Polish black metal band Batushka have officially changed their name to Patriarkh as a result to a long-drawn-out lawsuit between band members Drabikowski and Bart Krysiuk.
“DEAR PILGRIMS, FANS, AND FRIENDS!” wrote Krysiuk. “As you may have noticed over the past few weeks, we have been spreading the word about our latest concerts in various parts of the world. The time has come for which we have been preparing for the past few weeks – a time of FINAL CHANGES.
“Over the past two years, we have been working on new music, a new album, and a new stage. It has cost us a lot of sacrifices and effort. Along with the new musical stage, we have decided to embrace a new chapter of the band under a completely new name. This is also the perfect time for all your attention to be focused on our music and what we have to say through it, rather than on legal or personal struggles that have plagued our minds like a cancer. Now that we see how important it is for many people to discredit our hard work and divert attention from what really matters, our MUSIC, we have decided to lift this burden so as not to negate our efforts.
“We want to completely disassociate ourselves from all of this, change the band’s name entirely, and start a new chapter for ourselves as individuals and for the band. With new music and a new name, we aim to set a new direction and begin a new story. A story that we hope you will join us in building together worldwide because without you, our Pilgrims, it doesn’t make sense! The change will not happen overnight, this phase will last until the end of the year.
“In the meantime, prepare for new music, a new image, and a new quality of performances that we want to introduce along with the new music. December 13th will be a symbolic date. In Melbourne, Australia, the final farewell concert of Batushka will take place, and we will collectively bury this stage during the last liturgy. Right after the new year, with the new publication, PATRIARKH will be born. The patriarch, along with the new covenant, will begin his reign and send his Prophet into the world! Anticipate the blessing of your new Patriarkh and the new Great Orthodoxies!”
A legal dispute centered around who was the true owner of the Batushka name persisted in the background as Drabikowski continued performing as Бaтюшка and put out one album under the name Панихида in 2019. It seems that Krysiuk is continuing as Patriarkh and Drabikowski is continuing as Batushka. Subsequently, it was decided recently that Drabikowski is the rightful owner of the name and that Krysiuk cannot continue using Batushka without his consent. This year will mark Batushka’s last performances as Batushka before they make their debut as Patriarkh in 2025.
Either way, their music is original and stands out beyond. Looking forward to their future and seeing what they create next!
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Photo credit: Jacek Jaca Wisniewsky
