VADER
From breaking barriers as the first death metal band behind the Iron Curtain to secure an international record deal in the early ’90s to sharing the stage with Slayer and Metallica in front of tens of thousands of fans years later, Vader have cemented their status as true road warriors over the past 40 years. With 12 albums under their belt, they continue to deliver high-quality music, staying relevant to both longtime devotees and new generations.
Formed in Olsztyn in 1983 and named after Star Wars’ infamous dark lord, Vader went through numerous lineup changes with founding vocalist/guitarist Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek remaining its driving force since day one. Originally rooted in heavy/speed metal, influences from Slayer, Kreator or Dark Angel made Vader grow into something far more brutal. After years of shows in Eastern Europe and various demos – like the legendary “Morbid Reich” – they signed with Earache Records releasing “The Ultimate Incantation” (1992) as the band’s international debut.
After their departure from Earache, Vader’s sound evolved dramatically, resulting in classic albums such as “De Profundis”, “Black to the Blind”, and “Litany”. In 2009, Vader joined Nuclear Blast where they’ve released five albums to date.
Now, in 2025, Vader proves to be as ferocious and unyielding as ever on its new EP, “Humanihility”, which will be presented live on the “March of the Unbending” tour and the upcoming “Summer Rampage” festival run.