The Batushka , in its version with vocalist Bartłomiej “Варфоломей” Krysiuk , announced through its social networks the change of its name to Patriarkh , after Krysiuk lost the lawsuit filed against him by the founder of Batushka, Krzysztof “Derph” Drabikowski , regarding the rights to use the name, and the band's latest posts announcing the "end of an era".
In the post (via Metal Injection ), Batushka clarified the changes and how the story will unfold in the coming months:
“Dear pilgrims, fans, and friends!” Krysiuk wrote. “As you may have noticed in recent weeks, we have been promoting our final shows in various parts of the world. The moment we have been preparing for in recent weeks has arrived – a moment of FINAL CHANGES.”
“Over the past two years, we’ve been working on new music, a new album, and a new stage. This has cost us a lot of sacrifice and effort. Along with the new musical stage, we’ve decided to embrace a new chapter for the band with a completely new name. This is also the perfect time for all your attention to focus on our music and what we have to say through it, instead of legal or personal struggles that plague our minds like a cancer.”
“Now that we see how important it is for many people to discredit our hard work and divert attention from what really matters, our MUSIC, we have decided to lift this burden so as not to negate our efforts. We want to completely dissociate ourselves from all of this, completely change the band's name, and start a new chapter for ourselves as individuals and for the band.”
“On the other hand, we appreciate how many people value us, the dedicated fans we have all over the world, and how much we owe you. Therefore, we want to bury all the negative emotions, disputes, and dramas along with the old name Batushka.”
“With new music and a new name, we intend to set a new direction and begin a new story. A story that we hope you will join us in building together around the world because without you, our Pilgrims, it makes no sense!”
“The change won’t happen overnight; this phase will last until the end of the year. In the meantime, get ready for new music, a new image, and a new quality of performances that we want to present along with the new music.”
“December 13th will be a symbolic date. In Melbourne, Australia, Batushka’s final farewell concert will take place, and we will collectively bury this stage during the final liturgy.”
“Right after the new year, with the new publication, PATRIARKH will be born. The patriarch, together with the new covenant, will begin his reign and send his Prophet to the world! Anticipate the blessing of your new Patriarch and the new Great Orthodoxies!”
Separation from the original formation and processes
Drabikowski and Krysiuk parted ways in 2018, with the founder and guitarist continuing under the name Batushka. However, in 2019, the version of the band with Krysiuk signed with Metal Blade Records and released Hospodi . After a while, they signed with Napalm Records , releasing more albums and touring extensively around the world.
Drabikowski continued as Батюшка and released another album, Панихида , also in 2019, all while the legal battle raged behind the scenes to determine who could keep the name.
In June of this year, it was decided that Drabikowski owns the name and that Krysiuk cannot continue as Batushka without Drabikowski's permission. As Krysiuk noted in a statement, he and his band planned to appeal the decision, but now, apparently, Drabikowski will keep Batushka and Krysiuk will remain with Patriarkh, which will begin its activities in 2025.
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