A new chapter opened for Batushka, you had to change your name to Patriarkh, I am sure the fans have noticed. How are you guys doing, how much were you affected by this whole ordeal/change?
This is an exciting new chapter for us, like starting fresh. Although the name change went smoothly and our fans accepted it with enthusiasm, we are treated somewhat like debutants. I believe this gives us renewed energy for the challenges ahead. I am very excited about the new challenges and what the next two years will bring.
For those who haven’t noticed you yet, could you please a few important milestones from the band’s life? Beginnings, successes, what gives you the inspiration for the live shows?
The inspiration for my journey comes from a love and passion for extreme music that I have been connected to since the early 1990s. My musical beginnings were with the band Hermh during that decade. Later, I became involved with Batushka and album “Litourgiya.” This period was marked by numerous concerts worldwide, but it also included a significant conflict in 2018 that created a historical controversy within the metal community.In 2019, we released the album “Hospodi,” followed by various concerts and additional releases such as “Raskol,” “Carju Niebiesnyj,” and “Maria.” These releases were accompanied by concert tours across the globe. 2024, a year of the name change and preparing for the release of a new album titled “Prorok Ilja” in early 2025. This marks a new beginning, a new chapter, and exciting plans for the future.Thats a short story.
Let’s get back to early 2024, when you started to record Prorok Ilja in multiple studios. Why did you have to record it in many studios, what did you record at each place?
I believe that most bands at our level have specific studios in mind for their recordings. However, we chose our locations based on the sound we wanted to achieve. The unique qualities and authenticity of the sound that these places provided were key factors in our decision. The process was quite challenging, both logistically and technically. After five months of recording this album, I was completely exhausted. We continued to perform concerts during breaks, leaving us no time to rest. Nonetheless, the outcome was rewarding, and I felt immense satisfaction with what we accomplished.
How were the songs written? Did you plan to have changes in the new songs compared to the earlier records, if so in what?
I believe this project, titled “Prophet Ilya,” introduced a completely new process for us. In concept albums, where the narrative is the main foundation connecting various emotions, composing music resembles scoring a film rather than simply assembling a collection of cool riffs. The incorporation of film and theater elements can be heard throughout the entire album.The composing process followed a structured script from the very beginning. We started with the scenario, and then composed the music sequentially, going from the first song to the last without rearranging any pieces. It was a meticulous process, finishing one song—like song number III—before moving on to the next, such as song number IV. This approach is what allowed us to achieve such a strong musical coherence on this album.
The new album is a concept one that guides the listener to the world of Propher Ilja, so was the leader of the Grzybowska cult up until the 1960s. Why did you choose this story, was it one of the biggest cults at this era?
I chose this story primarily because it is set in the region where I live and was born. It captivated my imagination in the 1990s and felt ripe for transformation into a musical concept. Additionally, it has a universal social aspect: an illiterate peasant manipulates groups of people who mistake him for the biblical prophet Elijah or even Christ. At one point in history, there was an attempt to crucify him to see if he would resurrect on the third day. This theme can easily be applied to today’s populism, which manipulates society and poisons minds in a very straightforward way.
I am sure you needed to have a lot of power for the new songs, they are very diverse, we can hear a lot of different instruments, all these unique folk instruments invoke the darkness with black and doom metal, some neo folk and even filmscore. Could you give an overview what do we get exactly from you? Is this the perfect journal for you?
The concept behind this project was based on the idea that the sound should be enhanced with folk instruments, as we are sharing a folk story that is deeply connected to my region. I wanted the music to authentically reflect the essence of my area. I believe this approach added a rich texture to the album, allowing listeners to rediscover its nuances with each new listen.
I saw the new video on your youtube channel, where was it shot and how hard was it to make it hapen? Could you realize all your ideas or you had some that had to be left out?
Unfortunately, we had to abandon the original version of our video story due to a practical issue: budget constraints. However, I am still pleased with what we have accomplished. We will present this story in a theater performance that we plan to produce next year.
I believe Napalm Records does everything for you. There are multiple formats of the album and the deluxe version contains a bonus song. What should we know about this 9th song, what did you hide in there? Do you have an idea for a very unique release, be it the extras or the looks?
Absolutely! The editions are fantastic; however, all the limited editions were sold out and unavailable on the release day. Regarding the bonus “Wierszalin IX,” it serves as an epilogue to the story. We plan to reveal it as a separate single in the future.
Your live performances are always very spectacular, exciting and dark. Will you have new elements in the Patriarkh concerts in 2025? How much fire will be on stage, haha?
We will be presenting the entire “Prorok Ilja” album live in an appropriate setting. Our lineup now includes two new band members: a third guitarist and a female vocalist. The new setup is even more spectacular, and we invite you to our concerts to see for yourself!
What do you think about the separation and distance between the different chuches, or about their animosity towards each other? What should we believe in?
We should always believe in ourselves. Religion is a significant evil that humanity has invented, and it has been responsible for some of the greatest genocides in history. There is no greater evil than religion and churches.
Can you tell us a few characteristics of the members? How should we imagine you in the real life?
Most of us work in the music industry, but we also provide sound systems for events or offer our services as technicians. Our passion for extreme music drives us, and many of us participate in various bands. Music is at the core of our lives, encompassing creation, performance, and technical work.
What do you think how will the setlist look like in 2025? How was the concert in Budapest in October 2024, do you have any special momarable moments from it?
As I mentioned earlier, we will be performing the entire new album, along with older songs that have been rearranged for three guitars. These new arrangements sound even better, especially those from the album “Hospodi,” which are sure to be concert highlights. Budapest always greets us warmly, and it is a place we visit frequently. We are kicking off our new tour in Budapest, and we know it will be a special concert once again!
Thank you for all the answers, I think you are a very interesting band in today’s metal scene!
Thank you for your kind words and interesting questions. I appreciate your support and invite you to our concerts to experience the power of our new music firsthand.
Bart (Варфоломей) answered by the questions.
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