Marton Kertesz of Rivers Ablaze
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Martin Kerstes, guitarist and founder of Hungarian black and death metal band Rivers Ablaze, joins Brian Patton on *As The Story Grows* to discuss the band’s evolution, his unique musical journey shaped by both jazz and extreme metal, and the deeply personal themes behind their latest album, *In External Dread*. Born in Budapest and raised in Brazil, Martin’s multilingual upbringing and early exposure to diverse genres—ranging from Iron Maiden and Metallica to jazz virtuoso Pat LaBarbera—shaped his hybrid sound. After years in the jazz fusion band Special Providence, Martin launched Rivers Ablaze as a solo project, eventually forming a full band with key collaborators including vocalist Oscar Knopp, drummer Tadeusz Rikmon, and bassist Pal Puhnhauser. The conversation traces the band’s progression from progressive technical death metal to a more atmospheric, genre-blending style on *In External Dread*, driven less by intention than by emotional authenticity. The album’s lyrics, penned by Knopp, explore universal inner struggles like grief, isolation, and resilience, making it both intimate and broadly relatable. Martin emphasizes the importance of live performance as the ultimate form of promotion, reflecting a deeply rooted, old-school ethos in the music world.
Martin Kerstes' dual background in jazz and extreme metal creates a unique, genre-blending sound in Rivers Ablaze.
The band evolved organically from a solo project into a full ensemble, with key members joining through personal connections and shared musical vision.
Albums like *In External Dread* are driven by emotional authenticity rather than genre planning, focusing on universal inner struggles.
Live performance remains the most powerful form of promotion, offering a transformative experience that transcends digital content.
Collaboration with respected figures like Oscar Knopp and Tadeusz Rikmon brought both credibility and emotional depth to the band’s latest work.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Marton Kertesz and Rivers Ablaze
Brian Patton introduces Marton Kertesz, guitarist for Hungarian metal band Rivers Ablaze, and sets the stage for a deep dive into the band’s origins, musical influences, and the release of their latest album, *In External Dread*.
From Brazil to Budapest: A Multicultural Musical Foundation
Marton shares his upbringing in Brazil and return to Budapest at age 13, discussing how bilingualism, cultural transitions, and early exposure to diverse music shaped his artistic identity.
The Dual Influences: Jazz and Extreme Metal
“I was inspired just by his effortless guitar playing, you know, the way he played these long solos and I didn't understand anything about jazz at the time.”
From Solo Project to Full Band: The Birth of Rivers Ablaze
“I didn't know if he would accept this to sing an entire album. But I sent him the material, and after a couple of weeks, he said, okay man, I like the music, so I'm in.”
The Evolution of Sound: From Technical Death Metal to Atmospheric Black Metal
“It's just about, you know, the way I feel about these riffs. And of course, the other guys, they also have an opinion about...”
“These are really, you know, this kind of inner processes that... That are things that shouldn't be kept in silence, you know.”
“I didn't know if he would accept this to sing an entire album. But I sent him the material, and after a couple of weeks, he said, okay man, I like the music, so I'm in.”
“When he gets to see you live, you know, he gets a totally different experience.”
Host
Guest
Rivers Ablaze
other
In External Dread
media
Marton Kertesz
person
Oscar Knopp
person
Budapest
place
Brazil
place
Special Providence
other
Seerbliss
other
Brian Patton
person
Tadeusz Rikmon
person
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