Origin: Russia
Formed: 2015
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Status: Changed name
Label: Independent
Themes: Not officially listed
Morth was an atmospheric black metal project founded in 2015 in Roslavl, Smolensk Oblast, by multi‑instrumentalist Boris Kostikov, who handled all instruments and vocals during the band’s brief existence. Conceived as a raw, introspective exploration of atmospheric black metal, Morth represented the earliest stage of a creative trajectory that would later evolve into the projects Døppelgänger (2016–2018) and ultimately Kaarkema (2018–present).
Musically, Morth embraced a cold, unpolished aesthetic rooted in minimalism, repetition, and emotional bleakness. The project’s sound drew from the Russian atmospheric tradition—icy tremolo riffs, distant vocals, and a sense of internal torment—while also hinting at the more philosophical and obsessive themes that would later define Kaarkema. The material was created in a solitary environment, reflecting Kostikov’s preference for complete creative control and his interest in shaping a personal, inward‑facing sonic world.
In 2016, Morth released its sole demo, a raw and unrefined recording that captured the project’s embryonic form. Though limited in distribution, the demo circulated within underground circles and revealed the early foundations of Kostikov’s evolving style: stark atmospheres, hypnotic riffing, and a focus on psychological tension rather than aggression. The addition of Alexey Shchekaturov on keyboards that same year introduced a subtle ambient layer, foreshadowing the richer textures that would later appear in Døppelgänger and Kaarkema.
By late 2016, Morth had transformed into Døppelgänger, marking a shift toward more structured compositions and a deeper engagement with themes of duality, identity, and internal conflict. This evolution continued until 2018, when the project assumed its final and most mature form as Kaarkema, a fully realized atmospheric black metal entity known for its philosophical depth and ritualistic intensity.
Although Morth’s lifespan was short, it remains an important foundational chapter in Kostikov’s artistic development. The project’s raw emotional core, minimalist approach, and early experimentation laid the groundwork for the more ambitious and conceptually rich works that followed.
Boris Kostikov – all instruments, vocals (2015–2016)
Also active in: Kaarkema, ex‑Døppelgänger
Alexey Shchekaturov – keyboards (2016)
Also active in: Kaarkema, ex‑Døppelgänger
Demo
Demo (2016)