UK pagan/black metal newcomers Pagan Lords are still early in their journey, but with a debut in the works and a cinematic video shot in Wales, they’re well worth a look. We caught up with them about their sound, their first recordings and where they’re headed.
Who are you and where are you from?
We are Pagan Lords, a pagan/black metal band based across different parts of the UK. The lineup is Klaudia Henisz on vocals, Robert Szymański on bass, Michał Kawa on lead guitar and solos, Andy Powroźnik on drums, and Krzysztof on guitar. We come from Newark-on-Trent, Sheffield, Grantham and Manchester. Most of our rehearsals happen at Pirate Studios in Sheffield.
How did Pagan Lords form, and how did you find each other?
Andy and Robert used to play together in a band called Burning Face. After that band split up, they started looking online for new musicians to create something heavier and darker. We found Michał and Krzysztof from Manchester, and finally Klaudia joined the lineup. Everything came together naturally from there.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you?
Our sound is a mix of pagan metal and black metal with heavy riffs, dark atmosphere and melodic guitar work. We try to combine aggression with cinematic and emotional moments inspired by mythology, nature and ancient themes.
Who are the bands or records that shaped the Pagan Lords sound?
We all come from slightly different musical backgrounds, but bands from the black metal and pagan metal underground definitely shaped us. We take inspiration from classic Scandinavian black metal, pagan atmospheres and old-school heavy metal energy.
You’ve just released new music. What can you tell us about it and the story behind it?
We have already recorded three tracks which are currently being mixed. The songs were recorded at Eclectic Bear Studio in Mansfield. As a young band, we are still building our material and working towards a full 30 to 40 minute live set.
Tell us the story behind one of the tracks?
One of our newest tracks was recorded at Eclectic Bear Studio in Mansfield. We wanted the song to have a stronger folk and danceable atmosphere, so we invited a bagpiper from Nottingham to record with us. We also asked a friend to come into the studio and record several violin parts for the track. There was a lot of fun during the recording process because the main melody is very energetic and made for dancing. We spent most of the day jumping around to the melody and enjoying the atmosphere in the studio. Overall, it was one of the most enjoyable recording sessions we’ve had so far. Another of our newest tracks is called ‘Fieldhouse’. We also filmed a promotional music video for it in Wales with Vikings, fire performers and dark cinematic scenery. The track represents the atmosphere and identity of Pagan Lords perfectly.
For someone discovering you through this piece, which song should they hit play on first?
Definitely ‘Fieldhouse’. It captures our energy, atmosphere and the direction we want Pagan Lords to grow into.
What’s the pagan and black metal underground like where you are right now?
The underground scene in the UK is still strong and passionate. There are many dedicated musicians and fans keeping extreme metal alive. We think the scene needs more support for new bands, but there’s still a lot of creativity and commitment in the underground.
What’s been your best gig so far?
We are still a very young band, so the best moments are still ahead of us. Right now, we are preparing for our first live shows, which will probably start around September.
Tell us a funny, deep, emotional or tragic story about the band?
One stressful and funny story happened during the vocal recording sessions. Klaudia had to record vocals separately in another studio because she couldn’t be with us on the main recording day. Unfortunately, the studio sent the files through WeTransfer and the link expired before we downloaded them, so the vocals were lost completely. Klaudia had to record everything again from the start.
What’s next for you? More gigs, more recording, plans for an album?
In June we’re going back into the studio, and we hope to finish recording a full album by the end of the summer. We also plan to start playing live in September. The idea is to play around four shows close together and then take a short break because all of us balance music with work and family life.
Where can people find you?
People can find us online through our social media channels and upcoming releases. More music and announcements will be coming soon together with the ‘Fieldhouse’ video.
Anything else you want people to know?
We are still at the beginning of our journey, but Pagan Lords is built from passion, friendship and dedication to underground metal. We’re excited to see where this path takes us.
