| Batushka | |||||
| Landscape: | yes | ||||
| Origin: | Białystok, Poland | ||||
| Genre: | Black metal | ||||
| Years Active: | 2015–present | ||||
| Label: | Witching Hour, Sphieratz, Metal Blade, Napalm Records | ||||
| Module: |
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Batushka (stylized in Cyrillic as БАТЮШКА) is a Polish black metal band based in Białystok, founded by Krzysztof Drabikowski in 2015.[1] Their music and lyrics, which are written exclusively in Church Slavonic language, are inspired by the Eastern Orthodox Church.[2] The band members wear religious habits and Eastern Orthodox schemas during live performances to conceal their identities. In contrast with many other black metal bands, they use eight-string guitars.
A dispute between Drabikowski and Bart Krysiuk began when Bartłomiej Krysiuk signed the band to Metal Blade Records in 2017.[3] Subsequently, Krysiuk registered the trademark to 'Batushka'. Drabikowski was in strong protest of these actions, and the relationship between the two members escalated from bad to worse. At this time, Drabikowski was not involving the band members with his new material. Krysiuk, along with members of the band, recorded an album to fulfill the obligation with Metal Blade. This was done without regard for Drabikowski, who did not want to release a new album at this time. Drabikowski responded by filing a lawsuit against Krysiuk.
In 2019, Krysiuk announced that Batushka activities would carry on without Drabikowski. The band would consist of a lineup featuring long-staying touring musicians who had performed with the band during the Litourgiya tours. This group released its own recordings and began performing separately from Drabikowski, causing confusion among fans who were unaware of the split and the existence of two bands using the Batushka name. Drabikowski protested the move and does not consider Krysiuk's band legitimate while Krysiuk claimed Drabikowski does not own the rights over the name and concept of the band. In 2020, Krysiuk shared court documents which stated that Krysiuk had legal rights to perform and release music under the name 'Batushka'. In 2024, the Polish courts ruled in favor of Drabikowski in a first instance ruling, while Krysiuk promised to appeal the ruling.[4]
The word Batushka (Cyrillic: Батюшка), meaning "father", is the titular equivalent of a hieromonk in Eastern Orthodoxy or, broadly, of any Orthodox priest.
Batushka was founded in Białystok in the spring of 2015 by multi instrumentalist Krzysztof "Derph" Drabikowski at his studio Sphieratz in Sobolewo; he came up with the idea of combining black metal and traditional liturgical songs of the Orthodox Church after reading comments on YouTube videos of Orthodox music, saying how "God's hymns are more metal than any satanic black metal music out there". Throughout the first quarter of 2015, Drabikowski proceeded to compose and record the music, write the lyrics, paint the artwork for the album and create the band's overall concept by himself until deciding to bring Marcin Bielemuk to re-record the drum parts in acoustic percussion. Drabikowski originally invited his friend and former Heuresis bandmate Lech to do the vocal parts but dropped out of the project because he didn't know how to write old Church Slavonic.
In July 2015, before adding the finishing touches on the album, Drabikowski recruited Hermh vocalist Bartłomiej Krysiuk to record the vocals. The album was completed in the following months and Drabikowski convinced Krysiuk and Bielemuk to make Batushka an anonymous project; according to Drabikowski, this was decided in order for the listeners to focus on the musical experience itself, as such and for the next year the band's line up remained unknown to the public and started using monikers in Cyrillic to further conceal their identities.[5]
The group released the single "Yekteníya VII" in November 2015, prior to their debut album Литоургиіа ("Litourgiya") ("Liturgy") in December. Both recordings were released through Witching Hour Productions, owned by vocalist Bartłomiej Krysiuk.[6] The album was critically acclaimed, with various sites naming Litourgiya one of the best metal albums of 2015, it also became a commercial hit in the Polish metal scene. The album's overwhelming success prompted the band to start touring due to massive demand from various European festivals. The band's live line-up featured a total of 8 performers: Drabikowski on lead guitars, Krysiuk on lead vocals, and Bielemuk on drums alongside 3 backing vocalists, a bassist, and a rhythm guitarist. The band would have inter-changing live members throughout 2016–2018, depending on individual members' other commitments.
Following some regional touring, concerts in Russia and Belarus were also planned, but were canceled due to protests[7] [8] [9] and alleged death threats made against them.[10] This incident also ended the public anonymity of the band's core line up since Drabikowski started doing interviews explaining the situation.
In 2016, together with Behemoth and Bölzer, the group embarked on a concert tour in Poland called Rzeczpospolita Niewierna ("The Republic of the Unfaithful"). In 2017 they performed at Wacken Open Air and Brutal Assault.
In October 2017, the band were signed to Metal Blade Records in the US and rereleased Litourgiya worldwide in both physical media and digital platforms. The signing of the band, however, was done without the involvement of founder and main composer Krzysztof Drabikowski.[11]
In April 2018, Marcin Bielemuk (drummer) left the project for undisclosed reasons. A year later on 24 May 2019, Marcin stated on his personal Facebook that he was fired by Drabikowski. This was a result of Bielmuk criticizing Drabokowski's attitude and behaviour toward himself, Krysiuk and the rest of the band's live performers. His full statement can be read online.[12]
On 23 December 2018, Drabikowski announced via the Batushka Instagram account that he had decided to part ways with vocalist Bartłomiej Krysiuk "due to inappropriate behaviour on his part." In the same post, Drabikowski stated that "There were attempts to take my creation Batushka away from me" and "the upcoming album Панихида ("Requiem") will not feature his voice".[13]
The following week, the post was taken down and a new post stated that Drabikowski "was told earlier this month that he would not participate in Batushka activities as we move into 2019" and that any pages operated by him were to be shut down based on a claim "based on intellectual property and trademark ownership".[14]
In a counter-claim, Drabikowski uploaded a video statement claiming that Krysiuk had been pressing him to release the new album and, when he disagreed, Krysiuk then "hired musicians to produce an album that he planned to release as the new Batushka record, behind [his] back". He also stated that he had taken legal action, being advised by his lawyer to not say anything further and that pictures on the website and Facebook page were of Krysiuk and people like his son pretending to be Batushka.[15]
On 6 May 2019, Drabikowski released an update on the court proceedings, stating that the court decided that Bartłomiej Krysiuk cannot tour under the name "Batushka" or release new music under the moniker until the proceedings are over.[16] Despite the uncertainty of the band's status, tour dates have been committed to from June 2019 and onward. Krysiuk also stated that he had no intention of honoring the court's decision. A month later Krysiuk posted an update where his legal team succeeded in appealing a reversal of the court's decision that forbade him from using the "Batushka" moniker for touring and merchandising while the case proceeds, however, Drabikowski is still allowed to use the band name in various capacities in spite of Krysiuk's attempts at censoring him through bans and takedowns on Bandcamp and social media.[17]
On 13 May 2019, Drabikowski's Batushka released a song through their own YouTube account from their upcoming album ПАНИХИДА ("Requiem"), called "Песнь I" ("Ode 1").[18]
On 15 May 2019, Krysiuk's Batushka released the first single through Metal Blade's YouTube account from their upcoming album ГОСПОДИ (Hospodi) ("Lord"), called "Polunosznica". Their album was scheduled to be released on 12 July 2019.[19] Subsequent music videos were made for the songs "Wieczernia", "Liturgiya", "Utrenia" and "Pierwyj Czas". Due to backlash from supporters of Drabikowski, all 5 music videos had the likes/dislikes and comment sections disabled on Metal Blade's YouTube channel. Posts about Batushka on Metal Blade's Instagram also had their comments disabled to prevent similar violence-related comments and hate speech. These actions stirred even more backlash from Derph's online fanbase, as they were not able to vent their frustrations and negative remarks.
On 27 May 2019, Drabikowski's Batushka released a new full-length album called ПАНИХИДА ("Panihida") ("Requiem") and was well received by both critics and fans alike.[20] [21]
On 12 July 2019, Krysiuk's Batushka released a full-length album called ГОСПОДИ (Hospodi) ("Lord"), the album received mixed reviews from critics[22] [23] and was dismissed by some of the band's fans, with most of the criticism aimed at their "illegitimacy" to use the name Batushka.[24] This would be the initial impression of the album, however, it would not remain to be do divisive. In 2023, Hospodi received Gold Certification status in Poland.
Despite the public backlash, Krysiuk's version of the band continued to tour[25] [26] [27] and play at various festivals, notably replacing Dimmu Borgir at Bloodstock Open Air.[28] and beginning a co-headlining European tour with Belphegor 10 November 2021. On 6 September, Krysiuk's Batushka uploaded a trailer for a documentary titled "Batushka: Uncovering the Truth", about the name dispute and the split between Krysiuk and Drabikowski. However, no further updates or a release date have been revealed since the first announcement.
In late 2019, Krysiuk's band canceled Australian and North American tours with fellow Polish band Hate.[29] [30] [31] While no official reason was given for the former, Krysiuk later released a statement saying both tours were cancelled due to the costs of the legal battle. Krysiuk later stated the planned European tour would proceed and revealed plans to work on new music,[32] [33] but on 6 January, the European tour was announced to be indefinitely postponed due to an unspecified member of Krysiuk's band having to "undergo medical treatment". Krysiuk later mentioned he had undergone a gastrectomy surgery in January 2019, and had complications following this and was unable to tour the following year. His band performed Hospodi live during the 2019 European festival season and would not be able to continue in 2020 due to COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions. This would make an untimely end to the Hospodi era, and the band would continue to create new music in the 2020 year.
After a prolonged silence, Krzysztof Drabikowski announced on 9 September 2019 that he will be performing Panihida live in its entirety with a new line up at the MonteRay Club in Kyiv on 9 November 2019, the performance was very well received and was reportedly a sold-out event for the venue.[34] Drabikowski has also expressed his hopes of going on a proper tour in 2020. In late October, several dates were confirmed for Drabikowski's version of the band's European tour, and will take place in 2020, with confirmed dates in the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. Drabikowski's Batushka also joined Malevolent Creation on their European tour from February to March 2020; the tour was a success with many sold-out venues, however the tour was cut short on 11 March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band's scheduled performances at Poland were canceled due to safety concerns, and Krzysztof Drabikowski tested positive of COVID, he was also suffering from cardiac issues and was hospitalized but was able to recover. On 19 January 2020 it was announced that Drabikowski's Batushka was going to perform at the fifth "México Metal Fest" at Monterrey on 14 November 2020,[35] however the festival was postponed twice until September 23, 2022, and the band performed live as scheduled. Drabikowski's Batushka also performed at the Latvian ethnographic and crafts festival Zobens un Lemess on 7 to 9 August 2020 held in Bauska castle grounds. Since recovering from COVID, Drabikowski has been hinting at new Batushka music, sharing photos and videos on his social media.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Krysiuk's version of the band was also forced to cancel and postpone performances and tours, he subsequently released 2 EP's and a live album; "RASKOL" on August 7, 2020, "Black Liturgy – Live" on November 25th, 2020, and Carju Niebiesnyj on March 21, 2021. All three records were released under Krysiuk's own label Witching Hour Productions.
Krysiuk's band resumed touring in the UK & Europe in November & December 2021, with the 'Black Rituals Tour' which featured guests Belphegor, Diabolical, Warhammer, Impalement, & Almost Dead. The tour was well received, and would see a follow up in April & May 2022 under the name 'Black Liturgy Pilgrimage 2022' and would again feature guests Diabolical and Warhammer. Prior to the online release of compilation album 'МАРИЯ / MARIA', the band sold exclusive physical copies at these shows. On February 21, 2022 'МАРИЯ / MARIA' was made available for purchase via the band's Bandcamp store, and on March 30 of the same year it went online to digital streaming services. The album combines the EP's 'Raskol' and 'Carju Niebiesnyj' seamlessly and closes with the previously unpublished title track 'MARIA (Posledeje Pismo).
Following the success of the 2021/2022 UK & European tours, Krysiuk took his band to North America later in 2022 on the 'North American Pilgrimage' which saw their first appearances in Canada, and a return to Mexico. The tour spanned from September 26 to November 1, with direct support from Polish band Hate. Hideous Divinity was not able to make the tour despite every effort, and so each date would have a local opening act. Imperial Triumphant would join Batushka for the Mexico Leg of the North America Pilgrimage 2022.
Before another busy touring year, Batushka performed at the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise in January 2023.[36] Batushka and Hate would continue to tour together in Europe from February 16 to March 5 of 2023. From March 13 to March 19 the band made their first appearances in Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.Krysiuk and co. would return to United States and Canada for the 'North America Black Pilgrimage 2023' for 20 dates from August 14 to September 5, this time with Swallow the Sun, and Stormruler.[37] Batushka would tour Europe for the second time in 2023 during September and October, this time with Arkona and Aeternam. Batushka returned to Mexico in November for a handful of concerts before the end of 2023.
Drabikowski's Batushka performed at the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise in January 2024,[38] And they are expected to perform at the Hellfest on 30 June 2024.[39]
From January 2024 through March 2024, Krysiuk and his band recorded their third full-length album, and follow up to 2021's EP release Carju Nieniesnyj. The album was written during 2021–2023, and is set to be released in late 2024 via Napalm Records. March 2024 was a short touring period for Krysiuk's band, with the "Czarna Pascha" tour in Poland. This was a series of three 3-day weekend shows across the country, with supporting acts Shadohm and Baalzagoth.
On May 29, 2024, The Polish courts ruled in favor of Krzysztof Drabikowski (in a first ruling instance), preventing Bartłomiej Krysiuk from using either the names "Batushka" or "БАТЮШКА" without the authorization of Drabikowski.[40] On June 6, 2024, Drabikowski published a redacted version of the ruling on his social networks while thanking his fans.[41] The same day Krysiuk, through the social networks of his version of Batushka, released a statement in which he was disappointed by the ruling. He has decided to appeal it and continue with his previous tour commitments until a final verdict is reached.[42]
Shortly after the January–March 2024, Krysiuk's band announced "Czarna Pascha II" which will take place in September 2024. Also announced was the 2024 Latin America Prophecy, which runs from August 1 to August 15. This will be Krysiuk band's return to Brazil after the split with Drabikowski, and will also span across El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. Krysiuk's Batushka will tour across Europe from September 26 until October 24 with support from VLTIMAS and God Dethroned, on the 2024 Epic Prophecy for Europe. Those shows have been promoted as the "Last Shows of Batushka ever"[43] [44]
Batushka's first album Litourgiya was written by Krzysztof Drabikowski with a heavy use of Orthodox chants as a base for instrumental and vocals parts, and was recorded by Krysztof (guitars, bass, choir vocals), Marcin Bielemuk (drums), Patrick Żimeer (choir vocals) and Bartek Krysiuk (lead vocals and choir).
Many session players were enlisted to perform with the band over the following three years. Some of them had obligations outside of Batushka, so there would be inter-changing personnel depending on tour dates and regions.
[# = touring session member]