Interviews: MG3

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Heavy Metal/Groove Metal/Thrash Metal band MG3 from Turkey. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it come out like that?

Can Ekici (Drummer): First, I believe it’s important to start by introducing our band. Our band adopted the name MG3 in January 2024. It consists of Taylan Ayık on vocals and rhythm guitar, Melih Gürkan on lead guitar, Fatih Balcı on bass, and myself, Can Ekici, on drums. Musically, we deliver a groovy heavy/thrash metal sound. In a short time, we’ve released 3 EPs and 6 official videos. Most recently, in May 2025, we released our EP Demirnefer along with an official video for Ateş. I’d say we’re one of the most active metal bands in Turkey. To start from the beginning: I had been drumming in Taylan Ayık’s solo project since 2021. Later, Fatih Balcı joined on bass. Eventually, what started as a solo endeavor evolved into a full band effort where all members contributed significantly.

Fatih Balcı (Bassist): The idea for the name came from me. I thought of using the name of a machine gun that represents speed and rapid fire, reflecting our music’s dynamics. The name was embraced by the rest of the band. We wanted something that sounds the same or similar across languages, is easy to pronounce, and is memorable. Although our lyrics are in Turkish, the vocal melodies move fluidly like an instrument, making the music accessible to international listeners, too. 

Taylan Ayık (Vocals-Guitar): MG3 is probably the fastest machine gun ever invented, capable of firing over 1000 rounds per minute. The band interprets this name as fast and lethal – words that define our music.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Taylan: We’ve been doing this kind of music for years. I’ve been on stage for over 32 years. I used to play in a band called Diken, which leaned more towards classic heavy metal. We even released an album in 1998 with our bassist, Fatih. After Diken disbanded, I continued with a solo project featuring Can on drums. He played in a more thrash-oriented style on that album. Eventually, with MG3, we began experimenting with a groovier thrash sound, and really enjoyed it.

Fatih: MG3 isn’t about sticking rigidly to one subgenre. We stay true to metal roots but play what feels right. Sometimes that results in heavy/power ballads too.

Can: I wouldn’t define our music as pure old-school. We stay loyal to the roots but embrace a more fluid, hybrid heavy/thrash metal style. Within the band, we’ve found a great blend. Fatih and I handle the arrangements and structure, leaning towards a modern sound and dynamic form, which merges well with the riffs from Taylan and Melih.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Can: Taylan basically built the core of the band and had made music with each of us at different times.

Taylan: Yes, we go way back. I recorded an album with Fatih in 1998. I’ve known Can since 2003, and I’ve known Melih for many years too.

Melih Gürkan (Lead Guitar): Taylan brought us together, and MG3 was born.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Can: Iron Maiden from the old days, and more recently, Testament.

Fatih: Without question, Gojira.

Taylan: I got into this music because of WASP.

Melih: Megadeth.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Taylan: I write most of the lyrics. As the name MG3 implies, we often explore themes like war, inner conflict, and societal decay. The life we live and the state of the world inspire us. We aim to merge Turkish lyrics with heavy music in a way that hasn’t really been done before. If we can reflect that with striking lyrics and crushing breakdowns, we’re happy.

Fatih: Usually, the core riffs, melodies, and song skeleton come from Taylan. Sometimes the rest of us suggest musical ideas or melodies to Taylan, who then brings them to life. Later, Can and I refine and arrange the structure in our own rehearsal studio. Songs evolve a lot in this phase. It’s truly a team effort, shaped by life and the different musical backgrounds each of us brings.

6. Where was your last gig?

Melih: In recent months, we’ve played shows in several Turkish cities – Istanbul, Izmir, and Bursa. In the coming months, we’ll be playing at one of Turkey’s most established rock festivals. We’re also open to international show offers.

7. Where would you like to perform?

Melih: Though we’re individually experienced, MG3 is still a new band. We’re performing at select venues in Turkey, but we’d love to hit the big international stages. Festivals like Wacken, Hellfest, and Rock am Ring are incredible with their high energy and audience interaction. We’re open to gigs across Europe.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Fatih: I think something really unique could come from collaborating with Lana Del Rey.

Taylan: I’d love to do a feature with Blackie Lawless.

9. Whom not?

Can: There’s been a trend in Turkey lately with meaningless lyrics and strange hairstyles under the name of Arabesque rap. I wouldn’t want to collaborate with any artists from that genre.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners?

Fatih: I’ve never had stage fright. I was 15 at my first gig – the moment I got on stage, I felt like I belonged there.

Can: Make sure to pee before you go on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Fatih: We each have different influences, but there’s some common ground. While the foundation is old-school, the diversity of our inspirations shapes our music. We strive for originality, but of course, you’ll hear traces of the bands we love – like Megadeth, Testament, Overkill, Iron Maiden, Dio, WASP, Disturbed, Judas Priest... 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Melih: A fan once asked, “Can I play your guitar really quick? Don’t turn off the amp when you leave the stage.”

Can: Shoutout to one of our younger fans – this person always drops a comment under our posts or live streams: “Why are MG3 t-shirts so expensive?” The truth is, we don’t set the prices or profit from the merchandise. We just gave our design to a shop that produces and sells them.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Taylan: Though MG3 is new, we’re already known in Turkey’s metal scene. We appeal to a niche audience. Singing in Turkish sets us apart – people enjoy hearing heavy music in their native language. Our fans feel a strong sense of belonging and find themselves in our lyrics. One fan even messaged us before undergoing a major surgery, saying they had mentally prepared by listening to Demirnefer. If our music helps people like that, it's truly an honor.

14. What do you think of our site?

Can: First, thank you for this interview. I’ve been following your site for a while, especially the interviews and Spotify playlists. I really value the effort you put in and hope to see more platforms like yours supporting this music.

15. Something to add?

Let’s wrap up by mentioning our latest releases and saying thanks! Our new EP Demirnefer is available on Spotify, and our latest official video Ateş is on YouTube. We’re actively creating and already preparing for the next video shoot. Stay in touch!