Dark rock giants MONO INC. return with their powerful new release, “In My Darkness”, out now via NoCut. Known for their anthemic sound and emotionally charged themes, the band continues to explore the balance between shadow and light, celebrating the inner strength and resilience we all carry within us. In an exclusive interview, drummer and vocalist Katha Mia opens up about the creative journey behind the album, the band’s evolution, and the message of hope at the heart of their darkest work yet.
Hi Katha, welcome to Femme Metal Webzine. How are you, and how is this period treating you?
Everything is good, thank you very much. I am experiencing an exciting time full of learning and growth. It’s sometimes challenging and exhausting, but in a good way. Otherwise, I am positively excited for the upcoming months and our tour.”
MONO INC. is setting the first stones for “Darkness”
When did you start to collect the first ideas for “Darkness”?
It is hardly possible to pinpoint a starting point. Some ideas for the album had been sitting in Martin’s drawer for years, waiting for their moment. Conversations, from which the ideas for song lyrics emerged, have been ongoing between Martin and me as a family for years. Therefore, this album was created through a continuous process, during our long journey together. However, the true peak of development—when all these ideas were finally brought together and Martin was hardly seen outside the studio—took place in the summer of 2024.
“Accepting the darkness within us”
“Darkness” is said to unleash epochal power while simultaneously creating intimate moments. Darkness is often portrayed as both a source of immense, transformative power and a setting for deeply personal, introspective moments. What aspects of writing about “darkness” did you find most challenging, and why?
Honestly, I don’t find anything challenging about it. It is more of a concern and an honor for me to speak and make music about this topic. Even if the album title initially sounds like a blatant glorification of darkness, it is anything but that.
It is more about accepting the darkness within us and, at the same time, recognizing that where there is darkness, there is always light. From personal experience and conversations with others, I can say that humans tend to either suppress the darkness within us or lose themselves in it. Both happen unconsciously and as a form of self-protection.
Katha from MONO INC. : “an honor to write about how much strength each person carries”
But I think it is so important to realize that the darkness within us has a right to be there (almost every person has experienced terrible things in their life, some more, some less) and to be compassionate with ourselves. At the same time, we should also recognize what we have achieved and how strong we are. There must always have been a small light within us, because otherwise we wouldn’t be here anymore. We are allowed to celebrate this light.
We can celebrate ourselves and acknowledge what heroes we all are. In summary, it is not challenging but an honor to write about how much strength each person carries within and how proud they can be of themselves.
Katha from Mono Inc: “‘In my darkness’ is an ode to all the strong heroes out there”.
The word darkness evokes, most of the time, negative or something bad in general or related to pain. Despite all, to what does the single “In the Darkness” relate to?
“In My Darkness” is an ode to all the strong heroes out there. Many people have experienced sadness, pain, loss, and violence since childhood. I believe that physical, sexual, and especially emotional abuse (because it is so hidden) is more widespread than many think.
Some people are lucky and have someone by their side with whom they can process their experiences through conversations. But many are left alone from childhood and have no one to talk to.
“‘In my darkness’ is an ode to all the strong heroes out there.” Part 2
Miraculously, they survive nonetheless and, as adults, push what they have experienced aside with the thought, “It wasn’t that bad.” We invalidate ourselves, but actually, we deserve love and compassion.
Even though I think it is important for adults to seek help (e.g., therapy, conversations, etc.), I also believe that we are allowed to recognize, it was we who experienced everything. We are the ones who must find the courage to seek help, and ultimately, we are the ones who get up every day. We carry an incredibly strong light within us that has not been extinguished even in the deepest darkness and that can grow again.
The latest single “Abenrot”
The song that I love the most is “Abendrot”. What can you share about its lyrics and its general video shooting?
Our latest single, “Abendrot, “ means a lot to me. Contrary to the first impression, it’s not about a magical romantic relationship, but about emotional abuse. Unfortunately, this is often hard to recognize and frequently happens in secret. Sometimes between partners, friends, but most often towards children. Nowadays, we know that emotional abuse causes damage at least as great as physical abuse, which is why it’s so important to talk about it.
Anyone who has been in such a situation knows the cycle of “love bombing” and “devaluation/indifference,” which makes the victim doubt their mind and worth more and more, and makes them submissive and obedient until they eventually, completely destabilized, believe they are a bad, worthless person.
The video for “Abenrot”
When the victim finally realizes that this is not healthy, it often takes years to break free and heal. I find this very dramatic, and unfortunately, the topic receives far too little attention in our world, even though it causes severe emotional injuries and destroys life’s courage.
The video was filmed at an abandoned castle. There was a breathtaking atmosphere and energy on site, and incidentally, a large number of mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
MONO INC. new single “Dein Anker”
Another song, which I love, is “Dein Anker”. Even though my German is almost non-existent, I perceive/feel like there’s some light at the end of the tunnel, out of the darkness. What can you tell me about it?
“Dein Anker” is also a song that feels very biographic to me. Because sometimes situations or feelings, especially when we suffer from panic, flashbacks, etc, overwhelm us. In such moments, an anchor can help us withstand the storm until we are back in safe waters and the storm calms down. This anchor can be anything — another person, an animal, a hobby, an object, or even ourselves with our positive thoughts.
The upcoming German tour for MONO INC.
The German upcoming tour is already booked up a whole tour in October (which is selling fast); however, do you have any plans for a tour in continental Europe?
We generally always enjoy traveling and playing everywhere. We travel as a family with a child, so we plan our tours more cautiously. So, if we haven’t been somewhere yet, it’s not a sign of disinterest, but rather a matter of family-friendly tour planning and being mindful of our resources. We are looking forward to seeing you!