Mizar Thrills Audience at Unique Concert in Podgorica

Last Saturday, the Macedonian darkwave band Mizar delivered an electrifying performance in Podgorica, Montenegro, as part of the annual Podgorica Cultural Summer. The concert took place on July 15, 2023, in Ulica Slobode, showcasing the band’s distinctive musical style and resonating with a diverse audience.

Opening the show with their adaptation of Psalm 135, Mizar captivated the crowd with a series of powerful songs including “Devojka od bronza,” “Magla,” “Gradot e nem,” and their latest track “Grozomora.” The standout element of the evening was the compelling voice of lead singer Niko Đorgievski, whose powerful tenor echoed through Trg nezavisnosti, blending operatic depth with the dynamic energy of dark metal.

Following the concert, Đorgievski expressed his gratitude towards the audience in an interview with Pobjeda. He described the experience as one of his favorites with Mizar, stating, “I did not expect such warm reactions and compliments. Everyone was with us. There was no barrier, and the looks from the people were sincere. I felt embraced.” His enthusiasm for the event reflected the genuine connection forged with the audience.

This concert marked Đorgievski’s first performance in Montenegro. He shared that he spent over an hour interacting with fans after the show, noting the presence of a young man from Scandinavia who, despite not being familiar with Mizar, felt drawn to the band’s energy. “We recognize each other on the Balkans; it’s no secret,” he reflected, highlighting a shared cultural affinity.

Mizar has been a band for approximately a year and a half, with Đorgievski joining during a pivotal period. He explained how he came to be part of the group: “I have a music studio, and the band needed a place for rehearsals. My friend, Aleksandar Ristovski, suggested they come to my studio. I performed as a backing vocalist at a concert in my hometown of Bitola, and a year later, I was invited to join as the lead singer.”

Reflecting on his musical journey, Đorgievski admitted that, as a youth, he did not fully grasp the music Mizar creates. “You have to grow up to understand what they really are. I grew up as a rocker and metalhead, and I started listening to Mizar towards the end of high school,” he noted. His experiences with various musical styles, from metal to jazz, enriched his vocal versatility.

Mizar’s music often features religious themes and symbolism, incorporating elements of Orthodox Byzantine chanting, Old Slavic chants, Macedonian folklore, and metal. Despite this, Đorgievski clarified his personal stance on religion. “I am not a religious person, but I have a deep understanding and respect for religion. Our task is to connect people with ideas and make life a bit more bearable,” he said.

The concert attracted several hundred attendees, primarily from younger generations, while older audiences seemed more familiar with Mizar’s work. “This genre does not appeal to the broad masses, but people are listening to us more today than before because information spreads faster,” Đorgievski observed.

He emphasized the importance of presenting their cultural roots through their music, stating, “Music is alive and continually evolves. We cannot expect our generations to appreciate the same things or see things as we do. We must allow them to judge for themselves, just as with religion.”

Looking ahead, Đorgievski expressed hope for future performances in Montenegro and revealed that Mizar is currently working on new material. “Grozomora is just the beginning. I sincerely hope we will see each other again soon,” he concluded, leaving fans eager for what’s next from this innovative band.