At a time when Ukrainian metal continues to assert itself on the international stage, Space of Variations emerge as one of the most intense, modern and emotionally charged voices of this new generation. With a sonic identity that blends modern metal, electronics and progressive atmospheres, the band have been steadily building a solid path defined by artistic growth and a constant refusal to follow predictable formulas.
With “Poisoned Art”, their second album for Napalm Records, Space of Variations take a decisive step forward in their career, delivering a work deeply shaped by the traumatic experience of living and creating during wartime. We spoke with the band about identity, growth, trauma, artistic responsibility and the emotional impact behind this new chapter… an album as heavy as it is honest, transforming pain into uncompromising artistic expression.
M.I. - Space of Variations are often mentioned alongside bands like Jinjer as part of a new generation of Ukrainian metal reaching global audiences. How do you personally define your identity within the modern metal scene, both locally and internationally?
We see ourselves as modern metal with influences from many non-metal genres. A lot of our philosophy is already encoded in the band’s name. We love playing with contrasts and we don’t like being “standard” or predictable. We’re constantly searching for a unique approach.
M.I. - You originally formed in 2009 and reunited in 2015, steadily building momentum through “Mind Darknet” and “IMAGO”. Looking back, what do you feel was the most important turning point in your evolution as a band?
You’re right! The band existed in 2009 and 2010, and then we broke up until 2015. But there was always a feeling of something unfinished. People who loved the band never let us forget about it, as if it was something special. Eventually, we decided to play one final farewell show in our hometown. It sold out, and after that we chose to continue. We translated the band name into English and started writing lyrics in English with the intention of reaching a worldwide audience. There were many turning points along the way, but that single decision: to continue after what was supposed to be just one last show, led us through all these years to where we are now. And who knows where it will lead us next.
M.I. - “Poisoned Art” marks your second album with Napalm Records and already feels like a big step forward for Space of Variations. What mindset were you in when you started writing this album? How does it differ from your previous releases? How has that partnership supported your growth as a band, especially during such a pivotal creative phase?
To be honest, the mindset wasn’t very positive. Our lives felt like they were falling apart, and writing this album became the thing that gave everything meaning. This album was much harder to manage and create than the previous ones because we were working in conditions that were unfamiliar and unnatural for us. On top of that, the emotional weight didn’t allow us to simply enjoy the process. It was a tough experience to record, but we hope that struggle added extra emotional depth to the record.
When a label signs you, it means they see potential. That’s important for any band — to know that someone else believes in you besides yourselves. Being signed is one of those objective confirmations that you’re on the right path. It gives you more confidence, places you in the category of professional musicians, and of course brings a lot of responsibility. But it also makes you a more confident player in the industry.
M.I. - Your music has always carried emotional weight, but “Poisoned Art” feels especially intense and focused. How much has the reality of living and creating during the war in Ukraine influenced the emotional direction of this album?
To be honest, these have been the hardest years of our lives. The entire spectrum of emotions we experienced is reflected in this album. It’s dark — probably darker than anything we’ve done before. Traumatic experience runs like a thread through the whole album and is literally stitched into its title.
M.I. - The title “Poisoned Art” suggests creativity being corrupted, distorted, or forced to survive in hostile conditions. What does this title represent for you personally, and how does it reflect the themes running through the album?
Trauma has penetrated every area of our lives and poisoned both our existence and our art. That crack is still with us and most likely will remain with us forever. It’s impossible — and unnecessary — to separate this experience from the art we create. That’s why we decided to call the album Poisoned Art.
M.I. - “Ghost Town” combines crushing riffs, electronic textures, and a huge chorus, but it also carries a sense of emptiness and loss. Is this song connected to specific experiences or images from recent years, or is it more symbolic?
We love abstract art that leaves questions open for multiple interpretations. Ghost Town is an act of self-destruction, but the reason why the character in the video does what he does is left unanswered. We want the listener to fill in the blanks themselves.
M.I. - Your sound blends metalcore brutality with electronics, djent textures, and progressive elements. How do you approach balancing aggression with atmosphere and accessibility without losing intensity?
We don’t consciously think in terms of formulas or balance. We focus on emotion first. If something feels honest and powerful to us, we trust that instinct. Aggression and atmosphere are just different tools to express the same feeling, and when they come from the same emotional core, intensity is never lost.
M.I. - You’ve increasingly incorporated the Ukrainian language into your music. What does singing in your native language allow you to express that English sometimes cannot?
It’s our native language, so of course it’s easier to express thoughts and emotions through it. Sometimes you can go deeper, play with meanings and words in a more subtle way. It’s also a nod to our Ukrainian audience and our roots, while at the same time being something interesting and authentic for worldwide listeners.
M.I. - Being voted Ukraine’s best metal band twice at the BUMA Awards is a major achievement. Does that recognition create a sense of responsibility to represent Ukrainian culture, resilience, or truth through your music?
Absolutely. It was a huge honor for us and brought a lot of attention to the band. It creates responsibility - to meet expectations, to stay professional, and to deliver quality. We hope we’re handling that mission well.
M.I. - You’ll be touring Europe in 2026 in support of “Poisoned Art”. How does playing these new songs live differ emotionally from performing older material, especially given the current context surrounding the band?
Playing new songs is always a bit scary and exciting at the same time. When you’ve been performing more or less the same tracks for years, you really crave something fresh. New songs bring new emotions and energize us even more. We’re genuinely stoked to play these songs for our listeners. If they hit us this hard, we believe they’ll hit the crowd too.
M.I. - Each album, from “Mind Darknet” to “IMAGO” and now “Poisoned Art”, shows growth in confidence and complexity. What do you refuse to compromise on as Space of Variations continue to evolve?
It might sound cliché, but we refuse to stop listening to ourselves — to our feelings and our inner compass. A lot of people will always give advice on what you should do or what kind of songs you should write, as if they know better from the outside. But art only truly resonates when it’s honest and authentic to the artist. So yes — we refuse to stop trusting ourselves.
M.I. - When listeners finish the new album, what do you hope stays with them the longest: the aggression, the emotion, the message, or the sense of survival behind it all?
We hope listening to this album feels like a journey through different emotional clusters. The wider that spectrum is, the better. Our band has never been about just one emotion — just like life itself. We simply hope listeners feel something, that something resonates inside them. Which exact emotion that is isn’t our responsibility. What matters is that they find something truthful in our music... a reflection of themselves.
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Listen to Space Of Variations, on Spotify
Questions by Sónia Fonseca
