In this interview, we chat with Marianelle and Navka of the Ukrainian symphonic metal band Thy Despair to discuss how they combine keyboards and vocals to shape the group’s dark, atmospheric sound. The duo also opens up about the emotional reality of playing live in Kyiv, navigating the metal scene as women, and the unexpected places they find musical inspiration.
Reuel
Hello Marianelle, hello Navka! I’m happy to chat with you. How are you doing?
Marianelle
Hello! Thank you for inviting us. We’re glad to be part of this conversation. These are difficult times for us as Ukrainians because of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Like everyone else in Ukraine, we have difficult days, sleepless nights and moments of exhaustion. But music helps us stay strong and move forward. That’s why we’re always grateful for every opportunity to share our music and connect with people.
Navka
Hello, nice to meet you! My deepest gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These brave men and women give us the opportunity to live in our own home, create music, and share our work with the world.
Reuel
Two of the main elements that define symphonic metal and make it unique are the keyboards and the vocals. How do you two work together to combine these parts and shape the band’s sound?
Marianelle
We often discuss arrangements and details together with the band, especially when it comes to harmonies, backing vocals and creating the right atmosphere. I think this interaction helps tell the same story from different angles and contributes to the overall character of the band’s sound.
Navka
I’m always open to arrangement discussions and creative debates, because that’s the only way to craft a truly rich and multifaceted composition – especially when we’re talking about symphonic metal!
Reuel
Your music deals with heavy themes like freedom and resilience. How do you get ready emotionally before a live show?
Marianelle
To be honest, it’s not always easy to feel fully prepared emotionally. There are times when we feel exhausted after difficult nights and constant attacks. But we truly love what we do. Every time we step on stage and connect with the audience, we gain new energy. For a while, we can completely immerse ourselves in that shared atmosphere and that helps us keep going.
Navka
I think back to our previous performances and the wonderful feedback from our beloved audience, and I realize that today we will bring them joy once again, while they will once again reward us with their warmth and enthusiasm. In these difficult times that all of us are living through, every positive emotion feels like a breath of fresh air.
Reuel
As women in the symphonic metal scene, what has your experience been like, and do you feel there’s a strong community among female musicians in the genre?
Marianelle
For me, music has always come first. I’ve never really thought about my place in the scene in terms of gender — I prefer to focus on the music, the performance and the connection with the audience.
Navka
Most of the people in our community do not place much emphasis on gender. What matters more is your skill with your instrument and your ability to work as part of a team.
Reuel
You’ve been playing shows in Kyiv recently. What does it mean to you personally to play live and connect with the audience there right now?
Marianelle
It means a lot to us, especially now. We live in very difficult times, and despite regular attacks, power outages, sleepless nights and even when the subway may not be running normally, people still find a way to come to our shows.
What makes it special is that we’re all going through the same reality. For a few hours, the distance between the stage and the audience disappears and it feels like everyone is sharing the same moment together.
Navka
It is a never-ending source of inspiration that motivates me to keep creating and improving.
Reuel
What new sounds or ideas are you most excited to try out in your future music?
Marianelle
We’ve always been open to experimenting and exploring different sounds, and we never want to limit ourselves creatively. At the same time, what matters most to us is the emotion behind the music. Whatever direction we take, our goal is always to create something honest, meaningful and true to who we are.
Reuel
What are your thoughts on how women are represented in music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?
Marianelle
I think the most important thing is to focus on musicians for their talent, creativity and dedication rather than their gender. The best way to support female musicians, or any musicians, is to support good music, encourage new artists and create an environment where people are judged by their work and not by stereotypes.
Navka
The best support for a creative person of any gender is validation within their inner circle. And this should come without trying to fit them into a Procrustean bed of behavioral, appearance or creative standards – something that, unfortunately, women face more often. However, over the last 10-15 years I’ve seen a steady trend toward breaking down these standards, and that’s really cool! The support of family and friends can keep you afloat when the whole world is against you; at the same time, even at the peak of success, a person can feel deeply miserable if the people who matter most belittle and ridicule them.
Reuel
What was it like joining a band that already had so much history, and how did you put your own spin on their older songs?
Marianelle
I’m grateful to have joined a band with such a long and rich history. What makes it even more special is that the music truly resonates with me, so being able to perform these songs together with the band means a lot.
As for adding my own touch, I think it happens naturally. I bring my own emotions, experiences and feelings into every performance while staying true to the spirit of the songs. My goal is not to change them, but to express it in the most honest and authentic way I can.
Reuel
How do you handle singing the band’s older songs compared to the new ones you helped create?
Marianelle
For me, the main difference is not between old and new songs, but between representing the different moods and styles. Thy Despair’s earlier and newer material is quite different, and I really love this diversity.
My musical education has given me a strong foundation to work with different kinds of material, so I feel comfortable performing both older and newer songs. What matters most to me is connecting with the music emotionally, and I enjoy performing all the band’s material.
Reuel
What got you into symphonic metal, and which vocalists influence you the most?
Marianelle
Norwegian sympho-gothic metal band Sirenia completely changed my life. They were the band that introduced me to metal and made me realize that I not only loved this music, but also wanted to sing myself. That was the beginning of my journey, and their influence is still very special to me.
As for vocalists, I’m inspired by several incredible singers, especially Emmanuelle Zoldan, Vibeke Stene, and AnnLouise Lögdlund. Each of them has a unique voice and artistic identity that I deeply admire.
Reuel
Navka, how has your approach to the keyboards changed as the band’s overall sound has evolved over the years?
Navka
As time went on, the band grew to sound increasingly heavy, grim and powerful. It became clear to me that symphonic orchestral arrangements were absolutely essential. You could hear our initial foray into this sound on our recent release. Currently, I am crafting the keyboard arrangements for our new release, aiming to forge an intensely dark and epic atmosphere.
Reuel
Where do you get your inspiration when writing the atmospheric keyboard parts?
Navka
I draw inspiration from many things: from the books I read and the stories I hear, to my favorite music – ranging from folk music to symphonic black metal – and long weekend walks in the woods. Yes, sometimes to create music you just need to listen to the silence.
Reuel
How do you balance staying in the background for atmosphere versus taking the lead on melodies?
Navka
A keyboardist isn’t just staying in the background for atmosphere — it’s a full-fledged participant in a musical performance with a solid place in the mix. That’s why I can either drive the main melody or accentuate things like a guitar solo or vocals, depending entirely on how the arrangement is structured in a specific song or its fragment.
Reuel
Thank you for your time, ladies! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Marianelle
It’s still difficult to make long-term plans while the war in Ukraine continues, but we keep moving forward and creating music.
We’re currently working on something new, and we hope to share more details soon. But it’s still too early for big announcements. Until then, stay with us, support Ukraine, support Ukrainian metal and let us touch your souls with our dark and powerful music.
Navka
Music has always been an anchor and a source of support for me. In the times our country is going through right now, this is especially valuable, and the feedback from our listeners becomes incredibly heartwarming.
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