2024 Artist Spotlight: Krzysztof Drabikowski’s Batushka

Countdown to 2025: 53 Days

SOOOOOOON, the famous word for 70000tons of Metal cruisers know to love and hate. And one thing you learn is announcements are always unpredictable. After experiencing the 2024 edition to its fullest capability, we captured all sixty-two bands, bringing back our Artist Spotlight, our countdown to the 2025 voyage, leaving on January 30 in Miami, setting sail to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning on February 3, 2025. Round 12, the 2024 experience, took place from January 29 – February 2, sailing from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on the Freedom of the Seas.

70000tons 2024 Round 12: ARTIST 7 of 62
– Krzysztof Drabikowski’s Batushka

Not to be confused with last year’s Batushka, now known as Patriarkh, 2024 brought another of Poland’s finest black metal acts to the scene: Krzysztof Drabikowski’s Batushka, making their debut on the metal seas. Metalheads flocked to their ceremonious performances on night two, January 30, 2024, at the Royal Theater at 9:00 PM, and on January 31st at 12:30 AM on the Pool Deck.

We attended both sets, and each offered a distinct experience. Shrouded in religious cloaks, the faceless ensemble delivered a spiritual black metal performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. The first set, under dark, controlled lighting, created an intimate, shadowy atmosphere. The second, held beneath the stars with ocean winds swirling, brought a raw, untamed energy. Both were unforgettable moments of darkened bliss, and well worth attending.

What’s next for Krzysztof Drabikowski’s Batushka?

Following their legal victory securing the name Батюшка, the group has already announced an impressive lineup of 2025 appearances, including a slot at Inferno Fest. After a lengthy legal battle, their path forward seems clear, and fans can expect even more activity from them now that the naming dispute has been resolved.

What is the Artist Spotlight?

Well, it’s more than a review of their performance; as 70000tons goes, each band is a headliner, and we treat each one as such, giving them their own spread, discussing who they are and what they’ve been up to since the cruise. Each spotlight coincides with any updates from 70000tons organizers (if any), leading to days before setting sail. An extensive coverage like no other.

What does 70000tons 2025 look like?

There’s a reason why we want to keep going until we can’t. With at least 120 promised shows, bands performing twice within four days, including an All-Star Jam, Belly Flop Contest, Shore Excursions, meet and greets, clinics, workshops, pool girls and boys, hot tub mosh pits, cosplay madness, and much more. 2025, round 13 of 70000tons of Metal will bring cruisers back on the Independence of the Seas, setting sail on January 30 from Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning to Miami on February 3, 2025. Tickets are available here. Also, check out the essential packing guide here.

70000tons 2025 Lineup [34 out of 60]:

Arcturus
Benighted
Beyond Creation
Candlemass
Crownshift
Decapitated
Delain
Emperor
Ex Deo
Finntroll
Flotsam & Jetsam
Hammerfall
Ihsahn
In Extremo
Kalmah
Krisiun
Majestica
Mork
Onslaught
Samael
Septicflesh
Sepultura
Sonata Arctica
Stratovarius
Subway to Sally
Swallow The Sun
Symphony X
Tankard
The Kovenant
The Zenith Passage
Trollfest
Trouble
Twilight Force
Unleash the Archers