Origin: Russia
Formed: N/A
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Status: Active
Label: Independent
Themes: Death, History
Казнь (Kazn) is an atmospheric black metal project from Korolyov, Moscow Oblast, known for its stark, historically charged aesthetic and its cold, ritualistic approach to composition. The name itself—meaning both “execution” and “cashiering” in Russian—captures the project’s fixation on death, downfall, and the violent ruptures of history. Although little is publicly documented about its formation, Казнь emerged in the mid‑2010s with a fully developed artistic identity: raw yet atmospheric black metal infused with a sense of fatalism, archaic symbolism, and a distinctly Russian historical consciousness.
The project’s first releases appeared in 2016 with the EPs I and Mortuus Est Autem Rex, Salve Rex! Salve Rex!, both of which established Kazn’s signature sound—icy tremolo riffs, ritualistic pacing, and an atmosphere steeped in death‑obsessed mysticism. These early works were noted in underground circles for their thematic ambition, referencing monarchic downfall, execution rites, and the cyclical nature of power and decay.
In 2017, Казнь released two singles—łłł and Beatae Memoriae (1881)—the latter referencing the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, further cementing the project’s historical focus. That same year saw the release of two full‑length albums: Семиголовый VII and Истязающий да будет растерзан. Both records expanded the project’s sonic and conceptual scope, blending atmospheric black metal with a sense of ritual violence and philosophical fatalism. The music is characterized by dense layering, mournful melodic lines, and a cold, oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the brutality of the historical themes it explores.
Behind the project is Alexander Makhonin, who handles all instruments and composition. His work in Kazn reflects a solitary creative vision, one that merges atmospheric black metal with historical narrative, symbolic violence, and a fascination with the darker undercurrents of Russian identity. His involvement in the project Ansa/Cinis further situates him within the Russian underground’s more introspective and conceptually driven wing.
Казнь remains active, continuing to operate independently and maintaining a low profile while cultivating a small but dedicated following drawn to its uncompromising thematic focus and stark atmospheric sound.
Alexander Makhonin – all instruments, composition
(also active in Ansa/Cinis)
EPs
I (2016)
Mortuus Est Autem Rex, Salve Rex! Salve Rex! (2016)
Singles
łłł (2017)
Beatae Memoriae (1881) (2017)
Full‑lengths
Семиголовый VII (2017)
Истязающий да будет растерзан (2017)