At the end of this issue of Polish Black Metal, a little-known band? Soon on the concert stage, soon full of albums, soon great power and fame. To start with, let's ask Mateusz the vocalist a few words, I invite you to the interview!
1. Hail, first tell us the history of the band. How did it happen, and why YOU ?
M. The history of our band isn’t too complicated – SZNYT was formed in 2023 at the initiative of Teper and Iskra, initially inspired by the sound of the early second wave of black metal. A year later, the first demo was created – it wasn’t a masterpiece; in fact, it teetered on the edge of listenability due to a lack of funds and proper equipment. It was a truly underground sound, meant only for the most dedicated listeners.
M. In November 2024, Matteus (that’s me, vocalist \m/) and Buldozer (Paweł, bassist \m/) joined the band, marking a new beginning for SZNYT – we finally had a complete lineup. The musical concept reached new horizons, and most importantly, the level of production and sound quality soared to a completely different level than before.
M. Why us? That’s a good question—I think everyone should answer it for themselves. For us, music has the power to connect people. It should bring them together, make them celebrate, and simply enjoy the moment. It’s a way for us to express ourselves, to share a piece of our experiences and our lives. It’s our passion, and I believe that in the future, we will achieve something great.
2. Concerts, fame, interviews, popularity. What follows, how did it happen ?
M. So far, we’ve played one live show, but it was an important step for us. In February, we had the opportunity to share the stage with Scitalis in Warsaw. It was an intense and raw experience—our first chance to bring SZNYT’s sound to a live audience. It was also the first live performance ever for Iskra and Teper, which made it even more special. The energy was overwhelming, and seeing people respond to our music in real time was something truly unforgettable.
M. What made it even more special was the reaction we received afterwards. We got a lot of positive feedback, and to our surprise, we even had more people in the audience during our set than the headliner. That kind of response was beyond our wildest dreams as it our first show, and it gave us even more drive to move forward.
M. This concert set things in motion, and we’re not slowing down. We already have three upcoming shows planned, which will give us the opportunity to reach even more people and showcase how our music evolves in a live setting. Each performance is a chance to bring something new, something raw and unfiltered, straight from us to the audience. We can’t wait to see where this road takes us.
M. Interviews and media attention are starting to come our way, but that’s not what drives us. What matters is the music, the energy we bring to the stage, and the connection we build with the audience. Right now, our focus is on playing live, growing as a band, and pushing our sound even further. We’re just getting started, and there’s lots more to come.
3. You released only a few songs, you won the hearts of listeners... and what's next, what are your plans and what will come of it ?
M. Until now, we’ve only released a demo—a recording made with less-than-ideal equipment that couldn’t fully capture the true essence of our sound. However, our live performance was a game changer. When we took the stage, we had the chance to showcase the real potential of our music, and the atmosphere during the show, along with the strong connection we established with the audience as well the overwhelming positive feedback, confirmed that our music resonates on a deeper level.
M. Looking ahead, we’re pouring our hearts and souls into creating our first full-length album. If everything goes as planned, we will have some exciting news for you as early as June this year.
4. Music, lyrics - what do they tell, what message do they convey ?
M. Our music is a fusion of raw intensity and an immersive atmosphere. We combine powerful, captivating riffs with moody transitions, creating a dynamic experience that juggle between aggression and deep, almost meditative moments. This contrast not only engages our listeners but also emphasises the dark and expressive character of our compositions.
M. Lyrically, we deliver a strong anti-Christian message infused with occultism, the mysticism of nature, and melancholy. Our words go beyond mere provocation, delving into some esoteric concepts and the mysterious beauty of nature, which add depth and complexity to our artistic vision. Rather than simply expressing defiance, our lyrics weave an enigmatic narrative that resonates with those drawn to darker aspects of spirituality, philosophy, and nature.
M. Looking ahead, we are committed to refining our unique sound and elevating the quality of our recordings. Our dedication to artistic evolution promises a future where our music becomes even more distinct, polished, and powerful.
5. Here I would like to ask about the name, covers and logo - who created them ?
M. Our name, SZNYT, was conceived by Iskra and translates to “scar” in Polish. This name embodies the profound impact we aim to have on our listeners—much like a scar that tells a story, our music seeks to leave a lasting impression, resonating deeply and personally with those who experience it.
M. The cover for Cycle of Despair was inspired by the first film adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, specifically the iconic scene where the bell ringer gazes upon the figure of Jesus. This image perfectly captures the themes of suffering, isolation, and inner torment that resonate deeply within our music.
M. Our logo was designed by Dawid Wróbel, who delivered exactly what we wanted. We aimed for a design that reflected the character of our music, and he achieved just that. His work captures the unique vibe of SZNYT.
6. Let's get back to the concerts - how do YOU perceive it, and how do the fans perceive it ?
M. For us, the most important element is the connection with our audience. Every show is an opportunity to deliver the best performance possible. We want to make sure that each concert leaves the crowd with a positive and unforgettable experience that makes them want to come back for more. From our first performance, we noticed very positive respons form the fans—many of them offered enthusiastic feedback and compliments, praising both our solid, energetic material and the genuine rapport we established on stage. This encouraging response reinforces our commitment to play shows that are as engaging and memorable as the music we play.
7. Finally, you have a chance to greet the fans and pass on your words to them !
Thank you for your valuable time!
M. Thank you for your incredible support and energy! From our first show, your enthusiasm, encouragement, and dedication have fueled our passion and pushed us forward. We do this for you and with you—without your presence, our music wouldn’t have the same meaning.
M. Stay true to yourselves, follow your own path, and never stop seeking the unknown. We can’t wait to see you at future shows, share more intense moments, and continue this journey together.
Hail to you all, and see you soon!
interview by : Seducer 2025y.