Blindead 23 are a Polish band conjured from the ashes of Blindead, who it seems have gone their separate ways. Mateusz Smierzchalski (guitar) and Patryk Zwoliński (vocals) have regrouped however, and along with Roger Öjersson (ex-Katatonia: guitars, keys) and Pawal Jaroszewicz (Vitimas, ex-Vader, ex-Decapitated: drums), form the core of Blindead 23. They play some quite extreme metal at times, but have a post rock and prog sensibility, and their debut album, Deuterium, is a fascinating piece of work.
As heavy and uncompromising as they undoubtedly are, they incorporate eerie soundscapes, electronics and melodic elements in each composition, and Opeth and Katatonia are obvious reference points. Towards The Dark for instance has a noticeable Katatonia feel, and is quite experimental in its instrumentation and arrangement, and the heaviness is reigned in somewhat. Deuterium, the title track is also interesting with clear Opeth influences, from the gently strummed shimmering intro, to the downtuned distorted riff and alternating harsh and clean vocals. The dark brooding moments contrast well with the punishing malevolence when the band kick in.
The album begins with the lengthy two part Immersion, and makes up a major slice of the album. An atmospheric and ominous presence with treated piano notes is inevitably swept aside by the monumental chugging riff and vocals that sound as though they emanate from the bowels of the Earth. The main melody is sung clean, and again there is interplay between the two styles, but overall it is a beast of a track, with furious drums and bass, and brutal guitars.
Part two opens with some kind of electronic pulsing sounds, but again this is obliterated by another round of metallic thunder. Blindead 23 do this so well, it’s actually quite exhilarating if you can cope with the brutality. An intoning keyboard melody softens the onslaught, and soon a post rock instrumental section resolves into a tasteful guitar solo, mesmerising in its beauty. The main part of the track ends abruptly and the last three minutes or so consists of eerie echoing piano notes and a distant metallic slow hammering.
After the relentless bluster of Immersion, Wither comes as light relief. A short song, with restrained guitar and vocals, and not a riff or growl in sight! It’s rather pretty and shows the band have more than one string to their bow. Worst Laid Plans however bring us back to reality with a jolt. It is a sprawling piece which demonstrates their ambition. There is light and shade, bombast and melody as the track develops, and it’s an enthralling longer piece.
The final track on Deuterium is the rather unexpected You Are The Universe, which closes the album in enigmatic style. It’s jangly riff is repeated throughout, the vocals a melancholic mantra which is perversely rather uplifting. The guitars gradually slow to a crawl before the piece runs out of energy and stalls. It’s a hypnotic way to bring things down, and works well.
Fans of the original band who have followed their development might be surprised at how heavy and twisted much of Deuterium is, but repeated listens reveal a band growing and moving forwards without abandoning their roots, and they have created a collection of songs here which show how committed they are to their craft, and how varied but intense they can be. It’s not an album for the fainthearted, but it’s quite a ride, and worth a listen.
TRACK LISTING
01. Immersion I (7:59)
02. Immersion II (11:09)
03. Wither (3:50)
04. Worst Laid Plans (10:51)
05. Deuterium (6:48)
06. Towards The Dark (6:56)
07. You Are The Universe (6:29)
Total Time – 53:41
MUSICIANS
Patryk Zwoliński – Vocals
Mateusz Smierzchalski – Guitar, Synths, Piano, Soundscapes
Roger Öjersson – Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Pawal Jaroszewicz – Drums
~ With:
Maciej Janas – Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals
Vinicius Nunes – Bass
Stephane Azam – Synths
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Peaceville
Country of Origin: Poland
Date of Release: 22nd May 2026
LINKS
Blindead 23 – Website (Peaceville) | Facebook | Bandcamp (Peaceville) | Instagram
