Doomed Confessionary: Kamila, Łukasz, Krzysztof, Huwer & Maciej (Źrenice)
Photo credits: Grzegorz Makarski
Źrenice is an alternative rock/post-metal band from Poland. Formed in June 2022, the band’s lineup consists of Kamila Kuś (vocals), Maciej Ciupa (drums), Łukasz Hawryluk (rhythm guitar), Hubert “Huwer” Pomykała (bass) and Krzysztof K. Pomykała (lead guitar).
Źrenice is a new project formed by musicians from various backgrounds, debuting on the scene. Their music is a result of a multi-genre fusion: alt and post-rock, post-metal, black and sludge, as well as stoner and folk. The common denominator of their tracks is a fairytale atmosphere that also permeates the lyrics.
The band released their debut album »Śnienie« on March 18th, 2026 through Via Nocturna. Its primary unifying motif is the symbolism of the forest, which remains prominent without imposing a rigid concept. This sonic journey offers the audience complete freedom to interpret their surroundings – the forest serves merely as a starting point for »Śnienie«, from which one must eventually awaken.
The lyrical layer of the album, despite references to a fairy-tale aesthetic, focuses primarily on the human experience and interpersonal relationships.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Kamila: We’re a band made up of people who probably wouldn’t stay sane without making music. We move somewhere between alternative, post-rock and heavier, darker sounds, but it’s never really about genre for us. Making music and performing is something that keeps us human, brings us back to life, gives things meaning, and a bit of courage too. When we play, we step into a space where everything feels simpler, even if it goes deeper at the same time.
We met in what seemed like random circumstances, but it doesn’t really feel accidental now. I think you can hear that in our music and maybe take a piece of it for yourself.
Łukasz: We are a bunch of long-time friends who have been through a lot of ups and downs in life, but managed to stay together. Each of us is bit different, and our musical worlds don’t always align perfectly, but we take advantage of that in order to create something fresh and interesting. Something that we would like to listen to, regardless of genres and categories.
Krzysztof: We’re a funny bunch! 🙂 A bit of history: Hubert, Łukasz, Maciej and I were involved in another musical project before. After one gig in 2022 we decided to put that band to rest and start something new. We worked on our material and started searching for the right person to take on vocal duties. In 2024 we met Kamila and that was exactly what we needed. We recorded »Śnienie« over the course of about 6-7 days in total and then began thinking about releasing it. During the summer of 2025 we adopted the name Źrenice (it means ‘eye pupils’ in English) and here we are 🙂 Our album was released in March 2026 by Via Nocturna label. Musically, we try to explore the space between the inner and outer worlds, where emotion, perception, dreams and sound intersect. Our music balances between light and darkness, drawing from different genres and often utilizing contrast. Within our work, you can find both dreamy melodies and brutal blast beats. With our album »Śnienie«, we focus on introspection, self-discovery, and the boundary between reality and illusion.
Maciej: Few words wouldn’t be enough 😀
Huwer: When we started playing with Krzysztof, we set only a few rules. First of all, we wanted to create songs in our native language. Secondly, we decided not to follow trends or genres. In other bands, I often struggled with a lack of creative freedom with regard to things that I wanted to explore. In Źrenice, every member can express what feels right for the song. The arrangements are crucial, so we spend a lot of time tweaking instrumental and vocal parts until they become complete pieces.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Krzysztof: I would say our biggest challenge is logistics, we live quite far apart from each other, so we need to carefully plan all our activities and rehearsals.
Łukasz: Definitely logistics, and also working together as five different personalities. There is tension sometimes, but it’s what keeps us going in the long run.
Maciej: Our biggest challenge was finding a charismatic voice and a truly talented person like Kamila.
Huwer: Letting go of our past as troubled individuals and starting to heal together as one loving family.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Kamila: We’re proud of every small step forward and every little achievement along the way. Personally, I’m especially proud of the work, consistency, and commitment we all bring to this project. Not as something casual or just to pass some time, but as something that truly matters to us.
Krzysztof: I’m proud that we never gave up despite all the obstacles, and that we have created something that feels genuine to us. We have put a lot of time, effort, and dedication into this band, and I’m happy to see it bear fruit. I’m also very grateful for the opportunity to create and play music with such wonderful people as my bandmates.
Łukasz: This band is my debut as a full-time guitarist, so I guess my proudest moment was completing the recording session without much difficulty. Some of the guitar parts were quite challenging, because I don’t know other guitarist who plays like Krzysztof does, but I managed to keep up.
Huwer: I’m really proud of my bandmates. Watching them evolving, changing perspectives, learning the wisdom about life and art in general… that’s just beautiful, and that’s something that no one can take away from me.
What was your biggest regret?
Krzysztof: I would say we don’t really think in terms of regret. Every mistake or decision, even the difficult ones, helped us to learn, shaped who and where we are now and we accept it.
Łukasz: We missed our target here and there, made a few mistakes along the way, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed in the long run. It’s a part of being an active musician. I see these things as opportunities to learn and improve.
Maciej: No regrets!
Huwer: My life was full of regrets a few years ago. I had to move forward to become a better person, and I think I achieved that. But don’t worry, I’m not stopping there. I want to be a better human tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. And I’ll repeat this cycle till I die.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Kamila: Our best tour so far was Splot Światów with Czarny Bez and UKĆ.
As for the best concert, I think each of us would name a different one. For me, the most memorable was the one at Chatka Żaka in Lublin. It wasn’t part of the Splot Światów tour. It was actually our second ever gig.
Even though we were all very stressed (it was broadcast live on the radio), and made a few mistakes, there was something really special about it. The audience was there only for us, very focused, present and the atmosphere felt almost elevated. The stage was also big enough for us to feel free in our stage expression, without holding back.
Krzysztof: My best concert memory is probably our very first show. A debut performance is always a significant moment in a band’s life, often accompanied by a lot of stress. But thanks to the amazing audience and their reactions, it turned out to be a truly special and unforgettable experience for us.
We also had a fantastic time during the tour with UKĆ and Czarny Bez, whom we send our best regards to – they are not only great musicians and bands, but also genuinely kind people. Thanks to them, it was an incredibly enjoyable and memorable time.
Łukasz: Definitely “Splot Światów” tour as a whole experience. Bunch of friendly people on stage together and warm reception from the audience – what else do you need?
Maciej: Our second show on the “Splot Światów” tour, at Klub Grafitti in Lublin. It was our fourth gig overall and our second time playing that club. This time I finally remembered to turn on my camera and record the show 😀 I’m also happy that I managed to deliver a solid performance for my people.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Kamila: I didn’t have much of expectations with regard to the music scene as a whole, so I can’t say much. However, I can say a bit about performing live – what surprised me the most is that, despite how challenging it is to be on stage and emotionally exposed in front of people while performing, there is no better feeling in the world for me, but at the same time, nothing drains me as much energetically.
Krzysztof: That Neurosis came back 🙂
Łukasz: If you’re asking about recent events – definitely Neurosis coming back. If we’re talking about things of the past, it’s definitely the number of still unrecognized 90’s/early 00’s alternative rock bands who left some decent records. It’s probably endless.
Huwer: Lately, I’m in love with the new Neurosis record. The music of these guys kept me sane at my darkest. I would also like to mention Kaz Bałagane, a famous Polish rapper from Warsaw. Maybe it will sound kinda funny, but the truth is that his records lit something in my soul a few years ago. The fire is still burning.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Kamila: Lately, I either listen to music that gives me strong emotional experiences, insights and moments of deep feeling or I don’t listen at all. I’ve also become quite impatient when it comes to searching for new music, and it’s been hard to find something that truly shakes me and pulls me into the depths, so I often come back to a few artists like DakhaBrakha, Emma Ruth Rundle, Wardruna, Amenra or Moriah Woods. I’m open to recommendations.
Krzysztof: I am a huge music nerd, I don’t care about genres but I tend to gravitate to music with certain atmosphere and emotions. Currently heavy in my musical rotation: »Camgirl« by Crippling Alcoholism, »Floating Into The Night« by Julee Cruise (these Twin Peaks vibes yay), »Swordfishtrombones« by Tom Waits (I just love Tom Waits), »Nie dotyczy mieszkańców« by Ostatnia Klatka (brilliant Polish coldwave, check it out!) and »The Complete Works« by Blind Willie Johnson (he is my fav bluesman ever).
Łukasz: I am mixing new with the old, regardless of genre. Of course, I have new Neurosis record on replay, but that goes without saying. Some other examples are »Silent Night Fever« by Dimension Zero, which is one of the best melodeath albums ever and »Dolne Miasto« soundtrack by Towary Zastępcze. It’s a musical version of a noir crime story with some interesting idea behind it, you should definitely check it out. But there’s also room for »Overpowered« by Roisin Murphy, which is both introspective, contagiously rhythmic and memorable, and my favourite video game soundtracks – »Grim Dawn« by Steve Pardo and »Final Fantasy VIII« by Nobuo Uematsu.
Huwer: To mention a few: new Neurosis album, Depeche Mode (the SOFAD and ULTRA eras), my favourite band Crowbar, Tears For Fears, »Silent Alarm« by Bloc Party, lots of Sade, QOTSA, lots of Iggy Pop, lots of Deftones, and much, much more “horny” music. Plus A LOT of Polish hip-hop. I constantly listen to JWP, Kaz Bałagane, Włodi, Pelson, PRO8L3M, and other artists. Rhythms are important for a bass player, right?
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Kamila: The best advice I’ve ever been given was not to keep trying to prove that I’m worthy, but to recognize how precious what I already carry inside me is, and to share it.
Krzysztof: To stay true to what you feel, even if it doesn’t fit expectations. I believe that authenticity always resonates more deeply than trying to follow a formula.
Łukasz: To never stop trying new things, even if at first you may think you won’t like it. And to never forget that deep inside, all music comes from the same root – people who wanted to express something by means of sound.
Maciej: That band is as good as its weakest member. So practice, practice, practice, cuz you don’t want to be the weakest link.
Huwer: As Josh Homme once said: “Never expect anything from music. If you expect anything from music, you expect too much.” I follow that rule. Seems appropriate.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Kamila: Lying down, doing nothing and overthinking.
Krzysztof: B-class movies.
Łukasz: Puns and unfunny jokes. In Poland, we call them “suchary” which translates to “stale crackers”. My wife and I communicate this way on a daily basis.
Huwer: Man, I love frogs. I don’t know why, but I do love those amphibians. 😀
Can you say something more about current music scene in Poland?
Krzysztof: Although we live in different cities now, we consider Lublin to be our band’s hometown. Lublin has a great stoner and metal scene with such prolific bands as Dopelord, Blaze Of Perdition, Piołun or Manbryne. Also check out our stage buddies from Optical Sun!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Krzysztof: We’re now finishing our tour with UKĆ and Czarny Bez, our last gig of this tour is taking place in Warsaw (Potok – 10.04.). Apart from that, we have upcoming shows in Lublin (Klub Grafitti – 18.04.) and Katowice (Piąty Dom – 08.05.). More shows will be announced soon!
Łukasz: And if you would like to see us anywhere near you, let us know – we’re always looking for new opportunities to play our music live.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Krzysztof: We want to continue developing both in terms of live performances and composition. We are already working on new material for our second album, some of the new songs are already part of our live set, and we invite everyone to come and hear them at our gigs.
Huwer: First and foremost, we don’t want to repeat ourselves. Our goal is to evolve. We’re adults, so we don’t have time for any childish mumbo-jumbo!
How can people best support your band?
Krzysztof: The most meaningful support is simply listening and connecting with the music. Sharing it, coming to shows, and being present as all of that helps us grow and continue creating. Apart from that, we’re fully self-funded, so buying merch also helps a lot.
Łukasz: Listen to our music and if you like what you hear, tell three other people about it. And then find a way to attend our show and have a good time.
Maciej: Listen to the music, leave us some feedback in comments section, share with friends, buy some merch.
Huwer: Come to our shows, we give everything on stage and we’ll do everything we can to be better and better during our future concerts.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Kamila: If you’re listening to our music and it somehow moves you, just know that we do this exactly for you and that it’s worth it.
Łukasz: If you listen to music and like what you hear, reach out to the artists and tell them. It’s what keeps people alive.
Maciej: Be chill, stress kills!
Krzysztof: Be kind and never give up.
Huwer: You are stronger than you think, and I write that in opposition to personal coaches. As a non-believer, I still do believe in people. Human beings are such powerful and wonderful creatures, you know?
Be yourself, there’s only one person like you in the whole world. And yes, that’s you. So do not try to be someone else. Embrace yourself. Learn to be grateful. Be aware of your weak and strong skills. And please be polite, empathetic, and understanding. It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice, as my friend Rajmund says.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well