PATRIARKH Unveils New Single "ВЕРШАЛИН IV" from Upcoming Album 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ'
PATRIARKH, formerly known as Batushka, has unveiled their new single "ВЕРШАЛИН IV" (Lat. WIERSZALIN IV) on November 7, 2024, as part of their upcoming album 'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' (Lat. PROROK ILJA), set for release on January 3, 2025, via Napalm Records. This release marks a significant evolution in the band's sound and identity following their recent name change.
"ВЕРШАЛИН IV" showcases PATRIARKH's unique blend of black metal with Eastern Orthodox influences. The track features guest vocalist Eliza Sacharczuk, whose sacred-inspired vocals intertwine with liturgical melodies and intense harsh vocals. The band describes it as their most Oriental-sounding song, drawing inspiration from Greek and Romanian traditions integral to Orthodoxy.
The single was recorded across multiple studios, including Tall Pine Records, Heinrich House, Wem Studio, and Radio Białystok. Mixing and mastering were handled by Wojciech Wiesławski at Hertz Studio, known for work with prominent metal acts. Production was overseen by band mastermind and lead vocalist Bartłomiej "Варфоломей" Krysiuk.
'ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ' is a concept album centered around the true story of Eliasz Klimowicz, the enigmatic Prophet Ilja, set in the 1930s and '40s. PATRIARKH describes the album as a natural evolution of their music, featuring dramatic and multidimensional elements that push the boundaries of their previous work.
This release follows the band's 2019 album 'Hospodi' and represents a significant shift for PATRIARKH, both in terms of their name change and musical direction. The band views this as the beginning of a new chapter in their history, promising an immersive and thought-provoking experience for listeners when the full album drops in January 2025.
