Protokult

An ever-evolving band, PROTOKULT is now better than ever.
Starting as the trio of Martin (guitars, vocals), Mike (drums) and Dawid (bass), the band developed itself through numerous changes in sound and line-up. The addition of Gregor (keys) came when new, more mature interests in history, paganism and folklore took hold — followed by the unleashing of their debut album, Ancestral Anthems.
With the first two pressings selling out in months, the group took things to the next level. Ekaterina (vocals, traditional instruments) and Vodnik (guitar) both joined in 2010, giving PROTOKULT the visionary, unique folk-metal sound it has today. Although PROTOKULT is a Canadian-based group, the members come from various backgrounds (Polish, Irish, Russian, Czech) and the result is a marvellous mix of Canadian and international forces. The goal is to unite these cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash and black metal for head-bangers everywhere.
With a beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal onslaught, whether they are reinventing the wheel or carrying down the torch high, PROTOKULT has an exhilarating, fresh sound for the 21st century.
From the studio to the stage, PROTOKULT puts on a live show that can be best described as engaging, energetic and, in essence, a live ritual — ‘A must-see act’, according to the Emergenza festival.
Over the past few years, PROTOKULT has graced the stage with ARKONA, TURISAS, ALESTORM, BLACKGUARD (formerly Profugus Mortis) and WILL OF THE ANCIENTS to name a few.
The 2011 EP, Marzena featured the six-piece line-up at its prime at the time, with energetic compositions that sweep you up from the first note and carry you right to the last. Following the release, the group played constantly across central-eastern Ontario, further establishing its name.
During a brief hiatus and writing period, the group underwent another loss, with keyboardist Gregor Darwin going off to Harvard for Celtic Studies. After a few personal struggles, in mid-2013, the members focused intensively on hammering out new material, and what could have been another demo/EP (consisting of 4 tracks previously recorded in 2012) had turned into plans for a full-length album. Clocking in at well over an hour, NO BEER IN HEAVEN, captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of entirely new compositions, and straps the listener on an adventurous, heavy and experimental trek, diving into themes of drinking, history and human endeavor.
No Beer in Heaven was recorded at Spectre Sound Studios (Bloodshoteye feat. Randy of Lamb of God; and Woods of Ypres, one of the BWBK Top 30 Canadian albums).
PROTOKULT seeks international distribution, live support and promotion to help spread their music.