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Mizar (band)

From Alfawiki
Mizar
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1981 in Skopje, Socialist Republic of Macedonia
Headquarters
Skopje
,
North Macedonia
ProductsMusic albums, singles
Websitemizar.com.mk

Mizar ( ) is a Macedonian rock band originating from Skopje, widely regarded as an iconic group within Macedonia and the former Yugoslav region.

Their inaugural self-titled record marked the first mainstream music album performed in the Macedonian language across the former Yugoslavia. It achieved considerable acclaim and is ranked among the top ten rock albums produced in that area.

Established in 1981 within the Socialist Republic of Macedonia, Mizar’s innovative musical style, incorporation of Christian motifs, and advocacy for Macedonian autonomy attracted scrutiny from government officials but also garnered extensive media coverage, including numerous appearances on national television. The 2014 documentary Mizar: The Star of Hope delves into their beginnings.

Name

The band took its name from Mizar, a celestial guide for travelers, a designation selected by Panta Džambazoski.

History

Throughout its existence, Mizar has experienced five distinct eras, each featuring different frontmen.

The First Revelation (Risto Vrtev)

Initially formed in 1981 as an instrumental trio comprising Gorazd Čapovski (guitar), Valentin Zabjakin (bass), and Panta Dzambazoski (drums), the group later replaced Zabjakin with Ilija Stojanovski within the same year. Shortly thereafter, vocalist Risto Vrtev joined. In 1982, they produced a demo tape for Radio Skopje, which received favorable critiques from Jugoslovenski Rock Moment (YURM). The band disbanded in 1983 due to members being conscripted for mandatory military service.

The Second Revelation (Goran Tanevski)

Following his military service in 1985, Čapovski attempted to establish Inola-X with Vrtev; however, this project was unsuccessful. Subsequently, Mizar reassembled with Goran Tanevski-Stapot replacing Vrtev as lead singer and adding keyboardist Slobodan Stojkov. They fused elements of traditional Macedonian folk and Byzantine music with genres such as post-punk, darkwave, and gothic rock, defining the Мизар - Второ Откровение (Mizar - The Second Revelation) phase. Vrtev later founded Arhangel, which earned recognition as Macedonia’s premier rock act during the 1990s and was often dubbed the Rock Mizar due to its more conventional rock approach influenced by Mizar’s sound. In 1986, Mizar produced a music video for the track "Stoj".

At the 1986 Druga Godba festival held in Ljubljana, internal disputes led to Dzambazoski and Stojkov departing; they were succeeded by Vencislav Smakjoski and Goran Trajkovski. This lineup performed at Festival Omladina, contributing two live recordings—the band’s initial documented performances—with Vladimir Kaevski on keyboards. Later, Trajkovski was replaced by Sašo Krstevski, while Katerina Veljanovska took over keyboards from Stojkov.

During 1986, Mizar recorded several demos and supported both Laibach and Disciplina Kičme on their tour across Yugoslavia. In 1987, their distinctive sound earned them an award at Subotica’s premier rock festival.

Their debut album released in 1988 featured:

Produced by Goran Lisica-Fox, the album combined original compositions with a rendition of the Macedonian folk song Zajdi, Zajdi, retitled "Златно сонце" (Golden Sun). A notable piece was "Девојка од Бронза" (Girl made of bronze).

By 1989, the group’s lineup had solidified as:

  • Goran Tanevski – vocals
  • Gorazd Čapovski – guitar
  • Ilija Stojanovski – bass
  • Žarko Serafimovski – drums
  • Vladimir Kaevski – keyboards

This ensemble contributed "Veligden" and "Glas" to the Demoskop 1 compilation released in late 1990. Between October and December 1990, they recorded their sophomore album, Svjat Dreams, which was launched on 7 September 1991, coinciding with Macedonia’s declaration of independence. The album’s title alludes to Eurythmics’ "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". It included covers of the traditional song 1762 along with Vrtev’s composition "Дом" (Home).

Following this release, Tanevski departed; he was briefly succeeded by vocalist Nora before the band ultimately disbanded by late 1991. Afterward, Tanevski organized concerts; Kaevski revived his project Kiborg; while Čapovski emigrated to Australia, where he formed Kismet in 1993—acting as a stylistic continuation of Mizar’s legacy.

In 1999, Serafimovski and Tanevski reissued Mizar on CD under the title Svedožba, featuring demos, live versions, and previously unreleased tracks such as a darker rendition of "Svjat Dreams" recorded in 1989. Additionally, live recordings from a 1990 concert at Kuršumli An were included. Čapovski returned to Macedonia in 1999 and participated in a tribute album dedicated to Mizar released in 2001. Kismet released "Dreaming" in 2002 before disbanding.

The Third Revelation (Goran Trajkoski)

In 2001, the tribute compilation Tribute to Mizar showcased cover renditions by prominent Macedonian groups such as Majakovski and Syniac. Two years later, in 2003, Mizar reunited with their former lead singer Goran Trajkoski and released the single Macedonian: "Почесна Стрелба" (Gun Salute). That summer, they appeared at the Exit festival in Novi Sad and performed at Močvara club in Zagreb, distributing copies of the single alongside ticket sales. The band followed up in 2004 with the album Terrible Beauty (is born). Throughout 2005, Mizar toured across the former Yugoslavian region, including a Croatian leg alongside gothic ensemble Phantasmagoria (Croatian band), playing in cities like Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik, before continuing with concerts in Serbia and Montenegro.

After Trajkoski

During the summer of 2006, former vocalist Goran Tanevski returned to replace Trajkoski. By November of that year, Mizar held performances in Belgrade and announced an upcoming album featuring Tanevski's vocals. This album, titled Pogled na cvetnata gradina, was finalized and released in 2007.

The Fourth Revelation (Harmosini)

In 2010, after Tanevski's departure, the band introduced the Byzantine choir Harmosini as their new vocal presence. That same year, Mizar released Deteto i beloto more, which included a reimagined version of "Hoden že" from their debut record. In 2014, they supported Simple Minds during a concert at Skopje's Kale hall and unveiled plans for the album Šarena Krava (Coloured Cow). This release marked a stylistic shift back to punk rock by omitting traditional Macedonian instruments and patriotic themes. Subsequently, Harmosini was succeeded by Jana Burčeska, making her Mizar's second female vocalist after Nora Stojanovic. The song "Nebo" was featured on the 2014 compilation Balkan Under the Radar vol. 2.

The Fifth Revelation

On 26 June 2015, the documentary Mizar: The Star of Hope premiered, including interviews with early band members and revealing that Mizar's formation dates back to 1981—earlier than previously believed. Founding member Čapovski has remained the sole constant member since the band's inception. On 12 December 2022, Mizar released their sixth studio album under the title Večna praznina (Eternal Emptiness).

Musical style

Mizar's sound is a fusion of post-punk, darkwave, and gothic rock, drawing inspiration from groups like Joy Division. Their music integrates traditional Macedonian folk motifs and Byzantine influences, with vocal styles from Tanevski and Goran Trajkoski reflecting Christian liturgical chant traditions.

Current band members (2014)

Former band members

Studio Albums

Singles

  • 2003 - "Juda"
  • 2014 - "Nebo"
  • 2015 - "Kajmos"

Related Topics

External Resources

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