Kryvoda is a Polish death metal band notable for its unique combination of heavy death metal sounds with traditional Slavic instruments, such as the sopilka (a brass instrument from Ukraine), tagelharpa (an old Scandinavian lyre), hoopla (a percussion instrument) and bagpipes. As a result, their music creates a mystical, epic atmosphere, inspired by ancient beliefs and Old Russian literature, especially from the Kyiv Rus period.
Kryvoda band’s music combines the brutality of death metal with ethnic and folk elements, drawing inspiration from Slavic mythology and the history of the early Slavs. Their lyrics often refer to ancient beliefs, mystical tales and cultural archetypes, creating an atmosphere bordering on legends and dark fairy tales.
