Interview by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy
Polish black metal project Batushka was founded and created by guitarist and songwriter Krzysztof Drabikowski back in 2015. They caught the attention of metalheads and press alike with their successful debut release ‘Litourgiya’ and even went on to sign with popular label Metal Blade Records. The project also featured vocalist Bartłomiej “Bart” Krysiuk and drummer Marcin Bielemuk, to accompany Krzysztof however that is no longer the case as in December 2018 a shocking video was released from Krzysztof Drabikowski informing everyone that former vocalist Krysiuk had gone behind the creators back and essentially stolen his own band from him as Krzysztof had parted ways with the vocalist but Krysiuk turned the story around on Krzysztof instead. Currently, there are two sides claiming to be Batushka but there is only one true Batushka and we were lucky enough to speak to the real founder Krzysztof Drabikowski to get the full details of this unbelievable and shocking deceptive story and get the truth out there…
Rapidly rising US metalcore outfit and UNFD’s latest signings Hollow Front have revealed a new cut of their track ‘Falling Apart’ featuring Fit For A King’s Ryan Kirby.
The release comes as UNFD release a special re-issue of Hollow Front’s acclaimed debut album Loose Threads on vinyl for the first time. Featuring the full album, alongside ‘Falling Apart’, and recent new cuts ‘Wearing Thin’ & ‘Loose Threads (Reimagined)’, fans can order limited copies now.
The wait is finally over! Dutch Symphonic metal band EPICA release their new album ‘Ωmega’ today! To celebrate the release day, EPICA present a breandnew video for the song ‘Skeleton Key’:
For the 500th anniversary of one of the oldest military establishments in the world – the Swedish Royal Guard – metal giants SABATON return with an epic hymn to celebrate this commemoration, whilst simultaneously satisfying the wish of thousands of fans to sing in Swedish again. This is the first new music released since SABATON‘s hit album “The Great War” entered the charts in several countries at #1 in 2019, and this is just the tip of the iceberg for what one of today’s biggest metal acts has up their sleeve for 2021.
Following their new singles ‘Obsolete’ and ‘Timeless’, described as “crushing” by Revolver and as “thought provoking” and “cinematic” by Loudwire, California’s Of Mice & Men have released their critically acclaimed new EP Timeless today, via SharpTone Records. It’s available here. The artwork for the EP was hand-drawn by iconic artist Derek Hess.
For Those That Wish To Exist, the ninth studio record from England-based post-metalcore quintet ARCHITECTS, is out now via Epitaph Records.
The self-produced record finds ARCHITECTS tackling the biggest questions facing the future of our planet with their grandest, most expansive sonic offering yet building upon the band’s hallmark post-metalcore sound by layering a burgeoning influence of electronics and orchestral strings, horns and choirs. The result is a rich tapestry that transcends the limitations of genre and rewards exploration and immersion in its journey.
AFI has announced its eagerly-awaited new album Bodies, due 11thJune 2021 via Rise Records. The album is heralded by two new songs — the driving “Looking Tragic” and the fast-paced, hooky “Begging For Trouble” — alongside a video for “Looking Tragic” by longtime AFI collaborator Adam Mason. Both new tracks will be included on a limited 7″ — find more information HERE. Bodies was produced by the band’s own Jade Puget and mixed by Tony Hoffer (M83, Phoenix, Silversun Pickups). Watch the video for “Looking Tragic” HERE, and hear the new songs and pre-order BodiesHERE.