At the end of the 60s, a strange genre of Rock appeared: so called Horror Rock. It's nothing more than a band playing a form of Rock 'n' Roll music with theatrical performance. Of course everybody knows that ALICE COOPER is one of the pioneers of this approach. But as time passes by, many bands used more and more his formula. Today, there are names that use this format, but one band that is becoming famous is from BATUSHKA, a trio from Poland. "Litourgiya", their first album, called attention from many fans.

No one knows who those guys behind the masks, but no one can deny that their musical work is really interesting: a mix between Black Metal with some Doom Metal influences, using the Orthodox Church patterns to conceive something than sounds like a mass, but a black mass. Of course it's not as easy to swallow as many can think, But it is really different, grandiose and ritualistic as names as CULT OF FIRE, but even more darkened. So be prepared for a cult of darkness in an excellent musical form.

The sound quality of "Litourgiya" is very good. Their choice was for something brutal and really morbid, but not as raw as some bands used to sound. You can understand what they are playing, but having in mind: to sound as heavy and abrasive as Hell, but bearing a cult-like format demands something really raw in some moments. Be prepared, for the black mass is starting...

On their eight hymns, we can say that all are fine and form a cult as a whole album. But the morbid and profane atmosphere of "Ектения I: Очищение", the brutal and fast guitars and harsh vocals of "Ектения II: Благословение", the bitter and darkened Gregorian chants of "Ектения III: Премудрость", the brutality and slashing harmonies of "Ектения VI: Уповане", and the funereal and introspective atmosphere and melodies of "Ектения VII: Истина" can be named as their best prayers, but all songs are great. Repent of your purity and join the mass that BATUSHKA unleashes on "Litourgiya". It is truly amazing!