Interviews: INMATE

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Metal band INMATE from Slovenia. 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 came out like that?

We planned the name. The name INMATE captures the band’s core focus on internal conflict, emotional captivity, and the quest for personal freedom. It’s not about imprisonment in the traditional sense, but about the invisible walls people build within, shaped by fear, routine, past trauma, or social pressure.

To INMATE, music is a form of release, a way to confront hidden battles and overcome the mental and emotional chains we all carry. This idea is central to their creative vision and runs through their work, especially in albums like Free at Last, The Salt, and Let the Dead Bury Their Dead, which explore themes of self-discovery, transformation, and inner strength.

At its heart, the name INMATE reflects a shared human experience: being held back by something inside and finding the strength to break through. It represents the struggle, but also the determination to grow, evolve, and reclaim one’s identity.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

The music we play is simply the music we love. It’s what feels most natural and enjoyable for us, both when we’re performing and when we’re listening. Our roots lie in genres like metalcore, melodic death metal, death metal, and modern metal; that’s where we first found our identity as a band. But over time, our approach has evolved.

We’ve always been fans of old-school metal as well, and those influences definitely find their way into our sound. In the early days, we were more focused on a specific style, more tightly aligned with metalcore and the melodic new wave, but now we’ve moved beyond labels and boundaries.

Today, we don’t limit ourselves to any one genre. If a song feels right, we go with it. Whether it leans into heaviness, melody, aggression, or atmosphere, if it speaks to us, we play it. For us, it’s not about fitting into a category. It’s about making music that resonates.

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

Most of us knew each other before forming the band. We were not necessarily close friends, but we shared a connection through music. That shared passion is what eventually brought us together and inspired us to start INMATE.

Over time, the band has gone through several lineup changes. At this point, the only original member still with us is our drummer, Jure. Sadly, at the end of last year, we lost our second founding member, Andrej Bezjak, who tragically passed away. His loss was deeply felt, and his presence remains a part of everything we create.

Today, the current lineup has been together for nearly ten years. Even though it is a mix of different backgrounds and personalities, it has become a strong and united group. We have clear goals, we support one another, and most importantly, we still genuinely enjoy making music together.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Marko Dupišak (vocals) - Soilwork

Jure Vertelj (guitar) - Dark Tranquillity

David Vodopivec (guitar) - Iron Maiden

Jure Grudnik (drums) - Killswitch Engage

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

As a band, we draw inspiration from all kinds of sources: films, books, current events, personal experiences, other artists and music, even video games. Anything that makes us feel or think deeply can spark a song idea.

For Marko personally, it all started back in 2nd grade. His music teacher, Tatjana, saw potential in him and encouraged him to sing. That moment meant a lot to him, and he truly owes her for helping him discover his passion for music.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was in Škofja Loka, Slovenia, where we presented our brand new video Let the Dead Bury Their Dead, the title track from our current album. Sadly, it was also our first performance without our brother and former band guitarist, Andrej Bezjak, who tragically passed away last year. The video is dedicated to his legacy and everything he meant to us—as a musician, a friend, and a part of this band’s soul.

7. Where would you like to perform

Our biggest wish is to one day perform at Wacken Open Air—it's the greatest festival of its kind in Europe and a dream stage for any metal band. Beyond that, we'd love to take our music across the globe and tour other continents, especially the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. Sharing our sound with audiences worldwide is something we’re truly aiming for.

8. Whom would you like to perform with?

We would love to perform alongside bands that have inspired us over the years, like Orbit Culture, Lamb of God, Kreator, Soilwork, Killswitch Engage, and many others. Sharing the stage with artists we admire would be an incredible honor and a major milestone for us as a band.

9. Who not?

There's no one in particular we wouldn't want to play with. Every opportunity to connect with other musicians is something we welcome and respect.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

You get used to it with time, but stage fright never really goes away completely. The best antidote is experience. The more you play, the easier it gets. Practice is key: if you know your material inside and out, there’s less room for nerves to creep in. Marko says he still gets a few butterflies before every show, but to me, that just means he’s ready. Some people turn to alcohol to calm their nerves, but he doesn't drink, so he relies on breathing exercises instead. They help him stay focused and grounded before hitting the stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Growing up, Metallica was definitely one of our biggest inspirations. There was a lot of admiration and influence that came from them. Devin Townsend has also been a major source of inspiration; his singular artistic vision and refusal to compromise are truly admirable. And of course, Joe Satriani has had a big impact as well—his musicianship and creativity have pushed us to grow as players and composers.

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

We haven’t had any really weird requests yet! Hopefully, one day something truly unusual will come along. But for now, Marko can say that signing a name on a woman’s breasts was definitely a memorable and delightful experience.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I would call our fans friends because the metal community we’re part of feels like a close-knit friendship. We can almost say we know them all. Though with age, we have to admit it’s harder to remember everyone! We all live in a fast-paced, saturated world, so we truly appreciate every single fan who volunteers their time, money, and energy to support us. Their dedication means everything to us.

14. What do you think of our site?

Your website looks fantastic—great content and awesome bands featured. We’re especially happy to see so many active Slovenian bands included on your site. It’s important because Slovenia’s music deserves exposure to the world, and we truly believe it has quality. Sites like yours, which help share good music and support Slovenian metal, play a crucial role, and we’re really grateful for that.

15. Something to add?

Again, we’re really grateful that you reached out to us. Please feel free to skip any support methods or promotion for bands that aren’t smaller or specifically Slovenian. We truly hope to catch up again soon—ideally at a concert or on tour where we’ll be playing. Thank you once again, and good luck with everything!

Also, please check out our website and all our social media, Spotify, and other platforms where we share our music. We’re still promoting the album we took our time to produce last year. We definitely plan to record a new video or release another song soon, and we’re already working on a new album, so you’ll be hearing from us in the near future for sure.