Imagine diving into the thrilling world of extreme metal, where a band like DECAPITATED isn't afraid to shake things up with wildly diverse new tracks. That's the exciting pulse behind their upcoming album—each song stands as a bold departure, promising surprises that could redefine their sound. But here's where it gets controversial: what if this evolution alienates longtime fans who crave the familiar? Stick around, because we're about to unpack how guitarist Waclaw 'Vogg' Kieltyka delves into this creative whirlwind.
In a chat with Portugal's Underground's Voice (available on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@UndergroundsVoice), Vogg, the talented guitarist of Poland's legendary extreme metal outfit DECAPITATED, chatted about kicking off work on the successor to their 2022 release, 'Cancer Culture.' He shared, as captured by BLABBERMOUTH.NET, that he's been crafting new tunes solo so far. The full band reunion in the studio is on the horizon, but the relentless tour schedule—think endless festival summers plus European jaunts in October, November, and December—has kept them on the road. Once those wrap up, they'll dive deeper into composing the fresh material together. For newcomers to metal, extreme metal often involves intense, fast-paced riffs and aggressive vocals, and DECAPITATED has been pioneers in pushing those boundaries since the 1990s.
When it comes to the musical path for these new DECAPITATED compositions, Vogg reveals it's shaping up as a blend of his past influences. He's got several ideas and songs brewing already, and here's the part most people miss: no two tracks follow a similar thread. Sure, his signature guitar tone and riff-writing flair tie them together, but each piece explores a unique style, mood, and subgenre of metal. This variety isn't just for show—it's a nod to how creativity can flourish without constraints, much like how a jazz improviser might switch from bluesy solos to frenetic free-form experiments in a single set.
Back in October 2024, DECAPITATED shook up their lineup by parting with vocalist Rafał 'Rasta' Piotrowski and welcoming Eemeli Bodde from Finland's MORS SUBITA. Speaking to Underground's Voice, Vogg praised Bodde's impact: 'He's injected a fresh voice into the mix—distinct and vibrant. Plus, he's a laid-back, intelligent dude who fits right in. No clashes or mix-ups so far; the vibe among us is super positive, like a breath of new life for the group.' This change highlights how a new voice can rejuvenate a band's energy, similar to how bands like IRON MAIDEN evolved with lineup shifts to keep their sound dynamic.
During this year's 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise, Vogg opened up on the Brutally Delicious podcast (check it out on https://www.youtube.com/@BrutallyDeliciousProductions) about his songwriting routine. He works from home in a dedicated space, though it's not entirely isolated—he can still hear his family nearby. Over the years, he's mastered composing amid the chaos of daily life, having produced four albums this way with kids around. But post-tour, he plans to head to their rehearsal studio for uninterrupted focus. 'I believe it'll boost the quality,' he notes. This setup teaches aspiring musicians that creativity doesn't require perfect solitude; sometimes, balancing responsibilities sharpens your instincts.
On whether he starts albums with a central theme or just lets the music guide him, Vogg leans toward the spontaneous approach. Inspiration strikes from anywhere, leading him on a 'hunt' for killer riffs. He'll strum and listen, seizing on sparks that feel promising, then build layers around them. It's a gradual journey. And this is the part most people miss: as a performer and composer, he juggles stage presence, riff creation, and constant practice to stay in peak form. Skipping practice even for a week means doubling down to nail those blistering solos live—a challenge that underscores the discipline extreme metal demands.
Vogg doesn't sweat avoiding echoes of past works; each DECAPITATED album naturally diverges. He once worried about veering too far, wondering how fans would react to a 'totally different' band. Reflecting on their discography, he points to 'Blood Mantra' as a groovy, thrash-infused shift, and the new one promises even more innovative twists that might catch listeners off guard. But here's where it gets controversial: is changing styles a betrayal or a bold step forward? Vogg draws parallels to METALLICA's 'Load' or SEPULTURA's 'Roots Bloody Roots,' albums that initially shocked fans but later earned acclaim. 'People might ditch you at first, but time often flips the script,' he laughs. For metal enthusiasts, this raises questions: should bands stick to their roots to please fans, or evolve at the risk of losing them?
Fast-forward to January 2025, DECAPITATED dropped two live performance videos for 'Names' and 'Eternity Too Short,' shot right in their rehearsal space. These are iconic cuts from their celebrated 'Nihility' album, which they performed in full on recent tours. Eemeli Bodde's live introduction with the band happened on November 1, 2024, at the Damnation Festival's 'A Night Of Salvation' in Manchester's BEC Arena. Adding to the nostalgia, original vocalist Wojciech 'Sauron' Wąsowicz rejoined for some classic tracks—he'd been with them from 1996 to 2005. Meanwhile, 'Cancer Culture' boasted special guests like JINJER's Tatiana Shmayluk and MACHINE HEAD's Robb Flynn. Flynn lent his haunting vocals to 'Iconoclast,' while Shmayluk delivered clean, soaring lines on 'Hello Death,' showcasing DECAPITATED's openness to collaborations that blend styles.
So, what do you think? Does DECAPITATED's willingness to experiment with diverse songs and lineups excite you, or does it feel like a risky gamble that might dilute their extreme metal edge? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you prefer bands that stay true to form, or are you all in for evolution? And if you've experienced a band 'reinventing' themselves, how did it change your fandom? Let's discuss!
