Polish black metal band Patriarkh, formerly known as Batushka, has released a music video for their new single, “ВЕРШАЛИН IV,” from their upcoming concept album ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ, due January 3, 2025, via Napalm Records. The album weaves Orthodox-inspired vocals and liturgical themes with black and doom metal, creating a haunting atmosphere. This eight-track album tells the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, a self-proclaimed prophet from the 1930s and ’40s. Patriarkh uses traditional instruments like hurdy-gurdy and dulcimer alongside a symphony orchestra, blending Eastern Orthodox music, folk, and dark metal influences. The band also announced tour dates for 2025 to support the release.
The group comments on the single:
“This is the most Oriental-sounding song on our new album. The beautiful monody that runs throughout the entire piece is deeply influenced by Greek and Romanian traditions, which are integral to Orthodoxy. In our new music, we aim to showcase different aspects of Orthodoxy. Just as the Prophet Ilja journeyed to Kronsztadt, we traveled far for musical inspiration to create a psalm in honor of the New Jerusalem that our prophet was building.
This song features our long-time singing teacher, Eliza Sacharczuk. We have been collaborating with her since 2016, continuously improving our singing skills through lessons and consultations. Our choice was intentional; Eliza has a truly unique voice. Listen and see for yourself!”
On the album, the band adds:
“With this new release, we are starting a new chapter in our history – not only is our name changing, but our music is also undergoing a natural evolution. The story on the album encouraged us to get out of our comfort zone, we reached for means that we had not used before in our music. Many of you will wonder if this is still black metal? Or is it even metal? Radio play, audiobook, theater, film soundtrack, folk music, performance… All these terms will fit here. Some will hate, others will love…”
Watch the clip below and pre-order the album here:
Track List:
01) WIERSZALIN I (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН I (Cyrillic)
02) WIERSZALIN II (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН II (Cyrillic)
03) WIERSZALIN III (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН III (Cyrillic)
04) WIERSZALIN IV (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН IV (Cyrillic)
05) WIERSZALIN V (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН V (Cyrillic)
06) WIERSZALIN VI (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН VI (Cyrillic)
07) WIERSZALIN VII (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН VII (Cyrillic)
08) WIERSZALIN VIII (Lat.) – ВЕРШАЛИН VIII (Cyrillic)
Tour Dates:
Asia & Australia
11/29 Bangkok, TH @ Mr.Fox Livehouse
12/01 Hong Kong, HK @ MOM Livehouse
12/03 Shanghai, CN @ MAO Livehouse
12/04 Beijing, CN @ Omnispace
12/06 Seoul, KO @ West Bright Hall
12/07 Taipei, TW @ Jack Studio
12/09 Tokyo, JP @ Shibuya Club Asia
12/12 Auckland, NZ @ Tuning Fork
12/13 Melbourne, AU @ Max Watts
Poland 2025
01/03 Łódź, PL @ Wytwórnia – SINFONIA ORTHODOXIA
w/symphonic orchestra and male choir
02/22 Krosno, PL @ Rock Klub Iron
03/07 Wrocław, PL @ Transformator
03/08 Zabrz, PL @ CK Wiatrak
03/09 Kraków, PL @ HYPE PARK
03/14 Lublin, PL @ Fabryka Kultury Zgrzyt
03/15 Olsztyn, PL @ Scena Zgrzyt
03/16 Warszawa, PL @ Klub Proxima
03/17 Białysto, PL @ Zmiana Klimatu
03/21 Gdynia, PL @ Podwórko.art
03/22 Szczecin, PL @ Kosmos
03/23 Poznań, PL @ 2progi
Feature Image Photo Credit: Jacek Jaca Wisniewsky
