MARS_999 is the creative name of the rising Slovak artist Juraj Péč, who creates a stunningly fractured sonic realm in his newest single, “EŠTE NIE SME STRATENÍ” (“We’re Not Lost Yet”). Blending lo-fi guitar grit with analog synth warmth, Péč has crafted a post-punk ballad that combines raw vulnerability with lucid moments of cerebral beauty, a sound reminiscent of the emotional pulls of Bon Iver and the industrial intensity of early Nine Inch Nails.
This is not the common alt-pop fare. The song begins with a distorted guitar riff that feels barren, yet firm, while industrial drums push the listener along into a rhythmic and orchestrated chorus laced with soulful and mournful Slovak voices. It is a personal exploration that steps outside the normative approaches and expectations of pop accessibility. The mastering was done by seasoned UK engineer Matt Colton (Thom Yorke, James Blake); this has great significance, the overall production was tactile and spacious, weighty and emotional, without being overly polished.
The video created by Micha Líner, presented through a combination of AI and ‘real’ photography, adds a third layer of perceived tension. The loops of home video and pop art in the Warhol approach flickered with uneasy sentimentality, emphasizing the thematic expressions of the track: memory, identity, and survival.
For MARS_999, this isn't simply a comeback, but a reawakening. "EŠTE NIE SME STRATENÍ" is a bold affirmation by an artist reclaiming his voice amid turbulent times. Raw, fearless, and distinctly relevant.
Follow MARS_999 for more amazing updates and performances:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mars_999_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mars_999__