Polish black metal icons PATRIARKH (formerly BATUSHKA), centered around singer/mastermind Bartłomiej Krysiuk, continue their conceptual album with the release of their new single “ВЕРШАЛИН II” (Lat. WIERSZALIN II). Accompanied by an audio visualizer video, the official video will be released shortly after. The song perfectly blends heavy doom metal with black metal, seamlessly merging folk instruments and captivating choirs’ merges with beautiful arranged string instruments, building an eerie tension accentuated by engaging growls.
Taken from the upcoming studio album ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Lat. PROROK ILJA), out on January 3, 2025 via Napalm Records, PATRIARKH returns with a clear and fresh vision! The album, spanning eight brand-new tracks delves into the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the enigmatic Prophet Ilja. Set against the dramatic historical backdrop of the 1930s and ’40s, PATRIARKH masterfully transforms these events into dark yet mesmerizing atmospheres, interwoven with their deeply rooted Eastern Orthodox traditions. Building on the critical success of Hospodi (2019) and relentless global touring, PATRIARKH shows no signs of slowing down, with countless live shows lined up for this and the coming year.
PATRIARKH comments about new single: “‘Wierszalin II’ explores the theme of revelation, highlighting the significant role of the Mother of God as a symbolic sign within the piece. It reflects an anointing that accompanies the prophet’s message, functioning as a prayer imbued with purpose. This hymn is associated with the Prophet Ilya, encapsulating his expressions of worship, praise, and gratitude for the opportunity to serve and glorify heaven through his work. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the connection between divine revelation and the prophet’s mission, which ends in failure.”
Originally founded by Krzysztof Drabikowski in 2015, BATUSHKA released their successful first album, Litourgiya, with vocals handled by Bartłomiej “Варфоломей” Krysiuk. Three years later, the band split up and both parties decided to keep going with the same name, until a legal dispute resulted in Krysiuk recently changing his band’s name.
PATRIARKH is finally free from litigation, and with a clear and fresh vision, the new band looks towards a bright future. Deeply rooted in Eastern Orthodox tradition and music, PATRIARKH combines black and doom metal and ushers in a new era with outstanding, ominous religious schemas that conceal their identities amid remarkable liturgies with their fans.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.