Lost Soul (3)

LOST SOUL, one of the most extreme Polish bands, was founded in 1991. The initial line-up comprised Jacek Grecki (g, voc), Adam Sierżęga (dr) and Tomasz Fornalski (bg). The three shared interest in creating uncompromised music in their own style - they call it "Cruel Death Art" - the combination of brutality, supreme musicianship and melody. It is the perfect balance between these three elements that distinguishes the band from other genre contenders. LOST SOUL recorded their first demo tape in 1993. Comprising five compositions, "Eternal Darkness" met with the approval of underground press and fans alike, making LOST SOUL a promising runner-up with great creative potential. The tape was followed-up with the second "Superior Ignotum," which was recorded in the Czech Fors Studios in 1994. Compared to the debut tape, the new material was noticeably faster, richer and heavier. In general, "Superior Ignotum" was one of more original Polish death metal recordings of the period. The following year marks the contract with Baron Records and the re-recording of "Superior Ignotum" with two bonuses tracks from the 1st demo. The next logical step would have been the debut album proper, but due to the musical differences LOST SOUL ceased activities while individual members pursued their careers in such projects as HOLLOW, ASKALON, SHEMHAMFORASH. 1997 opens a new chapter in the history LOST SOUL, which, after a two-year absence, returns to the scene with the old line-up extended with the second guitarist Piotr Ostrowski. As a quartet, LOST SOUL begins work on the new tracks, which are later laid to tape in Olsztyn's Selani Studios in February 1998. The "...Now is Forever..." cassette is a good indication of the band's new style miles away from the older productions. Masterful musicianship, incredible speed and powerful sound combined with unique atmosphere - this is what LOST SOUL is now about! At this point Tomasz Fornalski is replaced with Krzysztof Artur Zagórowicz, the ex-NECROLATRY bassist, and the band resume live appearances. Within a short period of time they manage to play along DYING FETUS, DERANGED, VADER, MONSTROSITY and KATAKLYSM. They also leave Poland for the first time, playing a number of Czech dates, including the Obscene Extreme Fest and the Silesian Open Air as well as a few concerts in Slovakia. The "...Now is Forever..." is re-released as part of Novum Vox Mortis' "Disco's Out, Slaughter's In" and Relapse's "Polish Assault" compilations. The full-length debut finally comes in 2000 in the form of "Scream of the Mourning Star" released through Relapse in the world and Metal Mind in Poland. 10 prime cuts comprising the album make LOST SOUL one of the strongest hope of the Polish scene - a position certainly reflected in the annual Top 2000 charts. In May 2002 the band signs a three-album deal with Empire Records; "Ubermensch (Death of God)" is the first result of the contract. Recorded in Wroclaw's Tower Studio with Arek Malczewski (BEHEMOTH, DEVILYN), "Ubermensch" came out in Poland last August. It is on its strength that the band signed a contract with the French Osmose Productions a month later. After Thrash'em All Festival 2002 a bassist Krzysztof Artur Zagórowicz due to personal reasons decided to leave LOST SOUL. He has been replaced by Paweł Michałowski. Current members Adam Sierzega 1991- Drums Pawel Michalowski 2002- Bass Piotr Ostrowski 1997- Guitars Jacek Grecki 1991- Guitars, vocals Former members Krzysztof Artur 1997-2002 Bass Tomasz Fornalski 1991-1994 Bass