Pre-Tour Vinyl Review: Patriarkh & Dogma
- L7
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
These Two Bands Are Touring Together – Let’s See What They Bring!
Two unique bands, one tour—Patriarkh & Dogma are hitting Germany this April. What better time to take a deep dive into their latest albums? Patriarkh’s "ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Prorok Ilja)" and Dogma’s self-titled debut both deserve attention before the tour kicks off!
Musically, these two couldn’t be more different, yet together, they create a fascinating contrast. Patriarkh delivers dark, Orthodox Black Metal, while Dogma blends Hard Rock and Heavy Metal with catchy melodies and a mix of styles—some tracks even carrying a touch of Ghost-like atmosphere.
So, let's break down their albums—both musically and as vinyl editions.
Patriarkh – "ПРОРОК ИЛИЯ (Prorok Ilja)" (2025)
If you’re into Black Metal, there’s no way you haven’t heard of Batushka. When they first appeared, their Orthodox Church-inspired aesthetic and sound felt truly unique. But after the well-known band split, multiple versions emerged, and I gradually lost interest in the whole "Orthodox Church Black Metal" trend.
Then Patriarkh released this new album. A fresh take, well-crafted and carefully composed—bringing this style to a new level of songwriting. Spoiler: I love it!
Album Review
From start to finish, you can tell this album was planned down to the last detail. Some might ask: “Isn’t it boring to mix Orthodox Church elements with Black Metal?” Well, this album is the answer—it’s energetic, intriguing, and feels like a journey through a dark, cinematic story.
This is an album you need to take time for. It’s not the kind of record you just skip through to see if you like it or not. Bartłomiej Krysiuk crafted an immersive atmosphere, blending melodic moments, intense Black Metal passages, and a haunting choral section, also featuring Eliza Sacharczuk’s voice in "WIERSZALIN IV", which adds a striking contrast to the harsh vocals.
Standout Tracks
This album is best experienced as a whole, but if I had to pick some highlights, these tracks really stood out:
🔥 WIERSZALIN IV – Melodic female vocals, haunting church-like chants, and intense contrast.
🔥 WIERSZALIN V – The most Batushka-esque track on the album—raw, violent, and ritualistic.
🔥 WIERSZALIN VI – Dynamic rhythm changes and the signature Black Metal tremolos we all love.
Vinyl Review
Edition: Gatefold, with a printed inner sleeve and an insert. We reviewed the black vinyl edition, but it is also available in other colors.
Artwork: Stays in line with previous works but has a more modern and refined depiction of Prophet Ilja.
Sound Quality: Fantastic. Turn it up loud, and you’ll feel like you’re inside a cathedral when the spoken interludes play.
Pro Tip: I adjusted my setup for less bass and more treble to get an even clearer experience, but even with the default settings, it sounds amazing.
Bonus points: The clarity of Eliza Sacharczuk’s voice in "WIERSZALIN IV" and the melodic sections—crystal clear and atmospheric.
Final Thoughts on Patriarkh’s Album
This album works best as a whole experience, rather than as individual tracks. Sure, you can add a few songs to a playlist, but listening from start to finish keeps you engaged the entire time.
For me, this is the first "Orthodox Black Metal" release since Batushka’s debut that I truly enjoyed. If you’re skeptical about the style, give this one a try—you might be surprised!
Dogma – "Dogma" (2024)
I remember a few years ago when everyone was suddenly talking about Dogma. Messages started popping up—"Have you seen this?"—referring to their "Father, I Have Sinned" video. A catchy, striking debut that immediately made an impact.
Digging deeper, I realized the band had a mysterious, theatrical vibe, reminiscent of KISS in their early days or, more recently, Ghost. But the buzz wasn’t just about their image—it was about their tight musicianship and strong songwriting. Now, let’s dive into their debut album!
Album Review
This album delivers 11 well-crafted tracks, with conceptual storytelling, massive riffs, and a mix of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock—plus some undeniable earworms.
Each band member plays a key role, but for me, the real standout is the vocalist’s versatility and how her different tones blend perfectly with the songwriting.
Standout Tracks
It’s easy to pick the video singles, since they already showcase the band’s variety:
🔥 "Made Her Sin" – The most Power Metal-inspired track.
🔥 "My First Peak" & "Forbidden Zone" – Hard Rock anthems with choruses that stay in your head for days.
🔥 "Father, I Have Sinned" – Their "Enter Sandman"—the track that will stay in every setlist forever, and the one fans will always be waiting for live.
But let’s go deeper into some hidden gems that really make this album stand out:
🔥 "Free Yourself" – A solid Hard Rock track that takes an unexpected turn—slowing down into a jazz-inspired interlude before diving back into its heavier roots.
🔥 "Pleasure for Pain" – Heavy, powerful, and perfect for a live setting. The extended instrumental section weaves in short guitar solos that echo melodies from other tracks on the album, also adding an extra touch with a brief synth moment.
Vinyl Review
Artwork: Bold, provocative, and exactly what the band wants you to think about.
Edition: Comes in a single sleeve (not gatefold) with an insert featuring lyrics—a solid package.
Vinyl Pressing: Looks stunning! The color selection and pattern are perfect.
Sound Quality: Colored vinyl skeptics, relax—this one sounds just as great as a black pressing.
One minor issue: In some songs, the drums sound slightly better in the digital version than on vinyl, but overall, it’s still a fantastic pressing.
Final Thoughts on Dogma’s Album
A strong debut, offering a mix of fresh energy and proven formulas. Whether you’re into theatrics, catchy metal, or just great songwriting, this one is worth checking out.
Why These Albums Belong in Your Collection
Both Patriarkh and Dogma deliver high-quality music and vinyl pressings at a very reasonable price—something worth highlighting in today’s market.
🔥 For Black Metal fans – Patriarkh offers an immersive, cinematic experience.
🔥 For Hard Rock & Metal fans – Dogma’s anthemic, theatrical sound is a must-listen.
A Must-Have for Vinyl Collectors?
Absolutely. Great compositions, solid pressings, and albums that might become rare over time. Grab them while you can! 🤘
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