Doomed Confessionary: Michał, Jakub, Marcin & Bartłomiej (Diatom)
Photos by Kobaru
Diatom is a four-piece alternative/post-rock band from Gdansk, Poland. Formed in 2018, Diatom consists of Michał Kulniew on vocals, Jakub Kolan on guitar, Marcin Szkiel on bass and Bartłomiej Sokołowski on drums.
Four years after their debut »Sól«, the band returned with »Low Light« in March 2026. It is a melancholic, poetic record covering various themes, such as lost love, fanaticism, sacrifice, and the vision of the end of the world.
»Low Light« marks a departure from previous progressive structures toward compositions that blend rock melody with elements of metal. On »Low Light« extensive instrumental arrangements contrast with high-density sonic sections, creating space for various forms of expression. Diatom’s new music entirely was created in full creative freedom, allowing the group to develop the most complex tracks in their discography to date.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Hi, we’re Diatom from Poland. We play a broad mix of rock and metal so you can hear many influences in our music like classical music, anthemic rock, doom metal or black metal. We play it our way – we don’t follow trends or other artists.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge for us is reinventing ourselves musically on every studio release. There’s unwritten rule that our every record must be different but it still should sound like Diatom: sad and nihilistic, elegant yet rebellious.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re proud to still make music as good friends after playiung together for over 8 years. Also we’re proud that the listeners are willing to spend their hard-earned money on our recordings. We appreciate it a lot!
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets. It is how it is and we accept that. You can always get a better contract, a better show but it’s the road to nowhere. You have to balance your ambitions which can be the source of disappointment.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We think it was Ostrów Rock Festiwal where we supported Katatonia and Soen, a big deal for us.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
There is nothing that could surprise us after playing many years in various bands. As the time goes by we’re just trying to adapt.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
It’s some jazzy stuff like Kurt Rosenwinkel, Aka Moon from Italy or Bernt Moen Trio. Metal classics like Morbid Angel or Suffocation will never get old or be forgotten. And there are various artists like Kayo Dot, Faith No More, Leprous, Dødheimsgard, Depeche Mode, Voivod…
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Accept other people for who they are and accept your limitations. That way your (musical) life will be more peaceful.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Symphonic metal featuring female vocalists. Although, to be honest older Amberian Dawn, After Forever or Epica have released some really good albums.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Gdansk?
There are some great bands in our area (Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia).
For instance Tersha is a powerful thrash metal band on pair with likes of Overkill. Ropień is really interesting and original band playing mix of metal, punk and new wave style. We encourage you to check out their recordings. There was also Mould – excellent post black doom metal.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We don’t have any tour details yet.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We have already started composing new songs for our third album. Expect yet another side of Diatom.
How can people best support your band?
Buy our our merch (vinyls, CDs, t-shirts) and attend our live shows. This way you will help us grow our media presence and provide us a big boost to work even harder on our music.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Listen to Diatom’s new album »Low Light«. It’s cinematic, intense, heavy and emotional. Maybe it may change your life a bit. Thank you for supportings us and big thanx to Doom Nation for having us here.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well