Motanka

Formed in 2015 in Lutsk, Ukraine, Motanka has rapidly ascended within the European metal scene by carving out a niche they define as 'mystic metal.' Their sound identity is built on a unique 'ethnic-metal' hybridization that prioritizes atmosphere and ritual over technical shredding.

Central to their sonic palette is the hammered dulcimer (tsymbaly) and ocarina, instruments that provide a melodic counterpoint to their alternative and doom-influenced foundations. Their career trajectory saw a significant boost after a second-place finish at the 2018 Wacken Metal Battle, leading to a contract with Napalm Records. Culturally, they represent a modern wave of Ukrainian artists reclaiming pagan and folk heritage through a contemporary lens, moving away from the symphonic or power metal tropes often associated with the genre. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain a 'tribal' feel through Dmytro Diachenko’s percussion and throat singing, which anchors the more ethereal synth and vocal layers. They occupy a space between the atmospheric black metal of Drudkh and the tribal prog-metal of Gojira, appealing to both folk-metal traditionalists and fans of modern, atmospheric heavy music.