The goal of practical alchemy is to transform base metals like lead, iron and brass into noble metals like gold and silver. SVOBODA is a band with the same goals, to begin with metal and transform it into something greater than the sum of it's parts. SVOBODA began with the idea of using sounds to physically transform the listener, to ground them to the earth beneath their feet, and evolved into a four piece band that combines different approaches to metal with philosophical alchemy and shamanistic elements to overwhelming effect. In the long dark and biting cold of Minnesota winter the members of SVOBODA began their transformative process, to make fire from ice and light from darkness. Soon songs and sets were ready. After several months of live rituals/actions SVOBODA teamed up with fellow Minneapolis heavyweights Bellow to release a split demo tape/cd in mid-2012 and SVOBODA is currently preparing a full length recording for release in 2013.