Interviews About Albums: Vyr Muk - Mens Devastata (2026)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Ukrainian Blackened Death Metal artist Vyr Muk to ask questions about their album, "Mens Devastata".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

EP delivers an unflinching exploration of psychological trauma, mental illness, and the lingering horrors of combat. Blending oppressive atmospheres with relentless aggression, this release is not merely music—it is an auditory manifestation of a fractured mind. Drawing directly from themes of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and dissociation, the EP channels the internal battlefield that persists long after physical conflict ends. Each track functions as a chapter in a descent: from the echoing memory of war, through the suffocating grip of anxiety, to the complete distortion of reality itself.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

Mens Devastata – is translated as devastated mind and describes how mental illnesses and traumas influence us. It is the state of a person who has lost moral strength, emotional energy, and the ability to lead a full, active, creative life. It is a deep feeling of inner emptiness, fatigue, and apathy.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Since Vyr Muk is a one-man band, everything is composed and recorded by one person.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

The opening track, “Shadows of Battles” is very intense and has good lyrics.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

A special message here is that war has lots of negative consequences for people who are involved. Mental health is one of the things that is influenced a lot; even civil people can have PTSD if they have witnessed a horrible life experience due to war impact. This is a reminder of how horrific war is. A person who has experienced trauma can struggle with inner demons even years later.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

All lyrics on the EP are in Ukrainian, but I will provide the translated version of the title track “Shadows of Battles”

In the shadows of battles where time has burned

Where death has gathered its seed

I drag the burden through the night and the cold

Like an unbearably heavy Thor hammer

I dream of the roar of eternal batteries

A corpse-like wind between fire of explosions

Where the black soil hums under the footsteps of ghosts

And every sound brings you a nightmare

I hear the beating of the heart like a machine gun

The smoke from cigarettes does not calm

And the shadow of guilt that spreads like gas

Crawls to the throat, suffocates every time

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

I would like to thank my friends and family who encouraged me during the creation of this EP. I also want to thank all the listeners for the general positive feedback!

8. Something to add?

Thank you for having this interview with me. Best regards!

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