** METAL ODA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW **
Metal Oda and brutalcore band Mental Maze had a candid chat on metal music, origins of Mental Maze and being a metal band in the Middle East:
Can we get to know Mental Maze and its members?
Mental Maze is a brutalcore metal band born in the underground of Haifa City, Israel, back in 2008. The current lineup consists of:
Eli Abkin – Drums, the architect of our spine-breaking rhythms.
Raph Mushailov – Lead guitar, known for his razor-sharp riffs and relentless stage energy. Sergey Kraivoy – Bass, delivering relentless tone and rock-solid low-end punch. Avi Dvir – Rhythm guitar, bringing precision, groove, and a deep-rooted passion for the brutal.
Nik Harchenko – Vocals, our newest force of nature, joined in August ‘24 and brought a fresh fire into our sound.
The band was founded by Raph and Sergey, friends since childhood who started jamming in a project that later evolved into Mental Maze. With Eli’s arrival, our drums got their signature brutality, and when Avi joined, we began performing seriously across Israel.
After years of relentless shows and noise, we took a long break. But in 2023, Raph called for a one-off jam—and that spark reignited everything. We regrouped with renewed energy, and when Nik joined as the new vocalist, Avi shifted to rhythm guitar. The chemistry clicked like never before, and the monster called Mental Maze was reborn.
(Nik Harchenko – vocals – Mental Maze)
“We’ve always been drawn to the chaos and catharsis of metalcore and deathcore.” Mental Maze
How did you decide on the deathcore/brutalcore genre as a band?
We’ve always been drawn to the chaos and catharsis of metalcore and deathcore. Growing up, we lived for the pit—those insane breakdowns, the pure adrenaline. It was never a question. This genre hits the soul in a raw and unfiltered way, and we wanted to create that kind of energy ourselves.
Where does the name “Mental Maze” come from? Please describe the sound of the band.
Back in the early days, we were writing these wild time signature breakdowns that twisted our brains into knots. We kept joking it was like navigating a “mental maze”—and then Eli just said, “That’s the name.” It stuck.
Our sound is aggressive, emotional, and relentless—a fusion of brutal deathcore with technical precision and raw feeling. Every track is a battle cry, a release of frustration, pain, and resistance against everything that holds us down.
(Mental Maze – live in concert)
Which bands and artists have influenced your style in your musical journey?
Lamb of God, Necrophagist, Dying Fetus, Despised Icon, In Flames, Limp Bizkit, Korn—we grew up with these bands. Each one shaped our approach, whether it’s in groove, technicality, or attitude.
“Metal is therapy.” Mental Maze
What are your sources of inspiration when it comes to the lyrics?
We write about the real stuff: internal struggles, daily chaos, social pressure, political anxiety. Living in this region is intense—you’re always on edge. Our lyrics channel that rage and turn it into something loud, honest, and liberating.
Metal is therapy. It’s loud, yes—but it’s also healing. Beneath the distortion is a deep connection, and a way to scream out everything you can’t say. We believe that this kind of music pulls negativity out of you and replaces it with strength.
(Avi & Sergey – Mental Maze)
“Making metal in the Middle East means living with constant tension”. Mental Maze
What are the challenges of making metal music in a Middle Eastern country? Has the recent political climate or conflict in the region affected your music or performances in any way?
Making metal in the Middle East means living with constant tension. While recording our EP, we literally had to stop mid-session and run to the bomb shelter due to missile threats. It’s real. But that chaos fuels us. It’s part of why our sound is so raw and urgent.
Do you have any upcoming projects, concerts, or tour plans?
We’re currently working on our first full-length album—something we’ve dreamed of for years. And for the first time ever, we’re planning a European tour. We’re fired up and ready to bring Mental Maze to stages across the continent.
“Metal unites.” Mental Maze
Do you have Turkish fans or followers? Any messages you’d like to share with the Turkish metalheads reading this interview?
We’ve seen the love Turkish metalheads give bands like Orphaned Land (the most popular band in Israel), and it’s inspiring. As neighbors in the Middle East, we believe it’s time we all chill the hell out, stop the fighting, and turn up the volume instead. Metal unites. Let’s make noise together.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
(Raph Mushailov – Mental Maze)
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Thank you 🙏