Origin: North Macedonia
Formed: 2013
Status: Active
Genre: Black / Sludge / Thrash Metal
Label: Deny Records
Themes: Horror, Alien invasions, Demons, Gore, Science fiction
Gargoyles emerged from Skopje in 2013, quickly carving out a distinct identity within the Macedonian underground by fusing blackened thrash aggression with sludge‑laden heaviness. Their sound is marked by abrasive riffing, thick low‑end tone, and a vocal delivery that alternates between harsh black metal snarls and raw, punk‑inflected shouts. Thematically, the band leans heavily into pulp horror, extraterrestrial terror, and grotesque sci‑fi narratives, giving their music a cinematic, comic‑book brutality that sets them apart from their regional peers.
Their self‑titled full‑length Gargoyles (2016), released through Deny Records, remains their primary statement. The album showcases the trio’s ability to merge sludge’s oppressive weight with the speed and sharpness of thrash, while injecting black metal’s feral edge. Tracks such as Xenovore, Hail Defiant, Sharpening My Battle Axe, and Blood Machine highlight their penchant for violent, fantastical storytelling paired with relentless riff‑driven momentum. The record circulated through Bandcamp and underground channels, earning attention for its unapologetically raw production and its blend of old‑school extremity with modern sludge grit. denyrecords.bandcamp.com
Live, Gargoyles have been noted for their stripped‑down, high‑energy performances, driven by the unusual configuration of drummer‑vocalist Martin Georgievski at the front of the assault. Their presence on YouTube—featuring early tracks like Villains, Lord of War, and Catacombs—helped solidify their reputation as one of the more aggressive and theatrically minded extreme metal acts in North Macedonia. YouTube
Still active, the band continues to represent a rare hybrid within the Balkan scene, merging multiple extreme subgenres into a cohesive, violent, and vividly imaginative whole.
Stefan Smiljanoski – Bass, backing vocals (ex‑Daruma)
Martin Georgievski – Drums, vocals (Spewn, ex‑Instametal, ex‑The Lady Said No)
Ivo Pavlovski – Guitars (Стагнатор, ex‑Furion)
Gargoyles – Full‑length (2016)