Origin: Russia
Location: Kursk, Kursk Oblast (early) / Saint Petersburg (later)
Formed: 2009
Status: Active
Genre: Atmospheric Black / Doom Metal
Label: BadMoodMan Music
Themes: Depression, Emptiness
Years active: 2009–present
Antropophobia is a Russian atmospheric black/doom metal project founded in 2009 by Dmitry Konovalov, who has remained the sole creative force behind the band. Emerging from Kursk before later relocating to Saint Petersburg, the project developed a sound rooted in depressive atmospheres, slow‑moving doom structures, and emotionally heavy black metal elements. Antropophobia’s music is defined by its bleak melodic sensibility, introspective pacing, and a suffocating sense of emptiness that aligns it with the darker side of Russian atmospheric metal.
The debut album Scream in Emptiness (2011) introduced the project’s core aesthetic: mournful guitar lines, anguished vocals, and a cold, oppressive atmosphere. The album resonated strongly within the underground due to its raw emotional weight and its ability to merge depressive black metal with doom‑laden heaviness. Its reissue in 2015 brought renewed attention to the project, highlighting the album’s enduring appeal and its place within the Russian depressive/atmospheric scene.
Antropophobia’s music often focuses on themes of inner collapse, existential numbness, and emotional isolation. Konovalov’s approach emphasizes minimalism and atmosphere over technicality, creating long, immersive compositions that evoke a sense of psychological decay. The project’s sound has been described in underground reviews as “hopelessly introspective,” “emotionally draining,” and “hauntingly sincere,” with a strong emphasis on mood and texture.
Although primarily a studio project, Antropophobia briefly expanded into a live lineup between 2013 and 2015, featuring drummer Ruslan Kabirov and keyboardist Semyon “GroĂź” Ryzhkin. Their contributions added depth to the project’s live sound, though Antropophobia ultimately returned to its solitary studio‑based form.
Now signed to BadMoodMan Music, the project continues to operate quietly but steadily, maintaining a cult following among listeners of depressive black metal, atmospheric doom, and emotionally charged underground music.
Current member
Past live members