We’re excited to connect with Smoke Rites, a Warsaw-based band whose brand of Occult Doom Metal merges crushing riffs with Atmospheric depth. Their latest album, “Eager Eyes of Talion,” released in January 2026, delves into existential themes such as trauma, helplessness, death, and emotional numbness, showcasing both intense musicianship and layered production. Ahead of this release, we’d love to discuss with the band their creative journey, inspirations, and perspectives on the current and future metal scene.
How did Smoke Rites form in 2020, and what was the initial vision for the band?
Łukasz: “First Smoke Rites squad was with Maksymina Maxi Kuzianik on vocals and Marek Lis on bass guitar. This lineup produced the EP ,,The Rite of The Smoke”, earning us great reviews. While we started out focused on Doom/Stoner vibes, our sound has evolved since ,,Total Lung Capacity”, leaning more into Sludge Stoner with a heavy dose of Doom.“
How would you define your musical identity, especially within the Stoner/Doom Metal spectrum?
Łukasz: “After “Eager Eyes of Talion” I think it’s more Sludge-Doom stuff.“
Your influences range from Black Sabbath to Sleep and High on Fire. How do these bands shape your songwriting and sound today?
Łukasz: “Tony Iommi and Matt Pike were always a big inspiration to me when I was creating guitar sound for Smoke Rites. I’m using my old good Laney AOR Protube Lead like Matt Pike from the Holy Mountain. Love this sound!“
How do you approach songwriting—do lyrics drive the music, or do riffs and structures come first?
Mielnik: “The riffs come first. Then the words. Then we try to put it all together in the manner that is satisfying to us all.“
Which track on this album presented the greatest creative challenge, and why?
Łukasz: “I think Adam will agree with me, the most creative part from the recording session was Charas Drift. We recorded a rolling metal ball with a lot of monotrone and synth with delays.“
The production is thick yet precise. Can you describe how Adam Ziółkowski’s mixing and Haldor Grunberg’s mastering shaped the final sound?
Adam: “I’ve mixed it without any samples (besides the wind and the geckos), no artificial snares, amp simulations or especially AI slop. Even the reverb is natural (we’ve used a mic in an old cauldron for extended reverberation), not a plugin.“
Were there any unique instruments, tunings, or recording techniques that were key in achieving the album’s atmosphere?
Adam: “We wanted the most raw and natural sound, so we recorded the whole thing in our rehearsal room, using our own drums, amps and effects. Sometimes drums and bass were even recorded together to get that thick feel right.“
Monika Adamska-Guzikowska contributed vocals to “Death is a Five Letter Word.” How did that collaboration come about, and what did it bring to the track?
Mielnik: “We were playing a few gigs together with Monika’s band TOŃ. She has this magnetic, moody tone of voice and we thought it would be a good idea for us to collaborate. She adds a lot of atmosphere to the song.“
The album features a mix of crushing riffs and atmospheric interludes, such as “Charas Drift.” How do you balance heaviness with ambience in composition?
Adam: “I think it comes somewhat naturally, we just let the music flow and ideas come straight from our stoned hearts. Charas Drift is a bit of an experimental piece and we hope listeners will like it. If so, we’ll maybe add some dirty noise sounds into our future songs.“
Are there live shows planned to support this release, and what can fans expect from a Smoke Rites performance?
Mielnik: “Right now we are planning a late release party gig in Warsaw, while we wait for the physical copies of the album to arrive. From our show you can expect nothing less then pure, raw heaviness. Loud, rough and buried in smoke.“
Any memorable live experiences or stories from past tours that shaped the band’s live approach?
Mielnik: “Expect the unexpected. One day you play a gig and 20 people comes, next day, a few hundreds km away – more than a 100. You never know.“
How would you describe the current Stoner/Doom Metal scene in Poland, and how does Smoke Rites fit within it?
Mielnik: “I don’t follow it that much but I think it’s strong. There are few bigger names, widely known outside our borders. We have some friends in the scene and from time to time we try to play a few gigs together.“
And on a global scale, where do you see the Stoner/Doom Metal scene heading in the next few years?
Mielnik: “I think the scene overall is quite hermetic and consolidated, so steady progress is my guess. But I’m no prophet.“
Looking back at the making of “Eager Eyes of Talion,” what are you most proud of, and what message or feeling do you hope listeners take away?
Adam: “We’re really happy to give something straight from our hearts in raw, truthful, unedited form, so when you come to see us live you won’t lack any of that honest energy.“
Many thanks to Smoke Rites for sharing their insights and experiences with us. Their dedication to craft, authenticity, and atmospheric storytelling makes “Eager Eyes of Talion” a compelling journey for fans of Stoner Occult Doom Metal alike. We look forward to following the band’s evolution and upcoming live performances.
Purchase “Eager Eyes of Talion” on Bandcamp: https://smokerites.bandcamp.com/album/eager-eyes-of-talion