Polish hard rock/stoner metal quartet Wij return with their new full-length album »Protisty«; out now via Piranha Music!
Warsaw, Poland based hard rock/stoner metal quartet Wij is back with their third full-length album, »Protisty«, which was just released on October 23rd, 2026 via Piranha Music.
Listen to »Protisty« on Spotify and all major streaming services!
Tracklist:
01. Duch
02. Oplątwa
03. Właz
04. Kikut
05. Sznur
06. Niewybuch
07. Siejba
08. Bezkrólewie
09. Fiesta
10. Strętwa
11. Znikanie
Wij is an eclectic formation, moving in several directions at once, and that is precisely its superpower. The foundation is Palec’s baritone guitar and powerful riffs. These are complemented by Tuja Szmaragd’s stylistically diverse vocals and her wonderfully weird lyrics in Polish. Bob’s solid drum beat keeps it all in check. And since their latest release, Drut’s bass guitar serves as an additional binding force.
The band’s debut full-length album, »Dziwidło« (Heavy Medication Records, 2021) was rooted in the hard rock sounds of the 1970s with a touch of stoner rock. A year later, the EP »Przeklęte Wody« (2022, Piranha Music) was released, heralding a heavier sound. In 2023, now with a new drummer, the band released their second album, »Przestwór«, which was both a hit and a powerful listen.
Photo credits: Adam Grygierzec
The year 2025 brought the experimental EP »Bluzg«, with a much heavier vibe, where a blend of ’90s influences merged with a touch of grindcore. Having got that bit of sludge out of their system, the band returns with another twist: enriched by the addition of a bass guitar, they release the third album »Protisty«. It’s wild music, not fitting into any specific animal kingdom. Honest, straightforward and ferocious rock.
However, Wij’s true element is live performance. The band has played at the Mystic Festival, Summer Dying Loud, Castle Party, as well as on tours with Blindead 23, Obscure Sphinx, Truchło Strzygi, Siksa and many other fellow underground bands.
»Protisty« is the third full-length album by Wij, and the first one released as a quartet. The album draws inspiration from the 1990s – the hardcore, grunge, and doom metal of the era. The lyrical influences, however, remain unchanged: they still revolve around visions of unreal worlds and various forms of abominatoins, described through poetic.
Order »Protisty« at THIS LOCATION.
Wij about their new album: “»Protisty« have emerged from the void and are now scattering their spores across the world. Wij’s new album is available on all streaming platforms and – most importantly – in physical format (CD and LP) at the Piranha Music store.
We are evolving, following an inner voice (a devil’s, perhaps), trusting that we can lead you along with us toward something new. Now, we look forward to our upcoming shows; having you there would be the ultimate reward for all the work – work we truly enjoyed – that went into this record.
From the depths of our hearts, we want to thank Patryk Piranha, who has never stopped believing in us and has supported us at every turn – without his immense effort, these spores would never have spread so far. And a huge thanks to our dear Klimie at Mustache Ministry Studio for his impeccable intuition, great rapport, and brilliant ideas.”
Wij on tour with Fertile Hump:
05.11.2026 – Gdańsk, Drizzly Grizzly
06.11.2026 – Olsztyn, Zajezdnia Trolejbusowa
07.11.2026 – Łódź, Wooltura
08.11.2026 – Lublin, Fabryka Kultury Zgrzyt
13.11.2026 – Warszawa, Hydrozagadka
20.11.2026 – Kraków, Zaścianek
21.11.2026 – Wrocław, Łącznik
22.11.2026 – Katowice, Piąty Dom
27.11.2026 – Szczecin, Krzywy Gryf
28.11.2026 – Poznań, Szum
29.11.2026 – Toruń, NRD
Music by Wij.
Lyrics by Tuja Szmaragd.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Marcin Klimczak at Mustache Ministry.
Photos by Adam Grygierzec.
Layout by Pachu Design.
Cover photo by Przemysław Kryściak.
Wij is:
Tuja Szmaragd – Vocals
Palec – Guitars
Bob – Drums
Drut – Bass
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well