It’s been nine long years, but CHRIST AGONY are finally back – and their new album, “Anthems”, was more than worth the wait. That was all the excuse I needed to catch up with the band’s frontman and driving force, Cezar!
Congratulations on the new release! To kick things off, let me ask you something a bit unusual: Cezar, do you see yourself as a legend of the Polish underground metal scene? And do you feel the respect from long-time fans and fellow musicians?
Thank you for your kind words. Honestly, I have never thought of myself in terms of being a “legend.” I simply follow my own musical path, which I began over three decades ago, driven by the same passion and inner fire as in the very beginning. If some people see CHRIST AGONY and my work as an important part of the Polish underground, then I take it as an honor.
What truly matters to me is the respect and loyalty of our fans, many of whom have been with us since the early 1990s, as well as the recognition from fellow musicians. That connection is what keeps the spirit of CHRIST AGONY alive. I don’t think about titles or status—I think about music, honesty, and the energy we share with those who understand our art.
You’ve been running your band on your own for many years. How challenging has that been for you?
It has been both a challenge and a blessing. Running CHRIST AGONY on my own means that I carry the full weight of responsibility—not only for the music but also for the band’s direction, vision, and survival through all these years. At times, it has been very difficult, especially when facing obstacles such as changes in the music industry, financial struggles, or personal sacrifices.
But at the same time, being the one to guide CHRIST AGONY gives me complete artistic freedom. I never had to compromise my vision or adapt to trends. Everything you hear in CHRIST AGONY is a direct reflection of my soul and my life’s journey. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been true.
I consider CHRIST AGONY a true legend of the Polish underground scene. How do you look back on the days when you were starting out alongside bands like BEHEMOTH, VADER, and others…
Looking back, those days were truly special. The Polish underground scene in the early ’90s was raw, passionate, and full of hunger. Bands like BEHEMOTH, VADER, and CHRIST AGONY were all just starting to carve their own paths, without knowing how far we would go. There were no big labels supporting us, no modern technology to make things easier—it was all about dedication, exchanging tapes, playing in small clubs, and building something out of nothing.
I feel proud that CHRIST AGONY was part of that first wave, helping shape the identity of the Polish extreme metal scene. Each of us contributed in our own way, and it’s amazing to see how far those bands have come. For me, those beginnings carry a lot of nostalgia but also a sense of strength, because we proved that pure passion and conviction could create something timeless.
I still remember how excited I was about the UnholyUnion album years ago. What was the atmosphere like within the band at that time, and how do you reflect on that period today?
The atmosphere around “Unholyunion” was one of pure energy and discovery. We were young, driven by passion, and eager to create something that truly represented our vision of black metal. At that time, everything felt new—every riff, every rehearsal, every show carried an intensity that cannot be repeated.
“Unholyunion” was created almost like a ritual, with long compositions that felt more like dark musical journeys than just songs. We didn’t think about trends or expectations—we simply followed our instincts and our fascination with mysticism and darkness.
Looking back today, I see that period as the foundation of everything CHRIST AGONY became later. It was raw, authentic, and honest. Even though decades have passed, that spirit still lives in the band, and it’s something I always try to preserve, no matter how much times change.
Do younger metal fans today have a sense of how important CHRIST AGONY was in the ’90s?
I think for many younger metal fans today, the 1990s feel almost like a distant legend. Some may not fully realize how important those years were for CHRIST AGONY and for the Polish underground scene as a whole. Back then, everything was built from scratch—we didn’t have the internet, social media, or the tools that young musicians take for granted now. Everything was harder, but at the same time, it gave the music a unique authenticity and strength.
That said, I’ve noticed that many young fans are discovering our early albums through reissues and streaming. Some approach us after shows and tell me they’ve just discovered “Unholyunion” or Moonlight and that the music still feels fresh to them. That’s the biggest reward for me: to see that even decades later, our music still resonates and inspires new generations.
Let’s talk about the new album Anthems. You’ve been working on it for quite some time — what caused the delay?
The time between “Legacy” and “Anthems” may seem long, but it was a very productive period. One important aspect was our collaboration with Deformeathing Production, through which we prepared reissues of our previous albums. This allowed both longtime fans and younger listeners to rediscover CHRIST AGONY’s earlier works, which in turn strengthened the connection with our audience.
At the same time, creating Anthems was a careful and deliberate process. We wanted each track to reflect the essence of CHRIST AGONY while bringing something new, powerful, and timeless. The delay wasn’t due to inactivity—it was about making sure the album was exactly as we envisioned, musically and spiritually.
The new album is strikingly diverse and imaginative, perhaps even progressive — yet it still carries the unmistakable CHRIST AGONY atmosphere. Was that a conscious choice when you were composing the music?
Absolutely, it was a conscious choice. With “Anthems”, we wanted to explore new musical territories, experiment with atmosphere and composition, and bring some progressive elements into our work. At the same time, it was essential to preserve the unmistakable CHRIST AGONY atmosphere that our fans recognize—a combination of darkness, melancholy, and intensity.
Working with Michał Grabowski, who mixed the album, was crucial in achieving this balance. Michał has known CHRIST AGONY for many years, understands our music deeply, and was able to shape all the new tracks into a coherent whole that truly represents the spirit of the band. This approach allowed us to innovate while remaining faithful to our identity.
Are your sources of inspiration still the same, or have any new ones appeared? What kinds of things spark your creativity when it comes to composing music?
Many of my sources of inspiration remain the same—mysticism, spirituality, human emotions, and the darker sides of life have always driven CHRIST AGONY’s music. At the same time, new influences appear naturally with experience, travels, literature, and observing the world around me.
Technology has also become a great ally. For several years, I have my own home studio, which allows me to experiment freely, record ideas immediately, and shape them into songs without limitations. Inspiration can strike at any time—from a melody, a rhythm, a moment of reflection, or even a visual image. It’s this constant dialogue between inner vision and external influences that sparks the creativity behind CHRIST AGONY.
The album features several guest musicians — could you tell us a bit about them?
Yes, we are fortunate to have had some very talented guest musicians contribute to Anthems. Each of them brought their own unique energy and style, but it was important that their performances complemented the essence of CHRIST AGONY rather than overshadow it.
For me, collaboration has always been about trust and mutual understanding. Many of these artists are friends I’ve known for years, and they deeply understand our music and its atmosphere. Their contributions helped to enrich the album, adding new colors and dimensions while keeping the overall sound cohesive. In the end, “Anthems” remains a CHRIST AGONY album first and foremost, but with these additional voices, it gained even more depth and expression.
Is there a song on the new album that you feel best represents the current identity of CHRIST AGONY?
Honestly, I don’t have a single favorite song on “Anthems”. Each track, whether from the past or newly composed, holds its own significance and meaning for me. Every song contributes to the identity of CHRIST AGONY, and together they form a complete journey through the themes, emotions, and atmosphere we wanted to convey.
If anything, the album as a whole represents the current essence of CHRIST AGONY —connecting our history with new ideas and musical expressions, and offering a full picture to both longtime fans and new listeners.
CHRIST AGONY has always drawn significant attention, largely due to the band’s name. Did you encounter major issues in Poland back then, and has that changed today?
Yes, in the early days the name CHRIST AGONY and our themes certainly caused controversy in Poland. Some people didn’t understand our approach and interpreted it in extreme ways. We faced criticism, misunderstandings, and sometimes even attempts to limit our performances.
Today, the situation is different. People are more familiar with extreme music, its history, and its artistic intentions. While the band’s name and lyrical themes still provoke strong reactions, it’s now mostly a matter of artistic expression and respect for our legacy. We continue to challenge and provoke, but within a context that is better understood by both fans and the wider metal community.
I visit Poland quite frequently and I love the Baltic. It seems to me that the younger generation isn’t very engaged with the Church anymore — is that true?
Yes, in general I think younger generations in Poland are less influenced by the Church than in the past. Society is changing, people are exploring different ways of thinking, and many young people are more open to questioning traditions.
For me, this reflects a broader cultural shift that also resonates with the themes we explore in CHRIST AGONY’s music—individual freedom, spirituality beyond dogma, and confronting darkness and truth. Of course, our music is not a commentary on religion itself, but these changes in society certainly create a context in which extreme music and its ideas can be appreciated in a new way by young listeners.
What’s your take on the rising presence of Islam, particularly in Germany? In the Czech Republic, most people are non-religious and tend to be concerned mainly about this faith. How is it perceived in Poland, and what’s your own perspective?
In Poland, the presence of Islam is still relatively small compared to some other European countries, and for most people it is not a central concern in daily life. Society here is still largely shaped by our own cultural and religious traditions, so foreign religions are mostly seen through the lens of curiosity and discussion rather than conflict.
Personally, I am interested in all spiritual and cultural systems as a source of reflection and inspiration. My perspective is that music, art, and philosophy can help people explore ideas beyond any single belief system. I try to focus on human nature, freedom, and the spiritual dimension in a broader sense, rather than concentrating on any specific religion or political debate.
I realized that I’ve only seen a CHRIST AGONY concert once in my life. It was at the Castle Party festival, in an old temple. It was terribly hot there. Do you remember that concert?
Yes, I remember that Castle Party show very well! It was intense and unique—playing in such an atmospheric location like an old temple really added a special dimension to the performance. The heat made it even more challenging, but also fueled the energy of the band and the audience.
It wasn’t our first European tour, of course. CHRIST AGONY’s first European tour was in 1997 alongside BEHEMOTH and HELLHEIM, which was a debut experience for all of us in terms of performing abroad. Every live performance has its own energy and memories, and concerts like Castle Party remain particularly vivid because of the atmosphere and connection with fans. Performing live is a core part of CHRIST AGONY’s identity, and each show leaves an impression that goes far beyond the music itself.
Are there any young Polish bands that you respect because their music is truly great?
Yes, there are several young Polish bands whose music I truly respect. Many of them bring fresh energy, creativity, and passion to the extreme metal scene, and it’s inspiring to see new generations carrying the spirit of metal forward.
At the same time, I think it’s important for young musicians to know their roots. Thanks to reissues and digital platforms, many new fans discover CHRIST AGONY’s early works and the foundations of Polish black metal. There’s a beautiful dialogue between the new and the old, and it’s exciting to see how these influences mix and evolve in today’s scene.
Do you still see live performances in your future, or has the chapter of CHRIST AGONY concerts come to an end?
Absolutely, live performances remain an essential part of CHRIST AGONY’s identity. Playing on stage, connecting with fans, and sharing the energy of our music in person is irreplaceable.
We certainly see more concerts in the future. While we are mindful of schedules and logistics, we want to continue performing both in Poland and internationally whenever possible. Every show is a unique experience, and the stage is where CHRIST AGONY truly comes alive, so I don’t see this chapter ending anytime soon.
What constantly motivates you to compose music? Was there ever a time when you felt fed up and didn’t want to create anything? When did you feel at your lowest?
My motivation to compose music has always been driven by a deep need to express myself, explore dark and spiritual themes, and share a unique vision with listeners. Music is more than a profession—it’s a form of life, reflection, and personal freedom for me.
Of course, there have been moments of fatigue, doubt, and frustration. Running a band on my own, dealing with the music industry, and facing creative challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, even in those lowest points, the drive to create never completely disappears. Inspiration often returns unexpectedly—through a melody, a rhythm, or a personal reflection—and reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
Thank you for the interview, I really appreciate it. Do you already have any new musical plans?
Yes, we already have plans for the future. While “Anthems” is just being released, I am always thinking about new compositions and ideas for CHRIST AGONY. Some may become part of future albums, while others might inspire special projects or reissues of our earlier works.
The creative process never stops. Even when touring or promoting an album, I constantly explore new sounds, atmospheres, and themes. There’s always something brewing, and I hope our listeners will continue to follow CHRIST AGONY’s journey as it unfolds.
I want to thank all the fans for their support and for following CHRIST AGONY throughout the years. The songs on “Anthems” were composed some time ago, but I am still creating new music for CHRIST AGONY and my other projects. Some of these new compositions will definitely appear on our 10th album.
I hope that listeners will continue to explore our music, and I look forward to sharing the next chapter of CHRIST AGONY with everyone. Stay tuned, because the journey is far from over.
ALL