The progressive doom metal outfit Mental Home was formed in Russia in November 1993 by brothers Sergey (vocals/guitars) and Igor Dmitriev (drums); the remainder of the initial lineup was completed by guitarist Roman Povarov and bassist Denis Samusev. The band's 1994 demo Funeral Service quickly led to an official debut, Mirrorland, issued later that year by the small Metal Agen label. Unfortunately, an accidental injury to his hand left Povarov unable to play guitar; he switched to keyboards, and guitarist Sergey Kalachov was added to the lineup. 1996's Vale broke Mental Home in Russia, and also attracted the attention of the U.S.-based The End Records, which signed the group to an international deal. Povarov, however, had quit the band, and was replaced by keyboardist Michael "Maiden" Smirnoff (who also doubled as their new manager). 1997's Black Art began to establish an overseas fan base for Mental Home, with its epic, goth-tinged atmospherics recalling experimental metal bands like Tiamat or the Gathering. The follow-up, Upon the Shores of Inner Seas, was licensed for wider release and distribution by Century Media in 2000. ~ Steve Huey