Let’s discover Asteriæ together.
Appearing on the Polish scene with their first single in 2022, the band composed of Bartoz Jankowski (vocals), Michal Pawlowski (guitar), Marcel Ziolkowski (guitar), Eryk Gaujard (drums), and Adam Sobota (bass) unveils their second album, Miejsce, ktore nazywam soba, three years later, via Kolo Records.
1 – 4 – 8 immediately explodes in our faces, offering fast riffs with an abrasive mix before incorporating striking screams into the aggressive mix, but the track also gives us a moment of welcome respite before a new wave of raw rage. Although disturbing, the contrast between the two passages is very captivating and further reinforces the explosions of darkness that await us throughout the track before letting Ruiny take over with a palpable touch of melancholy that complements the fury of the vocals. The heavy moments resonate like the beginning of an apocalypse, the dissonance where the few Screamo-style spoken words seem endless, then the irregular blast finally assaults us and propels us towards Tchnienie, where we experience a moment of floating with the airy introduction. The massive bass disrupts the established tranquility, weighing it down considerably without detracting from its soaring quality, but the hurricane soon begins to rumble, imposing its infernal rhythm and haunting melody throughout the track, only to break abruptly, leaving control to Uwolnilem sie. The introduction warns us, but nothing could properly prepare us for such raw fury infused with wild and uncontrollable post-hardcore, barely tempered by a dissonant guitar. Our heads bob unconsciously, following the waves and eruptions that are now evident, but the sound finally calms down before Ton takes his place. Much longer than its predecessors, the track also stands out for its breathless rhythm and fairly diverse vocals, as well as its long central break, which ultimately gives rise to a haunting moment unlike any other I know, followed by the return of more choppy patterns and expressive screams for an intense final.
The best discoveries sometimes come from completely unknown bands with a raw but sincere approach, such as Asteriæ. In less than thirty minutes, the five musicians pour their hearts out on Miejsce, ktore nazywam soba, and it’s a pure success.
95/100
A few questions to Bartosz “Bartek” Jankowski, Marcel Ziólkowski and Eryk Gaujard, respectively vocalist, guitarist/vocalist and drummer for the Polish Blackened Post-Hardcore/Metal band Asteriæ, for the release of their new album, Miejsce, które nazywam soba.
Hello and first of all, thank you very much for your time! Tough one to begin: how would you introduce Asteriæ without using any musical label such as “Post-Hardcore”, “Post-Metal” or any other subgenre?
Marcel Ziólkowski (guitar/vocals): We’re a group of friends who simply enjoy spending time together. That’s the essence and the most important thing when creating an independent band.
Bartosz “Bartek” Jankowski (vocals): It’s music where sadness, anger, depth and simplicity meet.
Asteriæ reminds me of the Greek goddess Asteria. Is the band’s name a voluntary link with her story, or something completely different? How do you connect the name Asteriæ to the music you play?
Bartek: Yes, that was the original idea. We used to play with a drummer who suggested that the band should tell a story about someone leaving Earth — not in a typical sci-fi „spaceship” way, but more as a spiritual departure from the planet and the body. After he left, we realised that this wasn’t really who we were. We didn’t want a concept like that — we wanted to channel our anger. The name Asteria stayed, but we added our own little twist.
Asteriæ will soon release its second album Miejsce, które nazywam soba. How do you feel about it? Do you already have any feedback?
Marcel: So far the feedback has been really positive, which makes us incredibly happy and motivates us to keep going. The album came out on November 4th and we feel it truly reflects who we are. It’s full of sadness and anger, and for us music is the place where we can let go of those heavy emotions.
Bartek: The feedback has been great so far — maybe we just need more reach to attract a couple of complainers 😀 But honestly, after shows people tell us they can hear that we’re maturing musically and heading in the right direction.
How would you sum up the identity of Miejsce, które nazywam soba in only three words?
Marcel: Fire, emotion, sadness.
Bartek: My piece of the world.
Eryk Gaujard: Weight, melancholy, unveiling.
Asteriæ has only been alive for three years now. How does the creation process work within the band? Have you noticed any changes since the first release?
Bartek: The second album was definitely created more professionally and more maturely. We knew exactly what we wanted, and I think it shows. The writing process was similar, but the studio added its own flavour.
Asteriæ’s sound blends Post-Hardcore and Post-Metal under a blackened, melancholic veil. Which bands would you name as your main influences? How do you shape your own sound with time?
Bartek: Each of us listens to slightly different styles of Metal. Of course we share some genres and bands, but our personal “top bands” rarely overlap. That keeps us from locking ourselves into one subgenre — which is why it’s hard to neatly label us.
Marcel: We all have our influences, but mine are mainly Neurosis, Cult of Luna, Amenra and Oathbreaker. These bands inspired me to play the way I play.
What is your personal favourite song on Miejsce, które nazywam soba — or maybe the hardest one to achieve?
Marcel: The song that hits me the hardest emotionally is Ton, even if it’s not the catchiest one. If I had to pick the most “potentially popular” track, I’d say 1 – 4 – 8.
Bartek: I always rooted for the track that was originally called Pies — now Uwolnilem sie. Why that song? It’s a bit different — more punky, faster. A nice change of pace.
Where do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics? Is there a concept behind Miejsce, które nazywam sob??
Marcel: Any emotion — good or bad — is worth putting into music. Everyday experiences and struggles inspire us. Miejsce, które nazywam sob? (The place I call myself) says it all: these songs are “places” where we can vent, express frustration and purge heavy feelings. It’s very soothing.
Bartek: In music and in the emotions that surround us.
Do you feel you improved as musicians and songwriters on this new record?
Marcel: Absolutely. I hope it’s audible. I don’t consider myself a great guitarist — I play what I like and what I need. I don’t chase anything. For me, emotion is always the most important element of music.
Bartek: It’s hard for me to judge myself, but I often hear that we’ve made progress. I usually blame it on the production — because you can’t judge everything just from the recordings — but we’ve also had positive comments after gigs, so maybe it’s true. In the end: a few percent talent, the rest is hard work.
Miejsce, które nazywam sob? is an independent release. Was staying independent a conscious choice? Would you be open to working with a label? How is the collaboration with Filip Sarniak regarding press relations?
Marcel: We actually managed to join a label — DIY Kolo Records. Even though we have a label, we still want to remain independent. Piotrek helps us push everything into the world; he’s an integral part of this whole thing and we’re very grateful for his work. As for working with Filip — we’re glad we got him on board. “Independent” shouldn’t mean “overlooked”.
Eryk: The album was released under D.I.Y. Kolo Records — a Polish DIY label run by Piotr Zajac. We’re happy to be part of this family! The label brings together various underground bands from the Polish Hardcore/Punk/Metal scene.
Bartek: Yes, the album came out via DIY Kolo Records. As for big labels — hard to say. They can help, but they can also restrict you. And about Filip… I didn’t realise how much we needed him 🙂
I unfortunately never had the chance to see Asteriæ live. How do you experience a show from your perspective? Do you have any pre-show or post-show rituals?
Marcel: We try to give 100% while staying natural. I think shows are our strongest side — that’s where you can really see who we are.
Eryk: Our goal is simply to bring as much energy as possible. We don’t have any particular rituals — we just walk on stage with a strong mutual purpose: to deliver emotion and move the audience.
bartek: Our shows aren’t choreographed — no script, no routine. Every concert is a bit different. We’re always thinking about how to make it more impactful. For example, Marcel had the idea to scream part of Ton without a microphone. It really hits people — many say it touches them emotionally, especially when used as the final song.
From what I know, Asteriæ has mostly played shows in Poland. How were those experiences? Would you like to play more, including outside of Poland?
Marcel: Every concert is unique and equally important. Right now we’re in the middle of a 9-show tour, and we already have more planned for early next year. As for playing abroad — we’re working on it, and we hope it happens soon.
Bartek: I think we’ve already played around a dozen shows together. They were very different — no pattern at all. Sometimes we’d arrive and I’d think “okay, this will feel like a rehearsal”… and then it turned out I was totally wrong. We’re playing a few more this year, and I really hope next year brings some shows outside Poland.
What comes next for Asteriæ? Musically, live, or any other projects?
Marcel: We have ideas for the live aesthetics and for new sonic elements — we want to experiment a bit. We also have a few aces up our sleeve, but we can’t reveal them yet. I recommend keeping an eye on us — early 2026 might bring some interesting surprises.
bartek: I can’t reveal much yet, but I think our future sound will be fuller.
Have you heard of the French metal scene? Are there any French bands you like?
Bartek: Sure — Gojira, Alcest, Landmvrks, Betraying the Martyrs… and probably a few others. I don’t always check where bands are from.
Marcel: Birds in Row and Alcest. I actually know more French-language music than strictly French bands.
Eryk: Last year we played the Polish festival Summer Dying Loud, where we got to know some great French bands like Cavalerie, Necrowretch and Aluk Todolo. I’m French myself, so I know the scene from living there.
Are there any bands you’d love to play with? Create your dream poster with Asteriæ and three other bands — even unrealistic choices are allowed.
Marcel: If it were a dream lineup, we’d have to resurrect a few corpses — it would become quite a festival. The first bands that come to mind are Cult of Luna, Deafheaven, Amenra, Nirvana. From the Polish scene, I’d love to play with Dom Zly, Deszcz and once again, unfortunately disbanded – Hegemone.
Last and funny question: which dish would you compare Asteriæ’s music to?
Bartek: Probably pizza. I like pizza. Everyone can find something for themselves.
Marcel: Of course pizza — you can put anything on it and it’s always good. That’s the essence of Post-Metal!
Thank you very much for your time and your music. Last words are yours!
Marcel: I’m grateful that we can share a few words here. It means a lot that someone listens to what we do and relates to it. If our music helps even one person get through something in life, then I feel fulfilled.
Bartek: Thanks for the interview and the interest. If you made it to the end — hit play on the music player. Maybe we’ll meet again through the speakers.