Decapitated: “We’ve come face to face with death and it didn’t stop us.”

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By Steve Jenkins

Decapitated have gone from underground success to one of the most respected and world-renowned death metal acts since their birth in the mid 90’s. Guitarist and founder of the band Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka took some time to talk about where Decapitated are now and where they plan on heading among other things.

This polish four piece has proved release after release that they’re one of the finest extreme metal acts in the world. The band has suffered many lineup changes over the years, including an unfortunate automobile accident, which saw the loss of drummer Vitek (Voggs younger brother) in 2007. Now in 2015, Vogg tells how they’re stronger than ever with their latest album ‘Blood Mantra’ and a hectic touring schedule (including Australia), which doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Vogg approaches the subject of their sound changing with each new album with positivity; “The band has evolved a lot, and it keeps evolving every day. We now have a really strong lineup, and it means we’re working harder with our live shows. We trust each other, it’s a strong bond and we’re very happy. Decapitated have toured with bands such as Meshuggah, Lamb Of God and Aborted, which has inspired them to branch out and delve into other realms of metal. “We’ve spent a lot of time with these great bands, we are always looking for a challenge musically and to take the band to the next level. People like to talk about how we have changed our style, but they don’t say it to our face. We’ve received nothing but positive feedback from our fans and that’s good enough for us.”

‘Blood Mantra’ is definitely very groove driven with some very heavily Meshuggah-esque vibes, but it also stays true to some of their classic metal influences. Vogg goes into detail about how this sound came about; “When I create the music, I don’t think too much about what I want it to sound like. There is no planning. Going into the studio with an open mind is the best approach, we recorded the album over a few months and we’re very happy with the outcome. The only thing we were sure of was making the best possible sound so that people can enjoy live or wherever they hear it. We aren’t afraid to change.”

Vogg has grown up with a metal upbringing, listening to heavy music as long as he can remember. Constantly inspired by old and new bands, he reveals which of those he tends to appreciate. “I usually go for a Pantera, Slayer, Morbid Angel or Cannibal Corpse album, mostly death metal or thrash. I recently went to a Cannibal Corpse show as a fan and they just keep getting better and better. An incredible band and in my opinion they’re the benchmark for death metal. I am pretty old school when it comes to metal, but there are some great bands out there right now and it’s great to see.”

Pure class and very humble is exactly how Vogg comes across both as a human and as a musician. “I love what I do so much, playing guitar is what I’ve always wanted to do and now I get to travel the world doing what I love. Meeting other bands and of course the fans makes it extra special and it motivates you like nothing else. We’ve come face to face with death and it didn’t stop us, nothing will. Despite what has happened in the past, we only look at moving forward and right now I’m very happy with how things are going and I’m sure Vitek would be also.”

The Polish death metal quartet’s live attack continues to be unrelenting and brutal in ways about which most bands can only dream. At times, they seem impossibly precise. Decapitated in concert are unforgiving, but they are never just a discordant of random noise. They are, simply put, a unit that is beyond impressive. Aussie fans can expect both new and old songs from their set as Vogg mentions; “Decapitated fans won’t be disappointed. We can’t wait to play with Suffocation especially. You can expect a really great show, over an hour of music from all of our albums but mostly new stuff from ‘Blood Mantra’. We can’t wait to play in front of our Australian fans, it’s going to be something to remember.”

Decapitated are extremely tight live and deliver an assault of their aforementioned sound with a venomous attack delivered with insane levels of energy and passion.

Tour Dates with Suffocation

Thu 30th April – Christchurch – DuxLive
Fri 1st May – Wellington – Bodega
Sat 2nd May – Auckland – Kings Arms
Wed 6th May – Adelaide – The Gov
Thu 7th May – Brisbane – The HiFi
Fri 8th May – Sydney – The Manning Bar
Sat 9th May – Melbourne – Corner Hotel
Sun 10th May – Perth – The Rosemount Hotel

 

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