Interview with XIFICURK
!!!BLACK METAL FROM POLAND!!!
We had a conversation with Temira. Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about XIFICURK (Members, Starting Year etc).
XificurK was forged on the 13th of October, 2019 — born out of a deep discontent with what many so-called black metal bands have become. The core of the band is myself and Sitre. Together we compose, write, and shape the essence of this entity. We are joined by session musicians who carry our vision onto the stage and into the recordings: Marek Barchański on guitar, Rubin on bass, and Huzik on drums.We play what we call Black Metal in its truest, darkest sense — but not the kind that comfortably loops in worn clichés. Our goal is to maintain a high level of darkness and atmosphere, while embracing experimentation. There’s no place here for stagnation or safe formulas. If it doesn't bleed, burn, or haunt — it doesn't belong.
You have recently released your album ''1096''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
The reception has gone far beyond what we expected — though, to be honest, our expectations were never sky-high. We believe in our own music, but first and foremost, we create it for ourselves, to satisfy our own hunger. Still, it’s a powerful thing to hear from both fans and critics that 1096 is, if not the album of the year, then at least among the strongest offerings so far. That kind of response inevitably pushed us to expand the merch and press more copies — not for hype, but because it feels like there are people out there who genuinely want to carry this music with them. And that’s worth feeding.
The cover artwork has a killer atmosphere! Tell us a few things about it.
The artwork was created by the incredible Maciej Kamuda. The album is titled 1096, referencing the beginning of the First Crusade. We continued the concept from our previous EP — portraying alternative crusaders, the army of Satan, marching under inverted crosses, this time heading into battle against Islam. Kamuda captured that vision flawlessly — the engraving-style visual, the blasphemous symbolism, the chaos and militant aura — all perfectly reflect the spirit of the music within.
And what about the lyrics?
As I mentioned earlier, this time the lyrical themes revolve around anti-Islamic imagery — while previously we focused on anti-Christian content. For me, this is a natural evolution of Black Metal, a continued emphasis on anti-religiosity. That said, I want to make it clear that we hold no personal animosity toward any religion — I have many friends from Pakistan from the time I lived in London. Two of the tracks, Into Eternal Suffering and Blackthirst (Like Rivers of Hate), feature lyrics written by my friend Svartalv — former member of Gehenna, ex-Satyricon, Nocturnal Breed, and lyricist for 1349. His contribution gave those songs the perfect True Norwegian Black Metal touch.
How did your cooperation with Mara Production occur? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
I've known Marcin for years — besides music, I also work with visualizations and video art, and Mara has been one of my long-term partners. He saw the potential in what we were doing and offered support without trying to twist our vision — and that's crucial. As for label vs DIY: both have their strengths. We've done a lot on our own and still do — from visual aesthetics to video and promotion. But working with a label like Mara, that understands the underground and respects artistic independence, is a valuable extension rather than a limitation. Marcin also covered a big part of the production costs, which allowed us to focus our own resources elsewhere. It’s also worth mentioning that the merch released by Mara Production is among the best — if not the best — in Poland, and honestly, maybe in Europe. I regularly order records, shirts, or hoodies from various countries, and most of the time they don’t come close to the quality Mara delivers. So the answer is: label — but only the right one. Otherwise, better to burn alone than walk among sheep.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
Everything we record is done entirely at home by ourselves, so there’s not much room for funny stories in the studio — just isolation, intensity, and discipline. The only thing that ever gets a laugh is hearing people try to chant our name live — which can be a bit of a tongue-twister. And that’s exactly how it should be. So far, it’s only been shouted correctly twice... We’ll keep count.
Recently you have released on your YouTube Channel your new official music video "Niech Cię Szlag". Tell us about this experience of making a video clip.
What can I say — the anti-Islam black metal vision behind “Niech Cię Szlag” instantly summoned the image of a desert ritual. Harsh winds were tearing through the landscape the entire shoot, which only enhanced the atmosphere. I also handled the post-production myself — as you can see, I like to keep full control over every aspect, from concept to the final frame. It’s not just music — it’s total expression.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Of course, vinyl is my format of choice — I’m a devoted collector, slowly pushing past the 150 mark, and that number will only keep growing. Tapes have their charm too, and I understand the appeal — there’s a certain vintage spirit to them. But CDs? They hold the least value for me. No nostalgia, no proper space for artwork, and honestly, I don’t even own a player. So the answer is simple: digital when I’m outside, but at home — it’s vinyl or nothing.
Your music style is Black Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Musically, I draw a lot of inspiration from the '90s era — especially from bands that weren’t afraid to experiment. Early Satyricon, Gehenna, Ulver, and Windir are at the core of my creative DNA. With Deadman Walking, we crafted a sort of tribute to Windir — the title isn’t just a reference to a condemned soul but also to Valfar, who met a tragic fate in the mountains. That said, I also feed off the atmosphere of the current scene — which might not be immediately obvious just from listening. I’m deeply fascinated by the Trondheim scene: bands like Mare, Misotheist and Whoredom Rife, but also Djevel from Oslo — all of them channel that raw, arcane spirit that keeps the genre truly black.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
I wouldn’t say you have to sacrifice anything — that word has a sort of negative undertone. But in black metal, you must give yourself fully. If you don’t, the music will reek of artifice — it’ll be plastic, hollow… worthless. Have I sacrificed anything for XificurK? Not really — I’ve been devoted to this path since the beginning, and I do it with pleasure. It’s not a burden, it’s who I am. So no, you don’t need to sacrifice — you just need to be. To feel the unity with black metal. Or else you’re just another shadow pretending to burn.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
The ideal show? That’s when I walk off stage and, at least to some degree, I feel content with what we’ve done. And yes, that has happened — more than once, in fact. But I always try to remain somewhat dissatisfied. I look for cracks, flaws, places to push harder, go deeper. That mindset fuels progress. So while some might say we’ve already played a few “perfect” shows… for me, the ideal has yet to come — and, truthfully, it never will. Because once you believe you've reached perfection, you’ve stopped moving forward. And in black metal, stagnation is a slow death.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
Naturally, I’m completely against it. It’s the stripping of soul from music — plain and simple. Black Metal, or any true form of art, demands a human presence, a spirit behind the sound. AI can replicate patterns, sure, but it will never channel anguish, fury, conviction — it will never bleed. Music made by machines is a hollow echo. Let it rot in the void it came from.
What attributes do you think that a new Black Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
First and foremost — don’t force originality. Black Metal has always carried a certain element of pastiche. Even the greats openly speak of their influences — and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is honesty. If your music is born from something real, even your inspirations will feel authentic, and through that, your own voice will eventually emerge. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel — just make sure the wheel is soaked in blood and forged in conviction.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Everyone has their own path. I believe skillful use of digital platforms can definitely help new bands, but the ease of access also floods the scene with a lot of noise—trash that somehow gets noticed too. So it’s a double-edged sword. I don’t have a favorite platform; I just use whatever’s available. Because if you have something to say, shouting into an empty cellar wall won’t do much good—better to use every tool you can to reach people.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black Metal band to avoid or what to do?
The most important thing new black metal bands need to know—at least here in Poland—is that there’s no such thing as connections that do the work for you. It might seem like someone’s got a foot in the door somewhere, but in the end, no matter how many people you know or get along with, you still have to fight tooth and nail to pull everything off on your own.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Poland (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Poland’s new underground metal scene is thriving with many outstanding bands worth discovering. I truly believe we don’t lag behind global scenes like Norway or Finland. I don’t read many fanzines myself, but I see they manage well. I’m actually a graphic artist for Shades of Darkness Magazine, which has grown beyond a simple fanzine into a near-professional publication available in stores. Overall, our black metal scene—especially the underground— is extremely strong, packed with bands that in a few years will undoubtedly be recognized as total kvlt legends.
What does Black Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
Black Metal means everything to me — it’s something I live in, listen to, speak, and breathe. Here are 10 albums running deep in my veins (order is random):
Mare – Ebony Tower
Misotheist – Vessels by Which the Devil Is Made Flesh
Djevel – Naa skrider natten sort
Djevel – Natt til ende
Djevel – Tanker som rir natten
Whoredom Rife – Winds of Wrath
Enevelde – En gildere død
Ulver – Bergtatt – Et eeventyr i 5 capitler
Windir – 1184
Satyricon – Dark Medieval Times
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Of course I know the Hellenic Metal Scene — bands like Varathron, Thou Art Lord, and Necromantia are on my radar. And of course, Rotting Christ! Sakis is a very good friend of mine; whenever I have time in Poland, I always get guest list access thanks to him, for which I’m really grateful. He’s a truly awesome and kind person, just like Themis.
What are your future plans?
The next album is already underway with some tracks recorded. We keep pushing forward even when the wind blows against us.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Hail Shayitan!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
XIFICURK CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/Xificurk.Official
https://www.instagram.com/xificurk_official/
https://xificurk.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SuGXHDSouhNDwrzoSBk4N