Decapitated

Decapitated is a Polish death metal group from Krosno, formed in 1996. The band’s line-up has included Wojciech Wąsowicz, Vitek, Wacław Kiełtyka, Marcin Rygiel, Adrian Kowanek, Heinrich, Krimh, Rafał “Rasta” Piotrowski, Paweł Pasek, Michał Łysejko and Hubert Więcek. Their style is associated with death metal, technical death metal and brutal death metal.

Early releases and record deals

The band forms while all of its members are still attending music school. It issues its first demo, Cemeterial Gardens, in 1997, followed by The Eye of Horus in 1998. After these recordings, it becomes a notable name in the underground metal scene and signs with Wicked World/Earache Records for its debut album, Winds of Creation. It later continues with Nihility, The Negation and Organic Hallucinosis, with the last of these described as having a fuller, more classical death metal sound.

Touring, recognition and related work

Following the release of Winds of Creation, Decapitated tours the UK and receives a strong response, leading to a vote as “Best Newcomer” in Terrorizer Magazine’s 2000 Reader’s Poll. A further European tour with Immolation in 2001 adds to the band’s reputation. Wacław “Vogg” Kiełtyka also plays gigs with the Polish experimental symphonic/technical black metal group Lux Occulta.

Line-up changes and hiatus

In 2005, vocalist Sauron leaves because of health complications, and Covan, formerly of Atrophia Red Sun, replaces him. Martin later rejoins after conscription issues in Poland. The band is involved in a bus accident in Belarus in 2007 while travelling to a show in Gomel; Vitek dies from head injuries shortly afterwards and Covan is injured. After the accident, Decapitated goes on hold, and Vogg later states that he is rebuilding the band. In 2009, Krimh is chosen as drummer, Rafał Piotrowski becomes vocalist, and Filip “Heinrich” Hałucha joins on bass, leaving Vogg as the only original member in that line-up.

Band role and identity

Decapitated is regarded as one of the younger bands in death metal to achieve success, with Vitek and Vogg noted for their youth at the time of the early breakthrough. The group remains active from 1996 onward and is associated with the Polish death metal scene.