Origin: Serbia
Formed: N/A
Location: Pristina, Kosovo
Genre: Melodic Black Metal (instrumental)
Status: Active
Label: Independent
Themes: Instrumental, Epic Atmospheres, Balkan Mythos
Violand is an instrumental melodic black metal project from Pristina, Kosovo, led by drummer and composer Violand Shabani, a veteran of the Kosovar and Serbian metal scenes known for his work with bands such as Troja, Diadema, Tanelorn, B.M.V., and Land of Confusion. Although the project’s exact founding date is not listed, Violand emerged publicly in 2022 and quickly established a distinct identity within the Balkan underground through a refined, cinematic approach to instrumental black metal.
The project blends melodic black metal foundations with strong neoclassical and folkloric elements, often incorporating traditional Balkan instrumentation and guest musicians. Violand’s compositions emphasize atmosphere over aggression, using layered guitars, expressive drumming, and occasional clarinet or lahuta passages to create sweeping, emotional soundscapes. This gives the music a unique regional character rarely heard in the genre.
The debut single “Memories of Times Before” (2022) introduced Violand’s signature style: melodic tremolo lines, expressive drumming, and a strong sense of nostalgia. The track featured guest musicians Ilire Avdiu (clarinet) and Elod Bajrami (guitars, bass), and was recorded at L.O.C. Studios. Its accompanying video showcased a strong visual identity rooted in Kosovar landscapes and artisan culture.
In 2023, Violand released “Shadows of Forgotten Gods,” a more expansive and atmospheric piece that further developed the project’s melodic black metal direction. The single included contributions from guitarist Angelo Cajku, bassist Visar Kuci, clarinetist Ilire Avdiu, and Vehbi Podvorica on lahuta, a traditional Albanian bowed instrument. This fusion of black metal with regional folk timbres set Violand apart from other instrumental acts in the region.
By 2025, the project continued to evolve with the singles “1444” and “Ascension,” both of which leaned into a more epic, cinematic sound. Violand’s work has been praised in underground circles for its clarity of vision, strong melodic sensibility, and the ability to convey narrative emotion without vocals. The project remains fully independent, releasing music digitally and maintaining a growing presence on YouTube and social platforms.
Violand stands as one of the most distinctive instrumental black metal voices in the Balkans—an artist blending modern melodic black metal with regional heritage, atmospheric storytelling, and a deeply personal sense of musical identity.
Current
Guest/session contributors (various releases)
Singles