Getting to Know… Inmate | Interview

In the 477^th Q&A in our Getting to Know… series, we get the inside scoop from the Slovenian metal band, Inmate.

“There are many amazing, well-known bands with outstanding instrumental work, but when it comes to lyrics, we often see a lot of negativity, violence, or even nonsense, particularly in today’s scene. This is where we try to be different.” Right on, Inmate! Continuing their response to the first burning question in our 477^th Q&A, they state, “Where we do aim to stand out is in our lyrics. Not just for the sake of being different, but to offer something meaningful. We want to share positive messages, personal experiences, and what we have learned about becoming better people.” Right on, once again, Inmate! We get the inside scoop on the Slovenian metal band’s genesis, goals, musical influences, and current and future musical endeavors. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into Getting to Know… Inmate: Interview No. 477!

For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes Inmate distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

We believe that our approach to being in a band, creating music, and writing lyrics is quite different from the usual. Especially in metal, we feel that lyrics are just as important as the music itself. There are many amazing, well-known bands with outstanding instrumental work, but when it comes to lyrics, we often see a lot of negativity, violence, or even nonsense, particularly in today’s scene. This is where we try to be different. We are fully aware that musically, we are not reinventing the wheel. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of bands out there with similar sounds. We create the kind of music we love, and we always give our best. But we do not claim to be the best in the world when it comes to instrumentals.

Where we do aim to stand out is in our lyrics. Not just for the sake of being different, but to offer something meaningful. We want to share positive messages, personal experiences, and what we have learned about becoming better people.  We do not claim to have all the answers or the only right way. But we believe that by sharing what has helped us, we might help others too. Today, a lot of people blame others, the government, society, or other people for their problems. But the truth is, many times, the only one who can really help you is yourself. When you take that responsibility, you grow. You become a better person, you contribute to society, and you can help others, too. That is our mission, not just to make great music, but to deliver positive, meaningful messages to those who listen.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Inmate form, and what were some of your goals or visions early?

The reason behind everything was, first of all, our love for music. Back then, and still today, we truly love metal. When we first started listening to it, we quickly got hooked. That passion was the main drive behind our decision to start playing instruments and form a band. When you enjoy music so deeply, you naturally want to be a part of it. Creating music becomes even more rewarding than just listening to it.

That was the core motivation. But from the beginning, we also had a clear vision. We wanted to create music and enjoy the process together with other band members. We wanted to build strong friendships through our shared passion. Making music together has always been something powerful for us. Another important part of our vision was to play live as much as possible. We dreamed of sharing the stage with bands we admire and going on tour. That still drives us today.  Just as important is staying connected with our fans. We love talking to them, sharing experiences, and having conversations about music. That kind of connection means a lot to us.

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

Actually, our goals are still the same as they were at the beginning. Over the years, of course, you gain knowledge and experience. You go through ups and downs, and you face struggles in your personal life. Band members change, and sometimes that leads to a serious lack of motivation.

So yes, some things have changed, but our goals remain the same. We are a very goal-oriented band. Today, we are not as young as we were, and some members have families. That means we have to be efficient. Whether it’s a rehearsal, a studio recording, a tour, or a gig, everything has to be well-organized. We do not want to waste time, and we always aim to be fully prepared.

That is why setting and reviewing our goals is so important. We constantly evaluate where we are, what works, what does not, and what needs to be improved. At the moment, our main goal is to record a new album, our seventh in a row. While we are still promoting our current album, Let the dead bury their dead (2024), we are already working on the next one. We aim to finish demo recordings by the end of next year and then move into the studio the year after. Goals are essential. Without goals, there is no motivation. And without motivation, there is no reason to be part of a band like ours.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences, and how are they influential?

As we were growing up, Metallica played a huge role in shaping our musical journey. Their energy, legacy, and influence left a strong mark on us. Another artist who has deeply inspired us is Devin Townsend. His unique creative approach and unwavering dedication to his vision continue to motivate us. Joe Satriani has also been a key influence. His exceptional skill and imaginative songwriting have challenged us to evolve both as musicians and as composers.

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.

We have not really experienced anything extremely crazy during our gigs. Sure, there have been some unusual moments, but nothing too wild or worth a major mention. However, there is one story that still makes us laugh.

It happened at a hometown gig in Slovenia, probably around 2010 or 2011. It was a great indoor show during the summer, most likely in August, on an extremely hot day. The backstage area was insanely hot, almost unbearable. Thankfully, there was an air-conditioning unit running all day, and not just at full power, but well beyond its limit.

During our set, that air-conditioning unit broke down. It started releasing smoke, and the backstage filled up with it. Since we were all on stage and no one was in the backstage area at the time, no one noticed right away. The music was loud, so even the alarm went unheard.

Then a security guy ran on stage and headed to the back, and only then did we realize something was going on. It turned out the machine was overheating and smoking heavily. It could have led to a fire, but luckily it did not. We stopped the song, shut off the air-conditioning, cleared the backstage area, and then continued the show without any more problems. Looking back, it was a funny and memorable moment, though it had the potential to be serious. Still, it was a great night and a show we will never forget.

To this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

It might sound a bit stereotypical, but we are very proud of every song we have created. Every time we rehearse or play a song live, we truly enjoy it because we believe that when each song was made, we put everything we had into it—our musical skills, energy, money, and more. That is why we feel every song was created with the same passion and dedication. No matter which song we play, we always enjoy it and are proud of it. If we had to choose a favorite, it would probably be a song called “Atma,” which we performed at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Slovenia. That song holds a special place in our hearts, so we would highlight it above others. Still, every song means a lot to us. But if you ask us to pick one, it would be “Atma.”

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left-of-center we should know about Inmate? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

Besides making music, we also try to live by and promote the messages we share in our lyrics.
We believe in a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, and we actively encourage others to do the same. All of us are into sports like mountain hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. We’re very active, and this is something we regularly share on our social media to inspire others to move, stay fit, and take care of themselves. Because when you’re healthy, your quality of life improves, and you’re in a much better position to help others as well.

I’d also like to mention our singer, Marko Duplišak, who is not only the frontman of INMATE but is also involved in several other musical projects. He recently reunited with his former band LastDayHere, and has contributed as a guest vocalist to multiple releases. He’s also been part of the band Guilty of Joy for a long time. If you dig a little, you’ll discover a wide range of projects he’s been a part of lately. A truly talented and versatile musician.

What is Inmate currently working on or promoting that you can share? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

Currently, we are still promoting our latest album, Let the Dead Bury the Dead, which was released last year. We’re playing all the songs from the album live at shows that are scheduled through the end of this year. In June, we also released a music video for the title track—Let the Dead Bury the Dead, so make sure to check it out!

Alongside promoting the current album, we’re already working on new material for our next release. A few songs are already instrumentally finished, and the creative process is in full swing.  We’re also preparing a reimagined version of one of the songs from our second album, Tree of Life, to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. So you can expect an “old-new” song coming your way soon. On top of that, we’re planning to release a track in Slovenian later this year, something special and close to our hearts.

Creating new music has always been our main goal, and that won’t change. You’ll definitely be hearing a lot more from us in the near future. And of course, we’re trying to play as many shows as possible, wherever we can!

Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward.