Christ Agony Interview (Cezar)

Christ Agony was a Polish band that I remember very well from its beginnings with those “Daemoonseth - Act II” (1994) and “Moonlight - Act III” (1996), and that was because a friend from the past lent me the Heavy Rock magazines from those years and the second one mentioned was one of those recommended within another range of albums of its years, and the album cover aroused curiosity, and it was obvious that its inclination was much more Black Metal in those years, and that which was still arcane and dirty, but it had good ideas, and that was why I looked to get it because it was a recommendable album, and what's more I remember cutting out that small part of the cover and sticking it to my notebook because of that mention and listening to the album many times. So, because of that album, I was attentive to new productions from the band, which perhaps were not up to the level of their third album, but there was that small feeling of being able to expect something more, and now we have this “Anthems” after 9 years of silence in productions.  

Para leer la entrevista en español: Entrevista a Christ Agony  

Metallerium: Welcome to Metallerium, and thank you for taking the time for this interview. How are you doing now that you are finally releasing your ninth album, “Anthems” after 9 years of silence?  

Christ Agony: Thank you for having me. Coming back with a new album after nine years of silence is a very intense experience. “Anthems” is not just another chapter in the history of Christ Agony, but a true manifesto — a voice of darkness that has been growing inside me throughout all these years. The time of silence was not emptiness, but rather reflection and a spiritual journey. Now I return with new energy, inspiration, and the desire to open the gates of our world once again to the listeners.  

Metallerium: It’s interesting that 9 years have passed since “Legacy” before this new release. Why did it take so long to come back with new material, especially in a time when so much music is constantly being produced?  

Christ Agony: The nine years of silence were not accidental. For me, music has never been about forcing albums just to fill the time. Christ Agony has always been the voice of my soul and of darkness, and such a voice needs time to mature. Those years were a period of searching, transformation, and spiritual introspection. In a world where thousands of songs are released every day, I prefer to walk my own path — to create only when I truly feel I have something to say. “Anthems” is the fruit of that long journey, born out of genuine inspiration and inner truth, not just another musical production.  

Metallerium: When did you start writing the songs for Anthems, and how do you usually decide when it is time to record new music?  

Christ Agony: The first seeds of the songs for “Anthems” were planted a few years ago, but the creative process was stretched over time and grew inside me slowly. I never sit down with the thought: “Now I must write an album.” For me, it’s more of an inner calling — a moment when the music itself demands to be heard. When I feel that the darkness and inspiration have reached the right intensity, then I know it is time to capture them in sound. “Anthems” is the result of such a calling — an album born in its own natural rhythm.  

Metallerium: Are the songs on Anthems completely new creations, or did you also use older ideas that were left out of previous albums?  

Christ Agony: “Anthems” is primarily built on new compositions created over the past years, in a natural flow of inspiration. Yet, as always in my case, certain motifs or riffs may have been waiting within me for a long time — sometimes even old ideas from the past find their true place in a new context. In Christ Agony, there are no “leftovers” — every note, every idea waits for the right moment to become part of the greater whole. That is why “Anthems” is both a fresh, energetic album and, at the same time, carries echoes of the past, naturally intertwined with the present.  

Metallerium: Since this is our first interview with Christ Agony, could you tell us a little about the band’s history and the journey you’ve had through these many years?  

Christ Agony: Christ Agony was founded in 1990, and from the very beginning, it has been my spiritual and artistic path. At a time when the extreme metal scene in Poland was just emerging, we walked our own way, creating music deeply rooted in darkness, mysticism, and spiritual introspection.  

Our early albums, such as “Unholyunion” (1993) and “Daemoonseth Act II” (1994), opened the gates of the European underground for us. The next record, “Moonlight – Act III” (1996), is still considered one of our most important and mystical works. “Darkside” (1997), “Elysium” (1999), and “Live - Apocalypse” (2002) proved that Christ Agony never stood still.  

After years of struggles and line-up changes, we returned with “Condemnation” (2008) and “Legacy” (2015), reaffirming our position as a band faithful to its vision. And now, after nine years of silence, “Anthems” marks a new chapter — a manifesto of maturity and darkness that both sums up our long journey and opens new gates.   For me, Christ Agony has never been just music. It is, above all, a manifestation of spirituality, darkness, and freedom. A book we have been writing for more than three decades.  

Metallerium: What bands or styles influenced Christ Agony in the beginning, and how do you describe your sound today in an era where music is often hard to put into just one label?  

Christ Agony: In the beginning, of course, I was inspired by the classics of extreme metal — bands like Bathory, Venom, Celtic Frost, and early Morbid Angel. But from the very start, I wanted to walk my own path and create music that was not just a reflection of influences, but an expression of my own spirituality and vision of darkness.  

That is why Christ Agony has always balanced between black and death metal, yet never fit completely into a single label. Our sound is a combination of extreme force, mystical atmosphere, and melancholy. Today, in an era where everything is forced into categories, I still believe that Christ Agony is above all its own world — a musical journey through darkness, spirituality, and transcendence, rather than just a mix of genres.  

Metallerium: How much has your way of composing changed over the years? And in this modern world full of distractions—especially smartphones—how do you find the focus and time to create?  

Christ Agony:  My way of composing has evolved naturally, but it has always been based on inner rhythm and inspiration. In the past, I created mostly in the solitude of my own world, immersed in silence and darkness, with each riff and melody emerging slowly, in dialogue with my own spirituality. Today, even in a world full of distractions and technology, I still seek the same state of focus — a moment where I can connect with darkness, energy, and emotion. 

I limit external stimuli and let the music guide me. For me, creating is not a task to check off a list, but a ritual — a process where every note has meaning, and time fades away as the sounds begin to live on their own. It is precisely through this approach that “Anthems” became a cohesive album full of genuine energy, even while the world around us keeps accelerating.  

Metallerium: How would you describe the sound of Anthems to both your long-time fans and to people who may discover Christ Agony for the first time with this album?  

Christ Agony: “Anthems” is an album that, on one hand, remains true to the soul of Christ Agony — dark, mystical, and full of extreme energy — while on the other hand, it opens new spaces, both musically and emotionally. For long-time fans, it is a continuation of the journey through darkness, filled with atmospheric riffs, melancholy, and spiritual intensity.  

For new listeners, “Anthems” can serve as an introduction to a world where black and death metal intertwine with mysticism and transcendence. It is an album that aims to go beyond genres — music that lives by its own rhythm, with each song acting as a chapter in a book of darkness and inspiration.  

Metallerium: What does this ninth album mean for the band’s career, and what can we expect in terms of lyrics and themes compared to your past work?  

Christ Agony: For Christ Agony, “Anthems” is not just the ninth album in our discography — it is both a moment of reflection and a new beginning. After nine years of silence, we return with music that is more mature and introspective, yet still full of the extreme energy and darkness that define the band.  

In terms of lyrics and themes, “Anthems” continues the threads of spirituality, introspection, and mystical journeys that have always been central to our work. This time, however, the emotions and stories are even more personal and mature — exploring transformation, inner struggles, and the relationship between man and darkness. It is an album that not only celebrates our past but also opens new spaces and asks questions about the future, both for the band and for the listeners.  

Metallerium: The album cover is very striking. How did you choose it, and what message or feeling were you trying to reflect through it?  

Christ Agony: The cover of “Anthems” was chosen very carefully, as the visual aspect of the album is just as important to me as the music. I wanted the image to reflect the depth and darkness of the songs, as well as the spiritual intensity that permeates the entire record.  

The cover features symbols of transformation, the contrast between light and shadow, and an energy connecting man with the unknown. At the same time, its style is characteristic of Christ Agony — like our logo, it is recognizable to those who are already familiar with the band. It is a visual gateway into the world of “Anthems”, where every sound and every note is part of a larger mystical narrative. I wanted people, upon seeing the cover, to immediately feel the atmosphere of the album — its intention, emotions, and mystery.  

Metallerium: With more than 35 years of career, how have you seen the evolution of the extreme metal scene in Poland and around the world?  

Christ Agony: Over more than 35 years, I have witnessed the evolution of the extreme metal scene in Poland and worldwide. In the 1990s, everything was raw, full of rebellious energy and the search for identity — music emerged from the underground with genuine passion and dedication.  

Today, the scene is more diverse and professional, and access to technology and the internet has changed the way music is created and received. On one hand, this offers enormous artistic possibilities, but on the other, it can make it easier to lose spirituality and authenticity. Christ Agony has always strived to maintain its own vision — to create music that is deep, dark, and transcendental, regardless of trends or market expectations. I also see that the Polish scene has grown stronger and gained recognition, and extreme metal continues to inspire new generations.  

Metallerium: Technology has changed the way music is made and shared. How has Christ Agony adapted to these changes—like home recording or even the use of AI in music and art?  

Christ Agony: Technology has undoubtedly changed the way music is created and consumed. At Christ Agony, we try to use new possibilities, such as home recording and digital production tools, but always in a way that does not compromise our identity or the spirit of the music.  

We never allow technology to replace emotion, mysticism, and authenticity — these are the foundations of our sound. AI and modern tools can support the process, for example in editing or visual work, but artistic decisions always remain in human hands. For us, the most important thing is the true energy and spiritual depth of the music, which cannot be fully replaced by machines.  

Metallerium: What are your next plans now that Anthems is released? Will there be a tour or official music videos coming soon?  

Christ Agony: Now that “Anthems” has been released, we are focusing on reaching our fans and sharing the album in its entirety. We are planning both live performances and official music videos, which will complement the mystical narrative of the record.  

We want concerts and visual presentations to be an extension of the album’s experience — full of energy, atmosphere, and spiritual intensity. Everything is carefully planned to maintain the quality and authenticity characteristic of Christ Agony. Our actions will be gradual, but each step is deliberate, aiming to fully convey the atmosphere of “Anthems”.  

Metallerium: After so many years, what inspires you to continue with Christ Agony? And what does “success” mean for you today—is it selling albums, leaving timeless works, making money, or something else?  

Christ Agony:  What inspires me to continue with Christ Agony is primarily the need to express my own vision, explore darkness and spirituality, and create music that has meaning and depth. The band was never about chasing trends or temporary success — for me, the most important thing is that each album remains genuine and authentic.  

Today, “success” is not measured by album sales or money. Success is leaving works that endure — music that inspires, moves, and transports listeners to another dimension. It is also the connection with fans who understand and share the same passion and energy that we put into every track. Christ Agony exists thanks to this spirit, which goes beyond ordinary definitions of success.  

Metallerium: Do you think black metal still has new territories to explore, or has everything already been done?  

Christ Agony: Black metal still has many uncharted territories. It is an extreme and free genre by nature, and its potential is not exhausted by repeating formulas or existing patterns. For me, the most important thing is to explore new paths of expression — in music, atmosphere, emotions, and spirituality.  

Christ Agony has always sought its own way, combining extremity with mysticism and transcendence, rather than following established patterns. I believe that black metal, approached with passion and authenticity, can still surprise and open new worlds, both for creators and listeners.  

Metallerium: If someone outside of the metal world asked you what Christ Agony represents, what would you tell them?  

Christ Agony: If I were to explain to someone outside the metal world what Christ Agony represents, I would say it is above all a journey into darkness, emotions, and spirituality. It is music that not only strikes with extreme force but also invites reflection, self-exploration, and the discovery of unknown areas of human imagination.  

Christ Agony is not just a band — it is a world where every sound, note, and story carries meaning. It is an attempt to connect darkness with transcendence, extreme expression with spiritual depth. For those outside the metal scene, it can be an intense experience, showing that extreme music can also be an artistic, mystical, and emotional journey.  

Metallerium: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in the history of Christ Agony?  

Christ Agony: Looking back, it is hard to say there is anything I would have done differently. Every choice, every challenge, and every line-up change contributed to who we are today.

Christ Agony is not just music — it is a journey, a process, an experience that has shaped our identity and artistic vision.   Of course, some decisions could have been approached differently with the benefit of hindsight, but even those had value and led to new discoveries. In my view, every moment, success, or failure is part of the mystical path we travel in the world of music and darkness.  

Metallerium: What do you hope people will feel or remember when they listen to “Anthems” many years from now?  

Christ Agony:  I hope that listeners, even many years from now, will feel the depth, intention, and mystical atmosphere of “Anthems”. I want the music to be not just sound, but a journey — an experience that moves emotions, inspires reflection, and allows listeners to explore their own world of darkness and spirituality.   I hope the album remains in memory as a genuine work, full of energy and spiritual depth, combining extremity with transcendence. If someone returns to “Anthems” years later and feels that power, atmosphere, and authentic emotion, that would be the greatest fulfillment for me.  

Metallerium: Thank you very much for your time, and congratulations on the release of “Anthems.” Before we finish, could you please leave a message for your fans in Latin America and the readers of Metallerium who continue to support Christ Agony?  

Christ Agony: I would like to sincerely thank all our fans in Latin America and the readers of Metallerium for their support and passion. It is thanks to you that our music has meaning and can live with its full energy.  

May “Anthems” be for you a journey through darkness, emotion, and spirituality, just as it was for us while creating it. I hope each of you will feel the intention, atmosphere, and genuine emotions we tried to put into every song. Thank you for being part of the world of Christ Agony and for sharing this mystical journey with us.