Bartlomiej's Batushka (Poland): “Raskol”

What should we say about Bartlomiej and his version of Batushka? The fact is that it's one of the most controversial bands in recent years, so I don't think I need to introduce it. There is a widespread trend among black metal kids to despise this band and call it fake, and someone has even coined the nickname Faketushka. I won't enter the controversy around the name, and hopefully, this dispute will be resolved sooner or later. For me, this Batushka is just a band like any other, good or bad; after all, it is not the first time that similar things have happened, think of Gorgoroth and Immortal, so I am not scandalized. That said, we have a new EP, Raskol, and we need to say something about it. Raskol comes a year after Hospodi, and I don't see significant differences. Just like Hospodi, Raskol is very solemn and ceremonial in its ritualistic aspect, but it is also very powerful, as in “Irmos III”, and even furious, as in parts of “Irmos I”. The quality of the album is certainly good, but it is not exciting, and in my opinion, it is also a bit dull. Bartlomiej is certainly a good vocalist and his screaming is excellent; Jaroszewicz's work on drums is also top notch, after all he is also the live drummer of bands like Belphegor and Nargaroth. However, as I said, I don't feel excited about Raskol, but I really hope this album is judged by its worth and not by liking.
 
Notes:
Raskol was released on August 7, 2020, via Witching Hour Productions.
 
Personnel:
Paluch: Bass
Paweł Jaroszewicz: Drums
P.: Guitars
Bartlomiej: Vocals
Kasprzak: Vocals (backing)
Jaca: Vocals (backing) 
 
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com