Interview Maltworm

Bulgarian metal force Maltworm blends death, thrash, and melodic aggression with dark humor and raw energy. From Wacken Open Air to radio chart dominance, they’re redefining the underground with passion and intensity.

1. Maltworm was formed in 2018 by members of well-known underground acts in Bulgaria. How did the band come together, and what was your vision when you first started?

Martin: Initially we formed the band pretty much as a side project just for fun, because we were all playing in other bands that were our main focus. However, a lot of things happened and somehow it turned into something more serious. It was a combination of many different factors, such as other bands splitting up and gaining some success with Maltworm. 

Anton: I can confirm the band had no vision when they first started - we’ve had experience with Martin in other bands we’ve played together, and I was invited to join as a vocalist only because all his other options did not work out.

2. Your music blends elements of death metal, thrash, and melodic death metal. How would you describe the essence of Maltworm’s sound, and what influences shape it the most?

Martin: I would also include a bit of hardcore punk and a bit of black metal too. If I have to use one word to describe our music, I would say “aggression” - that probably sums it up the best. Our main influences can be traced mainly in the Swedish death metal scene, especially more melodic bands, such as At The Gates, Dismember, Hypocrisy, In Flames, Dissection, Gates Of Ishtar, Unanimated, just to name a few. We also have some influences from non-Swedish bands such as Carcass, Death, Behemoth, Kataklysm and a Bulgarian band that you can check out and you will probably like - The Revenge Project. 

3. You’ve shared the stage with legendary bands like Behemoth, Testament, and Unleashed. What have been some of the most memorable live experiences for you so far?

Martin: Maybe seeing members of those bands having fun while watching us and chatting in the backstage area. I don't know if I have any words to explain the feeling of being appreciated for what are you doing from people that you have labeled as your idols while growing up, as I personally had that particular case with Chuck Billy and Eric Peterson from Testament. 

4. Your track “The Kvlt Ov The Maltworm” dominated Z-Rock Radio’s Bulgarian Rock chart for 40 weeks, competing with rock ballads. How did it feel to see a death/thrash track make such an impact?

Anton: It was rather unexpected, especially considering that we weren’t really a well-known name outside of the very, very deep underground, and usually people gravitate towards things they know and are comfortable with. Spending that much time in the chart (and actually staying in first place for six consecutive weeks) showed that there was a sort of niche for people that listen to the radio… but prefer heavier stuff that they are rarely able to hear there. To your question, how did it feel - being appreciated for being genuine and making no compromise is the best thing an artist outside of the mainstream can get.

5. Your debut album Global Worming was released in 2022. Can you tell us about the themes and inspirations behind it?

Anton: Theme wise, it is a very traditional death metal album. Lovecraft, gore and death, apocalyptic pictures, alcohol and a pinch of dark humour… One of the first songs I contributed lyrics to (“Vsichko Na Masata”, a tongue in cheek reference to the local translation of Bukowski’s “Ham and Rye”) is actually in Bulgarian, our native tongue - which I guess sounds exotic enough for listeners outside of our country, as streaming services show it as one of our most popular tracks. Music wise, Martin can provide more context as he is the main songwriter there.

Martin: Most of the songs were written during different times long before the band was created. There was a time when I thought that they would never be released in any form but somehow I had the chance to get together with the right people at the right time. Deyan and Niki Filipov liked the songs and helped me with arranging them and making them sound up to date. 

6. You represented Bulgaria at Wacken Open Air 2023. What was that experience like, and how did it influence the band moving forward?

Martin: It was absolutely the greatest thing that I ever experienced as a musician and as a fan as well. It was incredible for all of us to share the stage with such big names and there are a lot of memories from going to Wacken, being there and taking the way home that made our friendship even stronger than before. 

Anton: It’s not like we are not serious in what we are doing, but being a part of something that big you need to have a discipline small bands like us can’t even imagine. This was a great lesson in punctuality and good planning. Other than this, we definitely felt a bit awkward among the real rockstars there - having Mickey Dee from Motorhead on the other side of the table while drinking beer, looking at Jens from Meshuggah quietly having a dinner alone, waiting in a line with Abbath and Immolation for the bathroom, just chatting with Flo from Pyogenesis casually and so on. We also smuggled some bottles of home made Bulgarian spirits (“rakia”) backstage and allegedly destroyed the livers of other musicians there.

7. Some of your music, like “To Serve In Silence,” is inspired by horror literature and video games. How do these influences find their way into your songwriting?

Anton: Nah, it’s rarely the goal to write a song about anything in particular. Almost every time music comes first, and lyrics second. I’d even say that lyrics are secondary, haha. Truth is we are all nerds in a way and like certain movies, books, mythology, video games and what not. It’s much easier if you base your concept on something familiar. Of course, some songs are based on original concepts - “The Kvlt Ov The Maltworm” is about our mascot, the worm Spiridon; and “Global Worming” is covering the apocalyptic theme of what’s going to be left from our world after a potential nuclear war, let’s say.

8. You’re currently working on your second album. What can fans expect in terms of sound and themes compared to Global Worming?

Martin: There will be some similarities, but I would say that the songs will be less complicated and more direct.

Anton: Although it sounds more counterintuitive after the claim of my colleague, it feels this second album would also offer more variety compared to the first one.

9. Your single inspired by the 90s cult game BLOOD was released in 2023. Do video games play a big role in your creative process? Any other games that could inspire future tracks?

Martin: Thank god it's Anton who writes the lyrics. If it were me, there would be a song about trying to score a goal with Oliver Kahn on Fifa 2000, murdering prostitutes and taking their money on GTA Vice City or trying to win all the races on Need For Speed Underground with a VW Golf. 

Anton: It would be too much and too soon if we start basing everything on video games, but beside the amazing suggestions above I would pretty much include every boomer shooter (I guess they called them “Doom clones” back then) there is. You wouldn’t expect a track about the peaceful farm life in Stardew Valley, right?

10. The Bulgarian metal scene has been growing steadily. How do you see its evolution, and what role do you think Maltworm plays in it?

Martin: There's not so many bands and fans in there, but what makes it great is that most of us know each other within the whole community and playing or going to a show as a fan is pretty much something like going to a friend's birthday party, which makes it funny. At the end of the day we all have fun and create good memories which is the most important thing. Our role is the same as the ones of the other bands - we do what we love and people around us appreciate the commitment and passion that we put into our music. 

Anton: Honestly, I got the feeling every metal fan here has a band! So maybe this explains why everyone knows everyone. Also, I believe the Bulgarian scene has always been interesting and successful in its own merit, but the Internet age has made this a bit more accessible for people outside of the country.

11. Finally, for those who haven’t seen Maltworm live yet—why should they? What kind of chaos can they expect at one of your shows?

Anton: To us, people need to have fun at the shows, and you can’t expect someone to enjoy themselves if the band is not putting 100% effort for them to have a good time. Contact with the audience is a must, adapting to their mood and the overall show vibe as well. We can proudly say that on our shows you can rarely see idle or disengaged people. 

Martin: Anton talking about Niki Filipov’s weight, my smelly shoes and Niki Velev’s age. Jokes aside, we put a lot of effort in order to make our songs sound even tighter than in the studio and we like to interact with the audience in every way possible. You can also make sure that we try to be in a good condition while playing, as we realized with aging that going wasted on stage is not doing anyone a favor. If you combine this with the friendship and fun we have together that I mentioned earlier, the atmosphere is always amazing. 

Maltworm