Christ Agony (Poland)

Interview with Cezar (Cezary “Cezar” Augustynowicz – vocals, guitars, bass & choir) 

https://www.facebook.com/ChristAgony

After nine long years since the release of their last studio album, CHRIST AGONY returns with the album Anthems! And despite all that has been said and done, the mastermind Cezar is still standing. What’s more, Cezar has managed to pull himself out of the abyss of extreme life in favor of a more quiet, observational and mature attitude as an artist and a human being. Recently I had a very nice chat with Cezar, about his earlier career, works with other acts, current album Anthems and much more. All the relevant information is contained in the interview that follows.

Metal Revolution: Hell-o from Denmark. How are things going in Christ Agony camp nowadays? What have you been up to lately?

Cezar: Hell-o! Everything in the Christ Agony camp is flowing in a very creative and intense way. After the release of Anthems, we’re still riding that wave of inspiration — promoting the album, preparing for live rituals, and at the same time, composing new material. I’ve never stopped creating; music is still my spiritual path, my form of expression and purification. Some ideas born during the recording sessions for Anthems are now evolving into something new… the fire is still burning strong.

MR: After nine long years since the release of your last studio album, you finally released eagerly anticipated Anthems via ‘Deformeathing Production‘. What was the main reason why it took you nine years to release your eight full-length?

Cezar: Those nine years were a time of silence, transformation, and redefinition. After Legacy, I felt the need to step away from everything — to breathe, to observe, and to rediscover the true essence of what Christ Agony means to me. The world was changing, and so was I. I didn’t want to release another album just for the sake of it. I wanted it to be a manifestation of pure inspiration and spiritual fire.

During that period, I was also creating music for my other projects — FaustuS, Demoniaque, Khorumi, and SOLARKVLT. Each of them reflects a different aspect of my artistic and spiritual path. They helped me explore new territories, experiment with emotions and atmospheres that later became an important part of the new Christ Agony identity.

Anthems was born from that silence — as a resurrection, both musically and spiritually. It’s not just another chapter, but a new beginning after a long journey through darkness and contemplation.

MR: What can you tell us about Anthems? I don’t expect you to introduce every of the six tracks, but can you tell us about the main idea behind this record? What’s the lyrical content on Anthems and what were you inspired by when composing this new six-tracker record?

Cezar: Anthems is a journey through the twilight of existence — a reflection on death, transcendence, and the eternal duality between light and darkness. Each composition is like a hymn to the end of time, a ritual of purification and rebirth. It’s not an album built on chaos or aggression for its own sake — it’s a spiritual manifesto, a sonic temple dedicated to the essence of black metal as a form of inner awakening.

Lyrically, Anthems continues the path I’ve always followed with Christ Agony — exploring the mystical side of death, spiritual rebellion, and the eternal cycle of decay and resurrection. The inspiration comes from life itself, from solitude, from the sacred silence that speaks louder than words.

When I was composing these six tracks, I wanted to capture both the darkness and the light hidden beneath it – the divine spark buried deep in the abyss. The album is built like a ritual – from the opening invocation of “Empire of Twilight” to the closing silence of “Nocturnal Dominion.” It’s one continuous prayer to the void, to the eternal night, and to the fire that never dies.

MR: Are you pleased with the reception of Anthems so far? Are you satisfied with the feedback from media and black metal worshippers?

Cezar: Yes, absolutely. The reception of Anthems has been truly overwhelming, both from the media and the devoted followers of the black metal art. After so many years of silence, it feels like the flame has been reignited – not only within me but also among those who have always understood the essence of Christ Agony.

I never create music with the intention of chasing trends or pleasing anyone. Anthems was born from necessity – from an inner voice that demanded to be heard again. The fact that people have embraced it with such depth and emotion proves that true black metal, when guided by spirit and authenticity, still has power.

I am grateful to everyone who has felt this album, who has connected with its atmosphere. It means that the message – this hymn to darkness and transcendence – has reached the right souls.

MR: Which song from Anthems resonates with you personally the most and why?

Cezar: Every song on Anthems carries a part of my soul – each of them is a chapter of the same ritual, a reflection of my inner path. But if I had to choose one, it would probably be “Throne of Eternal Silence”.

This song is like a prayer… a descent into the void, where silence becomes the only truth. It represents the moment of total surrender – when you abandon the illusion of control and accept both the beauty and the despair of existence. Musically, it’s one of the most emotional and spacious compositions I’ve ever written, filled with melancholy and mysticism. For me, “Throne of Eternal Silence” is not just a track – it’s a state of mind, a personal confession whispered into the abyss.

MR: Where and under what conditions were you recording the new album? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?

Cezar: Anthems was recorded in several stages, mostly between my home studio and the Morąg recording studio, where the majority of the material was tracked. As with the previous album Legacy, the recording process was engineered by Michał Grabowski, who perfectly understands the atmosphere and sound that define Christ Agony.

I wanted this album to sound organic, raw, and powerful – like a living ritual rather than a sterile production. I was personally involved in every aspect of the process, from composition and arrangement to recording supervision. The final mix and mastering were done in close collaboration, with a shared focus on preserving the spiritual essence of the music.

Everything was born in solitude and silence — the same conditions that have always guided my creative path since the earliest days of Christ Agony.

MR: Utilized any new recording techniques when recording this one, compared to its 2016 predecessor, Legacy?

Cezar: Compared to Legacy, Anthems is more spacious and dynamic – both in terms of sound and atmosphere. I didn’t rely on modern tricks or overproduction, but rather deepened my approach to organic recording. This time, I focused even more on capturing the natural energy of the instruments and the spiritual vibration of the compositions themselves.

Technically, I used a blend of analog warmth and digital precision. Microphone placement and room ambience played a key role, especially for guitars and drums, to achieve that ritualistic, monumental sound. Vocals were recorded in a very minimalistic way, often in one or two takes, to preserve their raw intensity and emotional truth.

So it wasn’t about new techniques as much as it was about refining the path – finding the perfect balance between chaos and harmony, which is the essence of Christ Agony.

MR: What equipment do you use for recording?

Cezar: For Anthems, I used a combination of modern and classic tools. Guitars and bass were mostly recorded through tube preamps to capture warmth and dynamic response, while drums were recorded using a mixture of close mics and room mics to preserve natural ambience. Vocals were captured with high-quality condenser microphones, keeping takes minimal to retain intensity. In terms of software, I rely heavily on FabFilter plugins for shaping tones and dynamics, and iZotope Ozone for final mastering. The idea is always to serve the music — nothing artificial, everything organic, capturing the ritualistic and atmospheric essence of Christ Agony.

MR: How does your creative process work? I mean, what’s the creative process like when you make a new song?

Cezar: My creative process is very intuitive and personal. Sometimes I start with lyrics, letting the words guide the musical direction, and other times the music comes first, taking the lead and shaping the atmosphere. Usually, I begin with a riff, a melodic motif, or a rhythmic idea. From there, I let the song evolve naturally, layer by layer, without forcing it. Vocals and lyrics are often integrated last, emerging as a reflection of the overall musical and emotional mood.

I rarely compose under external pressure — it’s more of a ritual, a dialogue between the inner vision and the instruments. Every song is like a miniature world; I carefully shape it until it has its own life, intensity, and dark personality.

MR: The lyrical content is still very much opposing and hostile to religion and to the power and influence of organized religion?! Should we once again thank the Catholic Church in Poland for being an endless source of fucking badass lyrical inspiration for many of your country’s extreme metal bands, including Christ Agony? What are other sources of inspiration for you?

Cezar: Yes, the lyrical content of Christ Agony has always opposed and challenged organized religion. The Catholic Church in Poland has, indeed, been a significant and endless source of inspiration – not only for Christ Agony, but for many extreme metal bands from my country. Its influence, power, and sometimes hypocrisy offer themes that are both dark and compelling for artistic exploration.

However, my inspiration goes beyond religion. I draw from literature, poetry, personal experiences, history, mythology, and the profound depths of human emotion. Mysticism, philosophy, and the struggle between light and darkness often guide my lyrical vision. Ultimately, I leave the interpretation open — just like with poetry – allowing each listener to find their own meaning.

MR: I’ve seen your new official lyric video for a single “Empire Of Twilight”, can you tell us a bit more on this particular song? What inspired you to choose this title? Is it a metaphor for something else?

Cezar: “Empire of Twilight” is one of the central pieces of Anthems and was so important that I decided to place it as the opening track of the album. It reflects the overarching atmosphere – a world suspended between darkness and fleeting light, where power, decay, and mystery intertwine. The title itself is a metaphor for a state of transition, of impermanence, where everything is illuminated just enough to reveal both beauty and corruption.

Lyrically, it deals with themes of dominion, inner conflict, and the struggle between spiritual transcendence and worldly decay. Musically, I wanted the track to evoke a cinematic sense of grandeur and tension, blending melodic layers with the raw aggression that defines Christ Agony. The video was created to enhance this vision, offering a visual ritual that mirrors the song’s dark majesty.

MR: You’ve been active on scene since the beginning of new millennium, but what other bands and artists have influenced Christ Agony?

Cezar: Christ Agony has always been shaped primarily by the atmosphere and spirit of black metal, but I never limited myself to a single source of inspiration. Over the years, influences have ranged widely – from classical composers like Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, to darkwave, post-punk, and avant-garde music such as Dead Can Dance, Bauhaus, and Swans. Of course, the extreme metal scene itself – especially the pioneering Polish and Scandinavian bands – provided the raw energy and vision that formed the core of Christ Agony, but I have always sought to expand the sonic palette beyond the metal genre.

MR: When did your interest in black metal start to grow and what is it that fascinates you so much about it?

Cezar: My interest in black metal started in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the first wave of extreme metal from Norway and the emerging Polish scene began to take shape. What fascinated me the most was its raw energy, uncompromising atmosphere, and the freedom to explore darkness, spirituality, and existential themes in a way that no other genre allowed at the time. For me, black metal has always been more than music – it’s a form of expression, a channel for ideas and emotions that are intense, challenging, and sometimes transgressive. That combination of power, atmosphere, and personal introspection continues to captivate me and guide my work with Christ Agony.

MR: How do you see development on black metal scene in the last 25 years? Do you believe black metal music and culture has a larger role regarding the broader context of society?

Cezar: Over the last 25 years, the black metal scene has evolved tremendously, both musically and culturally. It has expanded from an underground phenomenon into a global movement with diverse expressions – from raw and primitive sounds to symphonic, progressive, and experimental forms. Despite this diversification, the core of black metal – its spirit of independence, authenticity, and exploration of darker aspects of human experience — remains intact.

In terms of society, black metal has always existed on the margins, often challenging norms, questioning authority, and confronting taboo subjects. While it may not directly influence mainstream culture, it provides a space for critical reflection, philosophical inquiry, and artistic rebellion. Its cultural role lies in its ability to provoke thought, inspire individuality, and keep alive a sense of freedom and extremity that can resonate beyond just the music itself.

MR: How many copies of Anthems were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?

Cezar: The new album Anthems has been released in several formats to reach as many listeners as possible. There is a standard CD edition, a vinyl edition for collectors and audiophiles. The album is also fully accessible on Christ Agony’s official Bandcamp page as well as on Deformeathing Production’s YouTube channel. Each format was carefully prepared to reflect the aesthetic and atmosphere of the album. The physical copies have just been released and in the near future it will also be on digital services and other formats. While the physical editions are produced in limited runs to maintain a sense of exclusivity and connection with the dedicated audience, digitally the album is widely available.

MR: You’ve been an active act playing numerous live shows during your career, so I wanted to hear if you have any fan memories you would share with us? What’s been your most memorable live experience to date and why?

Cezar: Over the years, I have had the privilege to share the stage with countless dedicated fans across Poland and abroad. Each show carries its own unique energy, but some moments remain unforgettable. One of the most memorable experiences was our very first European tour in 1997, when Christ Agony played alongside Behemoth and Hellheim. For all of us, it was a debut on the international stage, and the excitement, intensity, and connection with the audience were overwhelming. Live performances have always been a core part of Christ Agony’s identity—they are not just concerts, they are rituals, moments of shared intensity and darkness. Each show is a testament to the bond between the band and those who embrace our music.

MR: Now, would you tell us what the next step is for Christ Agony? More live performances in support of Anthems? Any new projects in the pipeline that you can share with us?

Cezar: The first live dates for Anthems are already confirmed, and we are very much looking forward to sharing these rituals with our fans. The next few months will see Christ Agony performing several intense shows, beginning on October 25th at Klub Warkot in Łódź. Beyond that, I am continuing to compose new material-not only for Christ Agony, but also for my other projects, such as FaustuS, Daemoiaque and SOLARKVLT. Some of these new compositions will certainly find their place on Christ Agony’s 10th album, which is already in the works. Time will reveal how this journey unfolds, but the creative process is ongoing and as passionate as ever.

MR: What advice would you give to any young and up-and-coming musicians thinking of following in your footsteps

Cezar: My advice for young musicians would be simple: follow your own path, trust your instincts, and never compromise your artistic vision for trends or expectations. Dedication, patience, and a relentless pursuit of your own sound are essential. Technology today allows for incredible creative freedom, but it also requires discipline-learn to balance experimentation with focus. Most importantly, respect the music, respect your audience, and remember that true passion always shows in your work.

MR: I believe I’m speaking on behalf of many black metal fans, when I say that we hope that we won’t wait another nine years for the next sonic attack from you?! (Laughing)

Cezar: I can promise that I won’t let it take another nine years! Anthems is already behind us in terms of composition, and I am continuously working on new material for Christ Agony as well as my other projects. Time will tell how soon the next sonic attack will strike, but rest assured, the creative fire is still burning strong.

MR: What is the best way people can support your band?

Cezar: The best way to support Christ Agony is simply to listen to the music, share it with others, and if possible, purchase official releases. Attending shows, following the band on social media, and spreading the word about the music are also invaluable. Every bit of support helps keep the spirit and the legacy of the band alive.

MR: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Would you like to add anything to the readers of Metal Revolution?

Cezar: I would like to thank all readers of Metal Revolution for their interest in Christ Agony. Stay true to yourselves, keep exploring extreme music, and never stop seeking your own path in darkness and creativity. May the spirit of black metal guide you.