Origin: Russia
Formed: 2018 (as Kaarkema)
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Status: Active
Label: Independent
Themes: Obsession, Philosophy, Evil
Kaarkema is an atmospheric black metal project from Smolensk, emerging in 2018 after two earlier incarnations under different names. The project began as Morth (2015–2016), then evolved into Døppelgänger (2016–2018), before finally taking shape as Kaarkema under the direction of multi‑instrumentalist Boris Kostikov. Each phase of the project refined its identity, moving from raw black metal foundations toward a more atmospheric, philosophical, and psychologically charged sound.
Kaarkema’s music is defined by cold, hypnotic tremolo riffs, ritualistic pacing, and a strong conceptual focus on obsession, metaphysical inquiry, and the darker aspects of human consciousness. The project’s sound draws from the Russian atmospheric tradition—icy, introspective, and emotionally restrained—while incorporating a more cerebral, symbolic dimension that sets it apart from its peers.
The debut full‑length Терзания (2018) introduced Kaarkema’s mature style: bleak melodic structures, dense atmospheric layering, and a sense of internal torment reflected in the album’s title (“Torments”). The record was noted in underground circles for its emotional intensity and its ability to merge raw black metal aggression with meditative, almost trance‑like passages.
In 2020, Kaarkema released two full‑length albums. The self‑titled Døppelgänger revisited and reinterpreted material from the project’s previous incarnation, presenting it with a more refined production and a deeper atmospheric focus. Later that year, Teonanakatl expanded the project’s thematic scope, drawing inspiration from ritual, altered states, and esoteric symbolism. This album stands as Kaarkema’s most experimental work, blending black metal with psychedelic undertones and a more expansive compositional approach.
The lineup includes keyboardist Alexey Shchekaturov, whose contributions add depth, ambience, and a sense of mysticism to the project’s sound. Vocalist Alesya Maysey provides an additional emotional layer, her presence enhancing the project’s dramatic and ritualistic qualities.
Kaarkema remains active and continues to evolve, carrying forward the creative lineage established during its Morth and Døppelgänger eras while carving out a distinct identity within the Russian atmospheric black metal landscape.
Boris Kostikov – all instruments
Alexey Shchekaturov – keyboards
Alesya Maysey – vocals
Full‑lengths
Терзания (2018)
Døppelgänger (2020)
Teonanakatl (2020)