Ukrainian Death Pill: War & Resilience
- Despite geographical challenges and the shadow of war, the Ukrainian heavy metal band Death Pill is set to release their new album, Sologamy, on June 20.
- Formed in Kyiv in 2017, Death Pill quickly became a unique presence in the local music scene.Khomenko recalls meeting Navrotska while working as a film director.
- the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine dramatically altered the band's trajectory.
Discover how ukrainian metal band Death Pill combats war and distance to create their new album, “Sologamy.” News Directory 3 reports on the all-female trio’s journey, blending their unique sound, comprised of metal, punk and personal themes, across continents. Formed in Kyiv in 2017, their trajectory shifted dramatically in 2022. Hear how the war influenced a shift to all-english lyrics exploring introspective themes. Witness their resilience as they transform challenges into creative assets. The band plans to tour this fall, starting at London’s Loud Women Fest! Discover what’s next for Death Pill.
Death Pill: Ukrainian Band Battles Distance, War for New album
Updated June 18, 2025
Despite geographical challenges and the shadow of war, the Ukrainian heavy metal band Death Pill is set to release their new album, Sologamy, on June 20. The all-female trio, comprised of Anastasiia Khomenko (drums), Natalya Syeryakova (bass), and Mariana Navrotska (guitar/vocals), spans continents, with members residing in Ukraine, Spain, and Australia.
Formed in Kyiv in 2017, Death Pill quickly became a unique presence in the local music scene.Khomenko recalls meeting Navrotska while working as a film director. The two connected and later recruited Syeryakova,solidifying the band’s lineup. Their goal was to inspire other women to play heavy music.
the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine dramatically altered the band’s trajectory. Syeryakova and Khomenko left the country, while Navrotska remained in Kyiv. Syeryakova described the period as a profound shift in viewpoint.
The war also influenced their music. Navrotska said the band shifted from some Russian lyrics to exclusively English ones following the invasion.Khomenko noted the heavy toll the war has taken on the Ukrainian music community, with many musicians now fighting on the front lines.
Their self-titled debut album dropped in 2023 via New Heavy Sounds, earning them recognition for their blend of hardcore, metal, thrash, and punk. The upcoming sologamy, crafted largely remotely, presents a new set of challenges and musical explorations for the band.
The creation of Sologamy involved a complex, collaborative process. Khomenko described the back-and-forth nature of songwriting, with parts being revised and refined across distances. The album showcases a wide stylistic range, from aggressive metal to elements of grunge and new wave.
despite the distance, Death pill managed to play some of the new tracks together during a brief reunion in the summer of 2024. This experience boosted their confidence and helped shape the rest of the album, which was pieced together using spreadsheets and shared musical ideas.
The album’s lyrics delve into personal and psychological themes,a departure from purely political subjects. Sveryakova explained that the band consciously avoided letting the war dominate every aspect of their lives and music. Khomenko added that some emotions are still being processed.
Death Pill plans to tour in the fall, starting with an appearance at London’s Loud Women Fest in September. The band members expressed excitement about performing the new songs live, emphasizing the importance of their friendship as the foundation of their music.
Sologamy, despite its challenging creation, delivers a potent mix of punk and metal energy. Its concise runtime underscores the band’s ability to create impactful music even under pressure. The album is a testament to Death Pill’s resilience and their ability to transform obstacles into creative assets, solidifying their role in the heavy metal scene.
What’s next
Death Pill will kick off their tour this fall at London’s Loud Women Fest in September, bringing their new album’s ferocious energy to the stage.