Forward Facing Tagline (TL:DR)

Mishipeshu is a newly forged melodic metal force rising from Superior, WI. Blending the raw power of folk and Viking-inspired melodic death metal with sweeping, symphonic layers, they craft a sound that’s unique, epic, and relentless. Fast, furious, and unapologetically loud.

The Longer Story

As is the story with many bands, mishipeshu is the continuation of an abandoned cover band project. In 2024 nathan Owen (nate - rhythm guitar) and Jonah Kosobuski (Bass Guitar) began trying to start a project with another individual. The focus at that time was a few semi-random cover songs. They would practice every so often, but struggled, as many do, to find a drummer. Additional challenges were presented for the trio from a sheer lack of experience. Starting a band is incredibly difficult and its an exceedingly challenging path if you have never been involved in a more developed project before.

In early 2025, kyle sanford (Lead guitar), moved to superior wisconsin chasing his career. Kyle had been involved in several bands previously as both a drummer and lead guitar player. in early 2023, kyle had begun making a shift in his musical focus from street and skate punk into technical folk and viking styled metal, both on guitar and drums, at that time, his focus was on progressing his skills as a metal drummer. Having no contacts in the area, he posted his desire to find a band in the twin ports area who was seeking a drummer. nate found kyle's postings, and reached out to him about his unnamed project and they agreed to meet.

In april of 2025, kyle began practicing as the drummer for this unnamed group, who expressed interest in playing original songs. kyle just so happens to be a mega nerd and tabs the music he writes. the song he pitched to the group was “trial of aegir,” a five minute gallop featuring waves of speed and calm. this was the groups first foray into the viking metal genre,, and while it was met with enthusiasm, the lead guitar part was beyond the skills of the current lead guitar player, and the drumming part was beyond kyle's drumming ability. they floundered with this song for a bit, but the then lead guitarist took a job that required him to travel and stopped coming to practice soon thereafter.

at this point, kyle began taking on the lead guitar parts and programmed drums for the trio to practice with.  and practice they did. from june to september 2025, kyle, nate, and jonah practiced nearly every weekend. they picked up new gear and began auditions for drummers, keyboardists, and vocalist.s. with varying degrees of success. 

It was at this time the name “Mishipeshu,” was pitched by jonah as a homage to his native heritage, our home base of superior, wisconsin. in local native american lore mishipeshu, the water panther, represents danger, wealth, mystery and chaos. Known as “The Spirit of Lake Superior,” this scaled and horned feline with a serpents tail is in an eternal battle with the thunderbird. Being surprisingly reminicint with the norse legends of thor and Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent, there was a clear connection to the bands overall viking and nautical themes. The name was officially adopted in late august.

several band members came and went in the coming months for various reasons. we are a band that practices religiously and it is a seriousl offense to all the members  when people are slacking off, don't show up to practice, don't maintain their equipment, don't learn their parts, don't seek to truly improve., or overextend their schedules to not even allow for practice. fortunately, the band was able to add the remaining needed members.

in december 2025, misipeshu added jevin joki (drums) to its roster. in addition to his phenomenal skills behind the kit, joki brings more than a decade of performing experience to the band.

In february 2026, levi smith took over the microphone at center stage. this future aircraft mechanic knows a lot more than rivets. his bassy screams are reminicint of dethklock and feel like an audible apocalypse.

in march 2026, mishipeshu added jason anderson to the keyboard. working at a local home improvement store with Jonah, jason had heard some demos and was already a fan of the band. an accomplished guitarist, when he heard we were looking for a keyboard player, he bought one began teaching himself to play. he made the cut and now graces the music with all the parts that cant be covered by shred alone, though he insists that he is just “happy to be here.”

In 2026, mishipeshu is planning a release of a self-titled ep in late may of 2026, and a full-length album to come later in the year. stay tuned with us as our quest for global domination steps fully into the next phase!