The Polish band Banisher recently released their new album, which is primarily aimed at death metal fans who prefer more unconventional and experimental approaches within the genre. Hubert Wiecek, the band's main driving force, answered my questions. Now set off on a dark and thrilling journey to the strangest places, where dreams turn into nightmares.
Hello Hubert! First of all, congratulations on the release of Banisher's fifth album, "Metamorphosis". It took roughly six years to complete, but it's finally here. How do you personally feel about the album's release, and what kind of feedback have you received so far?
Hey Kornel! It's really great to speak to you after so many years! I am super stoked that "Metamorphosis" is finally out! It took us a while, but there was a lot of things happening during those years. The feedback is slowly getting to us, I am having some interviews, radio appearances, we are also working on a few videos and slowly preparing for the shows for the second half of the year.
What do you think is the main difference between the new album and the previous one, "Degrees of Isolation" (2020)? I mean, musically and lyrically, what was the main focus this time? How would you describe the songs and musical direction of the new album to our readers?
I feel that the new album is even more bold and experimental compared to "Degrees". I was trying to make this album diverse in a way, that every song is a surprise, but it still has the common denominator which is the Banisher's style that we've developed over the two decades. The main subject of the lyrics are dreams, nightmares and oneiric topics, that we are continuing since our 3rd record.
Where did you record the eight songs on the new album? Tell us more about the recording process. What was it like working with Tomasz "Zed" Zalewski? This time, you brought in two great drummers for the recording. Why did you decide to do that?
The drums were recorded in three different studios by two drummers – Eugene Ryabchenko (Fleshgod Apocalypse) and Michal Lysejko (Dieth, Decapitated). The reason for this is simple – in late 2023 Eugene was too busy to work on the new songs and had to step back from the band, and we had to continue. Michal, who is my good friend since my Decapitated era and currently also a bandmate in Dieth helped me out with the recordings. That's it. The rest of the instruments and the vocals were recorded in home studios, Zed was mixing the whole album. We are living in great times with amazing possibilities of recording music.
The cover art was created by Michal "Xaay" Loranc. Could you explain its symbolic meaning and, of course, how this fantastic work of art relates to the lyrics?
It all started with the singles that we were releasing since 2023. I wanted that every single would have its own story and a custom graphic. We've continued this idea, and on the "Metamorphosis" booklet, besides the main cover artwork, every song has its own story and graphic as well. The main artwork is an idea that connects everything into one piece. And the title itself has a few symbolical meanings – the journey that people are taking during their life, how does it change them and what they are becoming after the years.
Mateusz Lajczak made a lyric video for the album's opening track, "Manifest of Justice". It turned out really well, but are you planning to make a full band video as well? If so, which song would you choose?
At the end of February, we released a second video to the song "Daymare", which technically contains us playing. We are also planning one more video with full band and a few guitar playthroughs. I'd like to mention, that our 3 recent videos – "Demons", "Born to Die" and "Aftermath" were released step by step as singles, and those songs are on the new record.
I noticed that you have a different lineup for concerts. Why is that? Can we even talk about a stable lineup in the case of Banisher? So who do you consider to be the current core members of the band?
We decided, that except the core member line-up, which at the moment is me and Piotr, we have to have a second live line-up, in order to be playing live shows. This was the only way. But I have great people, who we are playing now, that we already tested during November 2025 tour and we are smashing it.
Speaking of live performances, where will you be conquering the stage next? Are you planning a big tour to promote the new album?
The tour that was supposed to promote the album happened in November 2025 – that was the initial release date of the album, but it got delayed till end of January 2026. So now we have to reinforce and hit again in the upcoming months. It takes time to book a tour, but were on it.
Like the previous one, the new album was released on CD by Selfmadegod Records. Are there any plans to release it in other formats, such as vinyl or cassette? By the way, what kind of contract did you sign with Selfmadegod Records?
Yes, for the first time in the history of the band we will have a vinyl release, which is planned for May 2026. The contract with Selfmadegod is just a continuation of our contract – we decided to release another record.
Tell us a little about your sponsors, especially Ibanez! How many guitars do you currently have from them? Which one is your favorite and why? What tuning and respectively brand/gauge of strings do you use in Banisher?
Well, I am Ibanez endorser since 2014. Atm I think I have like 14 guitars and 3 basses. My favorite model to play is definitely Xiphos – super comfortable and looks amazing. I have guitars in many tunings. My main tuning was always 7-string B standard. I also use 7-string drop A or double drop to G. When it goes to 6-string guitars, I like C# standard and a regular E standard. I also have one guitar tuned in 5ths, and this is my recent fav tuning. Strings are always Ernie Ball – 9-46 for E standard + 58/62/68, depending on the tuning (B/A/G). For C# I use 10-56.
Well, that's all I wanted to ask. The final thoughts on metamorphosis are all yours.
Thanks so much, it was a pleasure to make this interview! To all the fans and readers – if you want to find an eclectic death metal band, which surprises you with fresh approach and unconventional musical ideas – this one is for you! And we will see you at the gigs later this year! Cheers!
