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The music of Poland has been found to date back to the 13th century and Poland was of course the birth place of the world famous composer Frederic Franciszek Chopin. Eventually Poland would become a country known for more than classical and folk music as other genres like rock and metal have cemented their place in Polish music.
With the exception of a limited number of groups including the popular progressive band Riverside, Poland was a country where I was unaware of what music I was missing. Thankfully, this view has changed as I have had the opportunity to experience the range and substantial appeal of many other bands that call Poland their home.
The other progressive rock and metal bands that Poland has produced include the skilled rockers Satellite and Retrospective, and the more recent and heavier group that deserves more attention Joseph Magazine. Their excellent predominantly instrumental progressive release Night Of The Red Sky is well worth a look. Speaking of progressive metal, Votum is also impressive with that atmospheric progressive metal and three studio releases which have plenty to offer. Power metal needs are also well catered for including the symphonic group Pathfinder, Gutter Sirens, Crystal Viper, and Night Mistress. Then there is the band Grimlord; a varied and unpredictable metal group who may not be for everyone tastes, but really do have that something different to offer.
Poland also provides very well to the extreme end of metal which gets a substantial look in including significant groups with Behemoth and that blackened death metal, being one of the most prominent of their kind starting out in 1991. A technical death metal group that have also made an impact is Decapitated. And not be to be forgotten one of the pioneers of extreme metal namely Vader, they are another group who played a significant role in putting Poland on the metal map and have enjoyed a lengthy career.
It's no wonder that this country continues to be a rich source for metal as it's a genre that enjoys a very strong following, with large events like the Sonishpere and Woodstock festivals for both Polish and popular international groups which have a massive attendance. Sure Poland may be overshadowed by the number of prominent bands from elsewhere like their neighbor Germany, but the talent is clearly present and deserves to be heard. There is a steady stream and wide variety of very pleasing releases coming out of Poland, so do yourself a favor and take a look at those releases that are available.
Scott Jessup
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