Explore the sacred domains

Percival Schuttenbach is one of Poland’s most distinctive and influential folk metal acts, formed in 1999 in Lubin by the core duo of Mikołaj Rybacki and Katarzyna Bromirska. From the beginning, the band set itself apart through its deep engagement with Slavic mythology, pre‑Christian spirituality, and traditional instrumentation, blending these elements with progressive metal structures and a theatrical, narrative‑driven approach. Their name—taken from a gnome character in Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher saga—signals their long‑standing connection to Polish mythic culture, a connection that would later bring them international recognition through their contributions to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Witcher television series, and Asterigos: Curse of the Stars.

Percival Schuttenbach grew out of the acoustic folk project Percival, and the two entities have remained intertwined, sharing members and musical DNA. While Percival focuses on historically informed folk played exclusively on traditional instruments, Percival Schuttenbach expands this foundation into heavier, more experimental territory. Their sound incorporates hurdy‑gurdy, Byzantine lyre, sopilka, shawm, and a wide array of Slavic percussion, merging them with electric guitars, dynamic drumming, and progressive arrangements. This hybrid approach has earned them a reputation for authenticity, musical craftsmanship, and a uniquely Polish identity within the global folk metal scene.

The band’s early demos Moribuka (1999) and Tutmesz‑Tekal (2002) showcased a raw but ambitious vision, blending folk motifs with metal riffing and ritualistic atmospheres. Their first full‑length, Reakcja pogańska (2009), marked a major step forward, praised for its energetic fusion of Slavic melodies and modern metal. The EP Postrzyżyny (2012) and the acclaimed album Svantevit (2013) further refined their sound, with Svantevit often cited as one of the most important Polish folk metal releases of the decade for its powerful storytelling and richly layered instrumentation.

Mniejsze zło (2015) and the split Wild Hunt (2015) coincided with the band’s rising international profile thanks to their work on The Witcher 3, where their traditional folk recordings—performed under the Percival name—became central to the game’s sonic identity. This exposure introduced global audiences to their broader discography and live performances, which are known for their theatricality, historical costuming, and immersive atmosphere.

The full‑length Strzyga (2016) and Dzikie Pola (2018) continued their exploration of Slavic folklore, pagan rites, and regional storytelling, blending heavy, rhythmic metal passages with haunting folk melodies. These albums were praised for their maturity, strong vocal performances, and the band’s ability to balance modern metal energy with the archaic spirit of their folk roots.

Across decades of activity, the lineup has evolved, but the creative core of Rybacki and Bromirska has remained constant. Their contributions on guitars, saz, mandolin, cello, lyre, and vocals form the backbone of the band’s sound, supported by a rotating cast of skilled musicians from the Polish folk and metal scenes. Their collaborations—most famously the Równonoc project with producer Donatan—have further expanded their reach, blending folk with hip‑hop and electronic elements and achieving mainstream success in Poland.

Now more than twenty‑five years into their career, Percival Schuttenbach continues to perform, record, and evolve. Their 2025 release Ćwierć wieku muzyki celebrates a quarter‑century of artistic exploration, honoring their roots while reaffirming their place as one of Poland’s most important and enduring folk metal institutions.