Instead of trying to create a new kind of sound, Mother Bear had originally planned on expressing their love for Electric Wizard through their debut album. In the end, however, it turned out differently: They might be sludging and rumbling through the undergrowth, but instead of unadulterated Wizard worshipping, “Zamonian Occultism” is a hybrid mix of influences, from sludge à la Weedeater to dragging doom in the style of Saint Vitus with a pinch of Dead Meadows psych – and from time to time, you can even feel the tranquility of the hot desert sands. Recorded live and cast into bold and contemporary sound by musician, sound engineer, and friend Arno Augustin (Drens).

Contentwise, the trio has moved away from 70s sexploitation and horror. The album’s theme is the result of two years of Covid and the rekindling of a shared love for Walter Moers’ Zamonia series. Every song title relates to Zamonia in some way or form; the lyrics of “Smeik” are a reference to one of the key moments in “The City of Dreaming Books”. Seeing the continent of Ugglies, Muggs, and Lindworms through the fogged glasses of doom, it looks more occult than one might think. “Zamonian Occultism” is proof of this and builds bridges from the Ruhr area of Germany all the way to Zamonia, visually supported by an album cover by Sarah Gräfingholt.

The smashing debut will be released 29 July 2022 under their own label on tape and digital, with a first concert celebrating the release on 10 August 2022 as support for EyeHateGod and Eremit at JunkYard, Dortmund.