At the beginning of 2019, Polish black metal band Batushka suffered an interesting split. Vocalist Bartłomiej “Bart” Krysiuk said he kicked out guitarist “Kris” Krzysztof “Derph” Drabikowski, while Drabikowski said he wrote all the music on Batushka's debut album and had fired Krysiuk for "inappropriate behavior."
The feud has remained pretty quiet overall, with the only real news since then being Krysiuk's version has taken control of the band's social media and booked some shows. Meanwhile, Drabikowski said he was taking "legal action and have been advised by my lawyer to not say anything further."
Now in a new twist to the story, Krysiuk's Batushka has signed with Metal Blade and will release a new album in 2019. Batushka's statement on Facebook does recognize Drabikowski's contributions to the band, but states "Those who have supported Drabikowski’s cause, please follow him…but know, he does not represent Batushka. Batushka lives here."
“The time for silence is now at an end.
“No one has ever denied the contributions of Mr Drabikowski – morally or legally. Drabikowski is recognised in a publishing and recording setting for writing and partially performing the music on the Litourgiya album. However, no individual makes Batushka and our identities were hidden for that reason. For a man who claims to love his work – he conducted himself for himself, invoicing and never investing. The Batushka you now love would have been crushed by such a man’s greed.
“We have, in our hands, the masters to a piece of work which shall speak for itself – the original band is together and have entrusted their signatures as a part of our exciting, worldwide record deal with Metal Blade Records…with exception only to one.
“Those who have supported Drabikowski’s cause, please follow him…but know, he does not represent Batushka. Batushka lives here.”
