Vader

Poland is not normally a place where one thinks of when one thinks of death metal but Vader is one of the few of said acts to emerge internationally. Under the original line-up of Peter (Real Name: Piotr Paweł Wiwczarek; guitar/vocals), Jackie (Real Name: Jacek Kalisz; bass) and Doc (Real Name: Krzysztof Raczkowski; ex-Moon; drums; R.I.P. 2005) they started off as a speed metal band and started achieving popularity in the Polish metal scene after the first Metalmania edition show in 1986. Soon after, China (Real Name: Jarosław Łabieniec; guitar) would join and they would release two demos in the form of Necrolust (1989) and Morbid Reign (1990) before releasing their their debut death metal proper, The Ultimate Incatation, on death metal's popular 'Earache' label in 1993; the 1990 demo release later becoming the best selling demo in death metal history. Few may remember that Vader were the first band ever from behind the former 'Iron Curtain' to sign to a Western label. Vader introduced themselves to the Western world by undertaking a forty-date European tour with label mates Bolt Thrower and Swedish deathsters Grave. Another, thirty-plus date tour with Deicide, Suffocation, and Dismember invaded American continent in May and June of the same year.

Now building a cult following, Shambo would replace Jackie on bass and they would add Mauser on guitar for their next effort, Sothis (1994). Their Darkest Age - Live '93 would follow as a live set in 1994 now on the 'Baron' label due to 'communication breakdowns' with their label led to the termination of the contract with 'Earache'; one of many indie label jumps Vader would make over their career. Producing much in the style of the standard death metal fare, Peter, China and Doc continued undaunted with De Profundis in 1995 with Shambo (Real Name: Leszek Rakowski) now on bass. Their 1996 Future of the Past, with only the three founding members, was not much more than a cleverly titled cover album featuring other acts stuff redone in Vader's gory style.

1997 would see the arrival of the compilation Reborn in Chaos, before Black to the Blind (1997) saw Mauser return to step in to replace China and the band now on the German label 'System Shock/Impact Records'. Shambo would also be back. This line-up would remain through the Kingdom (1998) EP and Live in Japan (1998; another live effort). Litany (2000) saw the band move to 'Metal Blade' and Saimon (Real Name: Konrad Karchut) assume bass. Vader was no longer a mere curiosity from a former communist country and became one of the leading European death metal bands.

Reign Forever World EP (2001), Revelations (2001), More Visions And The Voice (2002), as well as the Blood and Blood+Reign Forever World (double) mini sets in 2003 would arrive before Novy (Real Name: Marcin Nowak; ex-Behemoth (Poland)/ex-Dies Irae) took over bass duties from the departing Simon.

In 2004 the band would release their newest studio album The Beast and an extensive promotional campaign including over 170 gigs. The recording session of the band's new album was to June of that year due to an unfortunate accident for Doc, replaced by Daray (from Polish band Vesania) and them signing to 'Empire Records'. The Art of War EP (2005), Impressions in Blood (2006) and Lead Us!!! EP (2008) followed.

With The Upcoming Chaos (2008). The band membership ranks would not last, for the release of Necropolis (2009) saw only Peter (vocals/guitars/bass/songwriting/lyrics) and new comer Paul (Real Name: Paweł Jaroszewicz; drums) remain.

Spider (Real Name: Marek Paj�...k) would work guitars and bass, while receiving son (2011)gwriting credits on selected tracks for Welcome to the Morbid Reich. The ranks would swell again for Tibi et Igni (2014), Future of the Past II - Hell in the East (2015), Iron Times EP (2016), The Empire (2016), Dark Age (2017) and Thy Messenger EP (2019). During this period the compilations Geneza Chaosu MCMLXXXIII - MCMXC (2015), Live in Necro Reich (2015) and Litany/Future of the Past (2017), as well as the live set Before the Age of Chaos - Live 2015 (2015) would be released.

The next studio recordings would arrive in the form of Iron Times EP (2016) and The Empire (2016). After the Litany/Future of the Past compilation (2017), the full length Dark Age (2017) and Thy Messenger EP (2019) followed. Several live sets and compilations followed Solitude in Madness (2020).