ReduX, the sci–fi thrash metal band from Romania, first caught my attention with their conceptual depth and their unapologetic love for both Vektor–style riffs and cosmic lore. I’ve always had a soft spot for bands that think beyond sound – that build worlds as they play – and ReduX does just that. With their blend of futuristic thrash, progressive elements, and lyrics orbiting around space and consciousness, ReduX are beginning to shape a distinctive identity within Romania’s metal scene.
When I learned they would be performing at QFest [Day VI, 4 October 2025], in Bucharest, Romania, at Quantic, I knew this was a conversation worth having. So, I sat down with Alex [vocals, bass], Mihai [guitars], and Nicolas [drums] to talk about the band’s creative universe, their recent triumph at Posada Rock Festival, and what lies ahead for ReduX.
ReduX performing at Quantic, 4 October 2025
© Florin Diaconescu
ReduX performing at Quantic, 4 October 2025
© Florin Diaconescu
Hi, everyone, and thank you for taking the time to speak with me. To begin, I would like to ask about the foundation of ReduX. How did the band come together?
Alex: Hi, thank you, too – it’s great to be here. So, the short version – I used to play in a band with Vlad, and Mihai, called Berserkers. It was an old project that had been around for a while, doing its own thing. I actually joined as a bassist after seeing a post on Facebook – one of those random “looking for members” moments. I thought, why not? It sounded fun, and we got along really well musically. Eventually though, the band split up – the vocalist went his own way, and the rest of us decided we didn’t want to stop. So we took what we had, reshaped it completely, and that became ReduX.
Mihai: Yeah, me and Vlad founded ReduX in late 2018, early 2019. We wanted to play a very different kind of music from what we’d done with Berserkers. We had some specific influences we wanted to explore, so we decided – let’s start fresh.
We went through a few line-ups before finding stability. It was hard to get the band properly formed, but we still managed to record and release our first single, “Ignoramus”, back in 2019. Then we took a long break before coming back in 2024 with a new line-up.
Nicolas [Kyamet, ReduX] performing at Quantic, 4 October 2025
© Florin Diaconescu
Basically, they tried to recruit me because they had a drummer problem. They’re such nice guys that I decided to play with them. This isn’t my first show with them – we’ve already played twice in Brăila – but now I’m here for the long term.
Alex: We got that on tape! [laughs]
Nicolas: Either way, Kyamet is going to be my main project, and ReduX will be my secondary one – so make sure you follow Kyamet too!
Noted! Now, moving into the creative side of things – you define yourselves as a sci-fi thrash metal band. Why did you choose to delve into such a futuristic, speculative universe? Romania doesn’t see this kind of thing very often.
Mihai: Exactly! We really like a band called Vektor – that’s our main inspiration. A lot of bands get their influence from the big names, but if we’re drawn to this one, why not go for it? The sci-fi part came from Vektor, and because, well… we’re geeks.
Alex: Yeah, we play StarCraft, we watch loads of sci-fi films. It was natural to bring that inspiration into the music. At first we tried to emulate a sound, but it soon became organic – that’s just what comes out of us.
I have to say, the StarCraft mention made me smile – a true classic for anyone who grew up around strategy games and space lore. You’ve mentioned films and games as influences, but what about literature? Do you also draw inspiration from books or specific authors?
Mihai: Vlad, our other guitarist, would be the perfect person to answer that. He’s a massive nerd when it comes to books – he’s got a whole library of sci-fi novels. He even corrects my lyrics sometimes when they’re not quite in sync with how physics or time and space actually work.
I’ve read a few sci-fi authors like Adrian Tchaikovsky, but I wouldn’t say that’s where I draw my main inspiration from – it mostly comes from games and music.
Alex: I’m more into cosmic horror. I love H. P. Lovecraft. I don’t necessarily take direct inspiration from him, but I’m fascinated by the fear of the unknown, the vastness of space – the big nothing. That always stays with me.
Nicolas: You’ve put me on the spot here! My writing tends to be more personal. I like lyrics that mean something to me. But who knows – maybe I’ll adapt to their style. I’m flexible. That’s why I play in two bands.
Mihai: That’s the fun part though – making personal experiences sci-fi. You talk about a guy drifting through space, but it’s actually about us, reflecting on humanity.
Alex: Exactly. Our personal experiences, wrapped in a different setting.
Captivating. How does songwriting work in ReduX? Is it collaborative or individual?
Mihai: The process is still evolving. In the beginning, when it was just the two of us, we’d write everything in Guitar Pro, exchange ideas, and make changes on spot. Now we start with an idea, build it in Guitar Pro, share it around on WhatsApp, tweak things, and once there’s a solid draft, we bring it to rehearsals.
Alex: It’s not rigid. Everyone adds their own touch once we’re in the room together. That’s when the songs really take shape.
Let us talk about your creation “Consciousness Reboot”, from 2025. What lies at the core of this piece?
Alex: The EP is basically split in half. The last two tracks, “Ending the Sequence” and “Upsilon”, date back to the Berserkers era – we used to play them live. The other two, “Project Scarlog”, and “Ignoramus”, are pure ReduX.
We wanted to put out those older songs to close that chapter before starting a new one. The recordings were fun – it was our first time in a professional studio.
Mihai: Yeah, it was great to see how everything came together piece by piece.
Alex: It was emotional for me. I’d dreamt about recording vocals in a studio for years. It was challenging, but worth it.
Nicolas: I wasn’t part of the band back then – but I can tell it meant a lot to them.
I am very glad to have had that opportunity back then – it must have been a special experience for you. Staying on that note, which song is dearest to you?
Mihai: For me, it’s “Project Scarlog”. That’s the name of the protagonist in our universe – our lore. I came up with it. It’s a mix of “scar” and “log”, meaning a diary of hardship. The lyrics are personal, and recording it was very emotional. That song will always stay with me.
Alex: I also love “Project Scarlog” The first time I heard it, I was mind-blown. But now my favourite is an unreleased one, “Selenial Sector”. It’s got incredible lyrics and riffs – you can really visualise what it’s about. I can’t wait to record it properly and release it.
Nicolas: You’re putting me on the spot again! My favourite has to be “Upsilon”. When the guys invited me to jam, they gave me that track 30 minutes before rehearsal. I learned it in the car on the way there!
We played two Metallica songs, “Harvester of Sorrow”, and “King Nothing”, and then they asked, “Did you learn «Upsilon»?” I said, “Yes”, and we played it – mistakes and all. That’s when I realised this was something special.
One EP out, a chance to spread your vision at Posada Rock Festival, and the first place at the contest organised by them – quite a defining moment. How did that experience feel for you, stepping onto that stage and seeing your work recognised in such a way?
Alex: I wish I could relive that weekend. It was amazing – the stage, the people, the other bands, the prizes, everything. It was the biggest stage we’d ever played on.
Mihai: We didn’t expect to win anything. We just wanted to play. When they started announcing the prizes – third, second, first – and we realised we’d won first place, it was surreal.
That must’ve felt incredible. And now, just a short while later, you’ve already found yourselves on another big stage – the Quantic stage at QFest. How was that first experience like for you?
Mihai: Yes, yes – again, a lot of firsts this year!
Alex: It was honestly a big dream of mine. I’ve wanted to play at Quantic for such a long time – ever since I first came to a concert here. And now it finally happened. It was the first time for all of us, and we had a really great time.
Mihai: Absolutely. The audience was great. You know, Quantic can look quite empty if there aren’t many people, so we were pleasantly surprised – the turnout was much better than we expected.
Nicolas: Yeah, we thought there’d just be a few close friends in the crowd, but the place was about half full.
That means you’ve got work to do – maybe an album soon?
Mihai: We’re definitely working on that. We already have enough songs for another EP, but we’re debating whether to turn it into a full-length. Since we won the talent contest, we got a discounted studio deal, and we want to make the most of it – record as much as possible and put out new material.
Alex: And we’ll also have a video coming up – it was part of the winning the talent contest. We just need to record a new track first, since we don’t want the video to feature an older song.
Mihai: Right now, our focus is to tighten up the band’s structure – especially with Nicolas officially joining us. He’s laughing because, until this interview, he never actually said he was part of the band. He was more like a mercenary! So yes, I’m spilling the beans a bit here.
Nicolas: A little bit! Though technically, I’m also playing in another band, as mentioned before.
Alex: So yes – the plan is to finalise everything, release new material, film that video, and finally put out the two tracks from our setlist, “Hyperspace” and “Inception”.
Mihai: And who knows – maybe enter other competitions in the future, like Wacken Metal Battle.
You should! Your concept is quite original – people are drawn to something different.
Alex: Hopefully, yes.
Mihai: At least the audience seems to enjoy hearing something fresh.
Before we wrap up, do you have a message for your followers or supporters?
Mihai: Absolutely – thank you for listening to our music. We started ReduX simply to make the kind of music we enjoy listening to ourselves. The fact that other people connect with it means the world.
At Posada Rock Festival, Alex was presenting “Project Scarlog”, and someone in the audience shouted “Scarlog” right before he finished the sentence. Afterwards, that guy told us he’d been playing our EP in the car and even made his friends listen to it. That kind of feedback really keeps us going.
To everyone who listens, shares, buys merch, or even just streams a song – it all matters. Thank you for supporting us.
Alex: Yeah, he said most of what I wanted to say. I’m genuinely grateful to everyone who comes to our shows, listens to our songs, buys our merch – all of it. When people come up after a gig and say they loved the set, that’s exactly what we’re doing this for.
Nicolas: And for those who are new – stay in school, eat your protein, and come to ReduX shows. [laughs] Great interview! See you soon!
See you soon!
ReduX at the close of their Quantic set, 4 October 2025
© Florin Diaconescu
