Märnø’s emotional and melodic “Via Incognita” crust anthems pack a punch
Märnø, the band that hails from the South Moravian town of Uherské Hradiště, was formed at the end of 2020. While the region has a rich history steeped in death metal, Märnø sought to carve out a unique path by combining punk and crust influences. The band draws inspiration from everyday life, with vocalist Raudis expressing how the birth of his children has profoundly impacted his soul, serving as a source of immense teaching and learning. This personal reflection and introspection are evident in their debut LP, “Via Incognita,” which was released on April 10, 2025, on 12″ vinyl through the independent label Ultima Ratio.
Recorded at Davos Studio in Vyškov in November 2024 with Jindřich “Otyn” Tománek, the album is a powerful blend of intense d-beats and crust urgency juxtaposed with melodic and emotional undertones. Every detail of the record, from the music to the artwork created by Daniel Goliaš, was meticulously crafted to convey a deep and meaningful message. The title, “Via Incognita,” symbolizes a solitary and arduous journey, both physically and emotionally, where one strives to maintain integrity and openness despite facing challenges.
Märnø’s sound is characterized by its amalgamation of contrasting influences, with each member bringing their own unique background to the table. Guitarist Milan adds dark and moody melodies to the mix, providing a canvas for Raudis to explore profound emotional themes in his lyrics. The band’s single “Odpuštění” (Forgiveness), released in March 2025, encapsulates the album’s emotional depth, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and reflections on the complexities of human relationships and forgiveness.
The accompanying music video for “Odpuštění,” directed by Honza from the band Kronstadt, tells a poignant and poignant story of betrayal and solidarity amidst dark times. It serves as a reminder of the importance of forgiveness, cooperation, and empathy in the face of adversity. Märnø is not just a band; it is a collective of seasoned musicians with a wealth of experience in the Czech music scene. With their emotionally raw, Czech-language crust sound, the band has garnered a dedicated following and has shared the stage with notable acts like Distax, Rozpor, and Rana.
Looking ahead to 2025, Märnø has an exciting lineup of shows planned in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Austria. They are slated to embark on a mini-tour in Poland with Rana and Moira, as well as a run with SVDESATDA and Rana. The band, consisting of Raudis, Milan, Pavel, Jura, and Radek, continues to push the boundaries of crust and punk music, captivating audiences with their authentic and emotionally charged sound.