Descending Into the Abyss: A Conversation with Marta Chilina of Abysmal Whore

How does Abysmal Whore approach the graphic visual presentation that has become central to the band’s identity?

Our visuals exist to heighten the music’s atmosphere while staying cohesive. The colors and lighting are intentional, but each of us still comes through as ourselves – unmasked, uncompromised, and fully present on stage

How does the international depth of the lineup influence the band’s sound, workflow, and creative direction?

Our sound is shaped less by nationality and more by musical upbringing. The range of musical experiences each member contributes (from jazz to classical to prog) and how those ideas collide and coalesce, is what gives our riffs, rhythms and arrangements their depth and texture.  

What early influences or formative experiences contributed to the creation of Abysmal Whore as a concept and as a band?

The band wasn’t built around a long-term blueprint, rather, it emerged out of reaction and raw emotion. The name itself came from that same place, and it set the tone early on: something confrontational, excessive, and unapologetic. As the lineup evolved, that original instinct remained constant.

What impact has the new guitarist had on the band’s writing, tone, or overall dynamic?

When recruiting a new guitarist, we were deliberately looking for new blood to disrupt the comfort and creative monotony that can settle into any band over time. That’s why we all felt strongly about bringing Nava on board – she brings fresh ideas to the table while still carrying a deep respect and hunger for an old-school sound.

What were the primary goals heading into the recording sessions for the latest recording 'Sadistic Urge'?

‘Sadistic Urge’ was conceived as a raw and unfiltered introduction to the band. The goal was to present Abysmal Whore to the public without polish or restraint. This is why we deliberately avoided overly refined production, focusing instead on capturing the aggression, atmosphere, and density that define our sound in its most direct form.

Did any tracks undergo significant changes once the band entered the studio compared to their earliest versions?

Most songs start from a single riff or idea and are then broken apart and rebuilt collectively. That process continued for over a year before recording, and the studio forced the final, most aggressive versions to emerge.

How does Abysmal Whore ensure that the intensity and detail of the recorded material translates effectively to the live stage?

If anything, our live performances are more intense than the recordings. The real challenge isn’t translating the record to the stage, it’s capturing the physicality and violence of what happens live inside a recording environment. The band’s true sound exists most fully in the room.

What vision does the band have for 2026 in terms of sound, presentation, and overall artistic direction?

The abrasive wall of sound will always remain, but we’re sharpening it by incorporating stronger black metal influences alongside the atmospheric and horror-driven elements we’re known for. We’re also preparing to record a full-length this year, which will mark a major step forward for the band!