EP REVIEW: Царю Небесный – Batushka

One thing that’s often forgotten when talking about BATUSHKA is what a great band they were when they first emerged. Fusing black metal with Orthodox music was an inspired move and their debut, Litourgiya, is rightly considered a classic. But ever since the highly public spat that led to two competing versions of the band existing at the same time, they’ve drawn more attention for their legal disputes than their actual music. Nowadays, they’re more famous as a soap opera.

And while neither incarnation of BATUSHKA were able to deliver a follow-up that matched Litourgiya, the one recorded by Bartłomiej ‘Bart’ Krysiuk was generally considered the weaker effort. Negative publicity followed him everywhere and for much of 2019, he was the most hated man in black metal. Which is impressive when you consider the competition.

Two years later though and it seems the backlash might be cooling. The Raskol EP received a noticeably better response and this new mini-album is a further step in the right direction. Царю Небесный (Heavenly King) is good. It isn’t stellar and certainly doesn’t reach the skyscraper heights of the first album, but it is impressive enough that it might tempt some of their lost fanbase to give them a second chance. It may even draw attention away from the latest courtroom filing and back onto the music.

Once again it comes across like a single composition that has been broken down into chapters. The usual trademarks are still there; blast beats, guttural shrieks, chanting and an overly bleak vibe, but there’s a distinct improvement on their previous material. There’s some subtle orchestral instrumentation which is used to chilling effect, the songs have a natural rhythm and the whole thing is better executed than the rushed, lacklustre efforts on Hospodi.

The sombre Pismo I starts proceedings at a snail’s pace. Shuffling along to a barely existent guitar riff, it’s a doom laden and oppressive intro before Pismo II lets rip with full metallic fury. The drum work here is especially tight and the fast-paced guitar coupled with Orthodox chanting makes for an atmospheric listen. Pismo III follows with more galloping riffs and demonic vocals. It’s an icy and tormented song, one that fully embraces the raw side of black metal, before Pismo IV increases the oppressive vibe. This is a frost covered and desolate track, banging on the door of a Church, begging for sanctuary. Pismo V is the occupants of the Church refusing to undo the bolts, waiting for the screaming to stop.

Lastly, Pismo VI is seven minutes of slow-burn melancholy. It’s a desolate and unforgiving end, an ideal soundtrack for centuries-old vampires weeping over lost loves. Not a fun listen by any means but give it a spin when you’re alone and the night will seem terribly dark.

It must be said though, that for all his efforts, Krysiuk’s BATUSHKA still exists in the shadow of the incredible debut and that ugly split. His confidence is back, the song-writing has improved and this is definitely a step up from Hospodi. It remains to be seen if this version of BATUSHKA can win their audience back, but the creative spark is alive nonetheless.

Rating: 7/10

Царю Небесный is set for release on March 19th via Witching Hour Productions.

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