2015 they started performing, sharing stages with Eaglehaslanded, Muerto Rico and others. Months later they self-released their debut EP "Nervoza // Nekroza". They released a two-track EP 'Svemora' in 2018. There was no activity of the band afterwards.

Their music can be somewhat aligned with the European post-rock/screamo, especially French screamo. Their tracks are slightly lengthy (clocking around 4 minutes), progressive and flowing with emotion. The production of 'Nekroza//Nervoza' is lo-fi, raw and demo-like in design, while 'Svemora' is a lot more fresh and tighter.

Žudnja’s two EPs, Nervoza // Nekroza and Svemora, read like fragments of the same unease. Rather than direct statements, the band relies on metaphor and repetition to describe life under constant pressure... authority that feels arbitrary, work that leads nowhere, fear that slowly becomes routine. The lyrics circle around exhaustion, confusion, and the feeling of being shaped by forces that remain unnamed but ever-present.

While Nervoza // Nekroza leans toward inner collapse and psychological tension, Svemora shifts into stagnation and cyclical existence, movement without progress, history repeating itself without resolution. Taken together, these releases document a quiet but persistent anxiety, where understanding comes slowly, if at all, and silence sometimes feels like the only remaining form of control.

----------

Žudnja je bio kratkotrajan trio iz Novog Sada. Početkom 2015. godine započinju sa nastupima, deleći bine sa bendovima poput Eaglehaslanded, Muerto Rico i drugima. Nekoliko meseci kasnije samostalno objavljuju debitantski EP Nervoza // Nekroza. Godine 2018. izlazi još jedan EP sa dve pesme, Svemora. Nakon toga, bend više nije bio aktivan.

Njihova muzika može se svrstati u okvir evropskog post-hardcore/screamo zvuka, sa izraženim uticajem francuskog screama. Pesme su nešto duže (u proseku oko četiri minuta), progresivne i emotivno protočne. Produkcija Nervoza // Nekroza je lo-fi, sirova i demo-orijentisana, dok Svemora zvuči znatno svežije i zategnutije.

Dva EP-ja benda Žudnja, Nervoza // Nekroza i Svemora, deluju kao fragmenti iste nelagode. Umesto direktnih poruka, bend se oslanja na metaforu i ponavljanje kako bi opisao život pod konstantnim pritiskom... autoritet koji deluje proizvoljno, rad koji ne vodi nikuda, strah koji vremenom postaje rutina. Tekstovi kruže oko iscrpljenosti, konfuzije i osećaja da čoveka oblikuju sile koje ostaju neimenovane, ali stalno prisutne.

Dok se Nervoza // Nekroza više naginje unutrašnjem raspadu i psihološkoj tenziji, Svemora se pomera ka stagnaciji i cikličnom postojanju, kretanju bez napretka, istoriji koja se ponavlja bez razrešenja. Posmatrani zajedno, ovi radovi dokumentuju tihu, ali upornu anksioznost, u kojoj razumevanje dolazi sporo, ako uopšte dolazi, a tišina ponekad deluje kao jedini preostali oblik kontrole.

IDIEDTHISFEBRUARY

Location: Novi Sad, Serbia

Year active: 2023 - Ongoing

Members: Em Drakulic, Luka Salak, Stefan Duka

Related bands: give.me.the.gun, Labud, Plik

FFO: Jeromes Dream, Eaglehaslanded, In/Humanity, .minmo

Ah, yes. Novi Sad, the great old punk kingdom and Odense's southeastern european sister, the city that's as flat as a board and extremely friendly to bike riding, vegan, straight-edge, antifa punks, making sure to keep fascists and neo-nazis afraid of their very own existence. A lot of those things are what makes me love this city. Even more than my own hometown.

And most importantly, my very own friends who reside there, especially Stefan of give.me.the.gun, who has formed an upcoming screamo band along with Em and Luka. With the exception of Luka, both Em and Stefan have their own noise projects respectively.

The band in question is Idiedthisfebruary. They started performing in Novi Sad a couple times and performing in Belgrade for the first time. Whilst performing, they dropped their 2 Song Demo EP.

Here we're on a Wonka boat trip to the noisy garbling sample of this legendary Japanese 90's mindfuck which sets us off to the lo-fi chaotic mess of "Caught in a Daydream" lasting 2:26 of runtime, all hell set loose until we get to that somber moment of 1:10, building up to epic catharsis mode. Then we follow up to 2:38's "Rapid Eye Movement", challenging us with their epic breakdown, being occasionally prevalent throughout the song. Here are some of the lyrics to go by:

"Used to hate the Sun and now the sky's getting red

Every day I breathe, I can't get out of bed

 All my flowers wither as I turn into a slob

The months turn to years as the days turn to fog"

If that doesn't perfectly capture depression, then i don't know what does.

DEMO

A year later of following their touring, the band officially dropped their debut release "These Fading Years" at this exact month after their initial demo's release. An 8-track EP was recorded in Brutal Studio, mixed/mastered by Filip Djurovic and its artwork done by Vivi. Needless to say, it was quite worth the wait.

I've spoken with Em, the guitarist at the time of their gig and he jokingly pointed out how i have to look for new words to describe their show every time i write them a gig review, which sent me laughing, saying "you're totally right, better wait for your EP then!"

The EP opens with "You raise your arm, I turn away", with wearied, monotonous spoken words, lamenting on the effects of physical abuse (One more day to feel lobotomized/Talk to me as if i were a child, But no matter what you say/You raise your arm, i turn away), building up to screaming crescendos. After the lacerating chaos of 29-sec "I Won't Play Your Fucking Songs", the band delves further into themes of existential crisis (Get in the Fucking Robot, In Love With Misery, etc.) and depression (Rapid Eye Movement, Nothing), matching the overall depressive mood to the generous amount. Despite that, the mixing can be slightly muddy and most of the guitar work (trebly at best) is almost nearly upfront than the rest, and it wasn't as punchy as i thought it would be. Nevertheless, it still maintains to be a listenable experience for half an hour.

THESE FADING DAYS

give.me.the.gun.

Location: Novi Sad, Serbia

Year active: 2021 - Ongoing

Members: Stefan Duka

Label: Self-released, Khya Records

Related bands: Idiedthisfebruary, Labud

FFO: Jeromes Dream, Usurp Synapse, Combatwoundedveteran, Merzbow, Atrax Morgue, sueisntfine

As i was filming and editing a live set for Labud, i took myself a trip down the memory lane and recalled one of Duka's first projects that i discovered back in 2021. I remember trying to reach out to him via Bandcamp to no avail and then happened to accidentally meet him at AKAB Okretnica some time later. It was up to that point when he revealed himself to be behind this project that made me completely flabbergasted. And i am definitely glad that i met him.

give.me.the.gun., a ghastly lo-fi emo/noisecore hybrid came to mind. A solo project that is nothing short of ferocious. As of 2024, the project had released two EPs and a split release so far.

His debut EP "selected.recordings.", consists of 5 tracks with diverse styles within the lo-fi production. Tracks like 'Whyhavealifewhenyouhavetheinternet', 'xepoj' and 'mr.coathangersayshello' serve themselves as the most harrowing form of lo-fi emoviolence/noisecore. Distanced, amateurish, but soulcrushing and cathartic production within the mist of grainy noise further compliments the raw aspects of the DIY Hardcore punk aesthetics, while 'wakingupfromacomain2001' and 'carpemortem' backs up the short-timed skramz offerings with screeching, pulsating and disturbingly long noise compositions ala Merzbow and Hanatarash, making up a half-an-hour runtime for this magnificent rollercoaster ride of an EP.

This kind of quality continues in the form of a 2023 split with Eva Ras titled 'Similar Genes, Distant Relatives' with 3 tracks and a cover. His side starts with a melancholic instrumental opener 'Burning Bridges', succeeding with screeching 50-second noisecore/emoviolence 'Hello, I Hate Myself'. Ironically, another screeching noisy interlude 'New Year, Old Me' gives the listener a 2-minute break before finally concluding his side with his I Wrote Haikus cover.

Halfway through the year, GMTG dropped another EP titled 'Worm (oh, it's a dreadful life)'. Only this time we're hearing a more upfront and less abstract production, but still maintaining the lo-fi aspect. The first three tracks border on the influences between Jeromes Dream, Usurp Synapse (for its punchy compression in 'I think you don't love me anymore') and Combatwoundedveteran, with the exception of a post-rockish instrumental 'left' rocking with Unwoundish inflections as the calm ambient soars for 2 minutes before finally closing with an interlude cover of Novi Sad's cult Neocrust Reflections of Internal Rain. The band is definitely influential to Duka's contributions to this project and other bands that follow.

In conclusion, give.me.the.gun. is one of the most promising solo projects i've ever come across in my lifetime. Its entire discography and Duka's contribution to the scene gives hope to the other up and coming newcomers to Novi Sad scene and hopefully influences the rest of Ex-Yu. I am looking forward for this projects' further releases in the future. MAKE VOJVODINA EMO AGAIN.

Reflections of Internal Rain

Location: Novi Sad, Serbia

Year active: 2004 - active

Members: Petar Žutić (guitar), Ivan Sabo (guitar, vocals), Nebojša Ćato (drums), Ivan Gačević (vocals), Nikola Crvenković (bass, vocals)

Related bands: 3D Roshava Pipe, Ground Zero, Shoplifters

Labels: Fast 'n' Easy Records, Geenger Records, Good Samaritan Records, Shitpiece Records, SKC Records, Strikedown Records.

FFO: Ekkaia, Fall of Efrafa, His Hero Is Gone, Tragedy

Oh man, i don't know where to begin. This band, given where they came from and all, is definitely something, like an unforgiving, benevolent force. And i admit, i haven't seen them that much, but i had luck seeing them live along with No Omega and Eaglehaslanded back in September 2013, taking place at a once defunct club called Panic Room Žica. It is one of my very first time attending a hardcore show, so when ROIR came along, their set commenced a mosh pit, which shook me to the absolute core. I have never seen such ferocity of atmosphere coming at me like that. It was definitely one of the unforgettable experience.

Formed in 2004, they released a demo EP "Across This Emptiness" in 2005, as well as a split with a Russian band Rededrang, before releasing their debut LP "Last Flood" in 2009. The LP contains 14 track barrage of apocalyptic guitar melodic, throat shredding vocals, rhythmic military machine gun drums with vocals dealing with topics of trauma, given from a country with a rich history of trauma, as well as their dedication to a friend who passed away in Stefan Ilincic in 2007. Their music has gained popularity in its local Novi Sad scene and has garnered attention outside Serbia, as well as extensive touring across Europe. 

Throughout their touring, they have released a split release with a fellow neocrust band from Banja Luka, Deer In The Headlights in 2011. However, due to an apparent dispute, each of them re-released their respective sides, with ROIR titling the EP as "Answers" in the following year, before falling into a near-decade of deep hiatus.

The EP exhales a bit of fresh air into the screamo territory, almost leaning into elements of Raein, Amanda Woodward and Daitro while keeping up with their neo-crust roots. It keeps up with being more brutal, unforgiving and visceral while closing with a revised and longer version of "Roir Barmy Army".

Note: This segment is taken from my review on behalf of DIYConspiracy.com

After nearly a decade of absence, the ROIR team has awoken from their hibernation and come back stronger than ever with their latest release titled "Eight". A six track EP packed with a lot of conciseness, care and a few deep punches. According to the band, the title Eight refers to a member’s parent’s eight-month battle with cancer, so the lyrical content takes a deep dive into that experience, an experience so harrowing it’s overwhelming with despair.

With the exception of the EP’s final song, “Overcoming The Silence,” which laments:

Tired of feeling broken,
abandoned, wanted to believe
that nothing has changed,
that everyone will stay the same.

But then ROIR proceeds to take a few steps further to acceptance and clarity, followed with:

My lungs full of clean air,
moment of clarity and overcoming of the silence.
Nothing’s going to stay the same,
this is the last time I pull the strings
to my own arms.

This is an EP that is set to grow on you for good reason. ROIR’s release is a celebration of humanity’s most vulnerable moments in life, giving the ability to grieve, accept and move on.

And that is the end of ROIR's discography so far. Given that they're the only neocrust to come out of Serbia who has managed to influence a lot of bands from the region, i highly salute them and root for them to continue with their craft and inspire as many people in and out of their scene as much as they can. This is without the doubt one of the influential acts in the region.

GIG REVIEW: MAKE VOJVODINA EMO AGAIN (Idiedthisfebruary, See It My Way, Ubili Su Batlera, Brazde) 3.2.24.

Yay, another gig review! This time taking place in Crna Kuca (CK13), the DIY antifa venue located in Novi Sad fifteen minutes away from the nearest train station.

The even in question is "Make Vojvodina Emo Again" aiming to promote emo/screamo bands from Vojvodina, particularly in Novi Sad. It also happens to include one band from Belgrade in support for their Vojvodinian neighbors.

Starting off with Idiedthisfebruary, their chaotic projectile rollercoaster runs for usual 15 minutes with Evangelion projection blaring in the middle of their set. This isn't my first time attending their show, so i was able to catch up again. With that being said, compared to the disappointment from the disengaged crowd at Zappa Barka, this time they have proven to be chaotic, kinetic and more engaging to their Novi Sad audience. Their frenetic presence has definitely paid off the event big time.

Up next is Novi Sad's acoustic emo trio See It My Way, ready to set the change of pace with something calm, serene and maybe joyful. Now, this is the first time i'm seeing them and i am enjoying the hell out of it. Their entire acoustic shtick made the entire scene wholesome and cozy. The entire setlist ranges from their own songs to covers such as Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" and Debeli Prijecednik's Nema Me with a guest vocalist on stage, as well as being very engaging with their audience in between takes. I am used to more aggressive acts on the venue, however i don't mind seeing this group for a change.

Afterward follows Ubili Su Batlera from Belgrade, who are prepared to shake the nest with riveting passionate hardcore with more moshing and more crowdsurfing, lasting around 30 minutes. The one that struck us all is that epic track probably named "Ubili su ga" that will be appearing in Hali Gali's upcoming compilation. With so much happening for just 4 minutes shows how raw and epic it can all get. The Butlers definitely steal the show.

Then comes Brazde to finish off the event with their warm and heartfelt midwest emo sentiments for the last 15 minutes of their set. In comparison to the Butlers, Brazde keeps it concise and not too rowdy but still engaging to the core. Being the last band to play on this bill makes sense, as the entire melancholic atmosphere sets the bittersweet farewell of the event very well. 

This event is honestly one of my favorites that i've ever attended in my lifetime. I look forward to seeing up and coming bands at this event in the near future and spread the word as much as possible. Thanks to CK13 and Rebuild Collective for keeping this small scene alive. MAKE VOJVODINA EMO AGAIN.