ZØRZA founded by Kacper Bartkowiak (bass/lyrics/b.vocals) and Eryk Lange (guitars) in western Poland in the rainy summer of 2022. ZØRZA has from the very beginning set out to play black metal that often goes far beyond the black canons of the genre. For the first time in 2023 on the well-received and self-released (EP) IEI. As a result, band joined the Polish record label Godz ov War Productions. And the second time in 2024 on the album Hellven, which was a milestone for the band. In January 2024, Refur (vocals) joins the band.
Through hypnotic haunted melodies along with melancholy and raw emotions ZØRZA crafts an oneiric journey to a forgotten realm where the line between the real world and the mystical blurs. Atmosphere is everything in ZØRZA’s music. Songs with profound lyrics about frozen worlds, werewolves and death teeming with metaphors, allegories, and symbolism take the listener to the world where countless other tales await discovery.
Interview: Kacper Bartkowiak – Bass, Backing Vocals)
Greetings! ZØRZA is a new comet of polish black metal scene. Would you mind telling us for how long you’ve known each other and how did you guys meet?
We’re from the same small city. When you’re a teenager and a metalhead living in a small city, you tend to meet other metalheads. That’s how I met Eryk about ten years ago at a campfire party.
Could you please tell me a bit more about your music preferences? Can you describe motivation of your artistic expression?
I like many genres of music, but metal is my main interest. My art expression right now is basically about my feelings and reflections, I guess. But, as you know, nothing is permanent, so my motivations might change a little over time.
Can you introduce your debut CD “Hellven”? How did the process of making it compare to previous EP? What were the biggest challenges you faced while recording it?
The process of composing Hellven was exactly the same as with the IEI EP. As we are the main musicians on this project, we make it on our own terms. A new thing was recording drums, rather than just programming them. Also, we have a new vocalist on Hellven – Refur, so these two aspects required a lot of studio work. However, everything went super smoothly, and we didn’t encounter any problems. The biggest challenge was the low temperature in the studio, haha.
Please, can you tell me something about guitars sound? It´s very importent point for record and originaly face of ZØRZA? All harmonies are really amazing…:)
We spend a lot of time building a good guitar sound. On the composer’s side, we discuss almost every aspect of our songs. We advise each other and offer various solutions for riffs, chord progressions, and melodies. This approach is super effective and works well for us. On the mixing and sound engineering side, it’s all Eryk’s work, and he always does a great job..
What sort of lyrical themes are you addressing on this album?
The lyrics on “Hellven” are about two things: feelings and my personal adoration of dark atmospheres. When I think about songs like “Lunacy of Memories” or “Death II”, they’re all about emotions, mostly my own, but also human emotions in general. On the other hand, when I think about songs like “Under the Reign of the Black Moon” or “Night of the Werewolf”, it’s undoubtedly about this dark side. The combination of these two worlds creates an interesting mix, in my opinion.
Speaking of “Hellven”, it was out in june 2024. Ever since have you gotten back to it as a listener, how does that sound for you?
It still sounds pretty good to us. Of course, we can hear things we could have done better in hindsight, but that wouldn’t be authentic. We made this album to the best of our ability at that specific time.
Is there a song on the album that you particularly find the most important outstanding, or perhaps the most symbolic for face og your band?
Hmm, not really. “Hellven” is important as a whole, finished idea. Every song is significant and symbolic in its own unique way. The entire album defines us.
What message do you aim to convey to your fans through “Hellven”?
I can only speak for myself, but for me, the album is an escape from reality. It transports you to unexplored, mystical places, located somewhere unknown.
Where do you take your inspiration from? Are there any polish artists that you particularly admire?
We are inspired by any music that represents something meaningful. I believe that’s what makes music valuable. Of course, we admire older, more experienced metal bands from our country, but I can’t think of any specific examples at the moment.
What was the first time you played together as a band? Where was it? How did it feel?
That’s a tough question because, what does ‘together’ really mean? We had previously played with Eryk in another metal band, so we knew what to expect from each other. As ZØRZA, we made two albums before we even had our first rehearsal with a full live lineup. Our first rehearsal was with a drummer who no longer plays with us. Some things were pretty ridiculous at the beginning, as you can see, but I remember our first ZØRZA show, and at that moment, I knew I was exactly where I belonged.
What do you think regarding so called “New wave of Black metal” and evolution this genre? Any new or up-and-coming bands you can recommend looking out for?
I don’t fight it. Somehow, we belong to it. Everything evolves, even black metal culture. Everyone who is into black metal knows it’s more than just music; it’s a kind of lifestyle. And it’s all the more difficult for it not to evolve. If someone likes only second-wave or only new-wave black metal, that’s their right. I admire both!
Are you currently involved in any other projects?
None of us anymore.
Thank you very much for your time!
Thank you very much for interview!
ALL