Christians React to BATUSHKA Yekteniya lV!!!

[@chaostronaut302]

It is so funny for me to see two christians have a more open minded view on black metal and music in general than any people I have yet met that were not religious. When I saw you both for the first time it kind of blew me away. Keep this up guys, you are awesome!

[@VinAndSori]

Thank you !!

[@barghastov]

It's more common than you think!

[@Nitemortis]

I wonder what you mean by open minded view on BM. I was never offended by someone disgracing BM music... BM is personal love that I have chosen by myself and that decision mine. BM isn't for everyone and I hope it stays like that :)

[@meowthepro1746]

I don't know who you are, where you live or what your lifestyle is.... but I really do appreciate your opinion in this case. Seriously. Sadly few people can nowadays watch over their usual horizon.

[@emptee6581]

These are the first 2 Christians I have ever come across that aren't complete fucking idiots.

[@Birmanncat]

Vin talking about history of christianity and different sections of it is my favorite stuff right now.

[@th0rvald]

Those Poles sure know how to black metal 😀

[@timothymeysenburg9160]

Ikr?! Poland has completely won me. Like, completely.

[@victorsavov2073]

This band is Russian not Polish

[@Joseph_Klein]

@@victorsavov2073 polish band with polish members singing in old russian/slavic language

[@Jacob47ful]

Have you checked out FURIA?

[@victorsavov2073]

If they are Polish then they are taking the piss. Poles are Catholic, Russians are Orthodox, historically the two peoples have had a bitter and bloody rivalry. I would assume so that their work is taking the piss seeing the Orthodox priests in the video with upside-down crosses on their garments.

[@cufiish]

Greek, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine etc are all Orthodox . And lots more. We believe that Orthodox is original Christianity and the Catholic church separated from us after "Shizma" in 1054. They wanted to change many things. And they did. Orthodox didn`t. Greetings from Serbia :)

[@milanmarkovic9551]

Serbian Orthodox :)

[@VinAndSori]

Much respect to you both

[@mementomori1900]

Romania is also Orthodox :) The credit I give to Serbian Orthodox church is preserving identity of those people during the Turkish invasion when people were being violently converted or given benefits to give up their faith, if there was no for the church Serbs as people would not exist that's for sure. However the whole drama about which faith is real or true is ridiculous, you either believe or you don't, don't need the entire system for it, modern Serbian church works like some mafia family from the 30's, it's more of a political movement than whatever it's supposed to be, wouldn't know.

[@cufiish]

Romania, of course. And you are right my friend about politics in Serbian church, but we are fighting.

[@cufiish]

To you too, you are a lovely couple. I don`t usually comment on yt, but I watch you every day. You two get me in to thinking and brought me closer to the God and learned me how to handle with disrespectful atheists. So, thank you for that :) And, If I may, I would recommend to Sory to expose herself to more Orthodox music, clean one. Couse, If those melodies and chanting are scaring you, you have some problems with yourself, with your peacefulness, focus, I don`t know, with something. At least we believe that is the case when someone reacts in that way:) Yes, It`s a little bit scary, but it reflect to pain and misery that our Lord has experienced. And of course, love. Because it`s all about love. :) there is nothing more profound in music than that. Give it a try :) Love, peace , cheers to you lovely people ;)

[@fried_out]

"A lot of Christian history is a horror movie" Rightly said !

[@BadEconomyOfficial]

So is a lot of Atheism

[@jonanthony6179]

not true christianity

[@GallumA]

@@BadEconomyOfficial well it was atheists who made it horror for christians, and christians made it horror for pagans, and pagans made it horror for themselves and everyone else. horror is a huge portion of humanity, and it's only in the past 300 years that we've progressed to a point where horror is shocking to us rather than mere entertainment to the public sheep.

[@23Disciple]

@@jonanthony6179 Did you read bible?

[@Zaon90]

@@jonanthony6179 Read the bible one more time.

[@Sovspot]

Batushka is a very interesting band. They do in fact take part in blasphemy but it is subtle, like the album cover with Jesus and Mary being defaced along with Jesus in the music video where his turn black then after his whole does as well. I also heard that they deliberately replace the word "God" with "I". They also wear robes inspired by the robes worn by Schema Monks with religious symbols inverted such as the crosses on the robes. However, their lyrics are straight up Russian Orthodox Liturgies and then applied them to Black Metal. If you guys are confused, the entire metal community is confused about this band as well. Maybe confusing everyone is the point of this band. I also could be talking out of my ass.

[@arglbargl]

it's not that subtle. this is up there with that laughably dumb six feet under video for the song amerika the brutal

[@Sovspot]

arglbargl When they have people scratching of that their real ideologies are then that would imply they are being pretty subtle. Comparing Batushka to Six Feet Under is just shit posting. No one is as bad as Six Feet Under.

[@lemonshik]

Actually their lyrics are not exactly orthodox liturgies, but rather a twisted and perverse version of them, with straight up satanic lyricism at times. It's basically catholics mocking orthodox church, which is disrespectful to say the least. The music is good though.

[@Swiatlocien]

If Batushka consists of those guys who most of people in Poland suspect, then the last thing you should call them is "Catholics". They come from Northeast Poland, where there is a large group of Orthodox people. They surely are familliar with that aesthetic since childhood, hence the idea for the band.

[@walsjell]

its nothing new! the mocking christianity but in smart way! even if they come from poland which are not orthodox but cathlics.. its smart and spiritual mocking !

[@sparkster5623]

Thanks for the reaction! I am Russian, I live in a "secular" country of Russia, in an Orthodox environment, but I was amazed by VIN's knowledge of Christianity. I dare to assume that he had a significant ecclesiastical education. This can be seen not only in this video. In the video where you reacted to Heilung, it was also obvious. As a person who grew up in an Orthodox environment, I did not analyze these meanings so deeply, which gives me great respect. I have come to respect you for such an analysis. Your duet perfectly complements each other: SORI - at the level of feelings, VIN - obviously, musical involvement and erudition. I am an atheist, but God grant you all the best!

[@Profanum696]

En rusia hay miles de bandas de black yo desde BOLIVIA les conosco su black metal saludos

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

It's crazy. I probably wouldn't have known or understood most of the bands/songs on this channel without vins insight. I've learned a lot about christianity and its influence on metal from this channel.

[@goonghoul]

Rafael Roquemore dumb ass

[@danielsimeonov3504]

I am genuinely impressed - Vin knows his Orthodox stuff! Vin, you should read up about the iconoclasts or Bogomils, who were kinda protestants of their time on the Eastern side, but were crushed way back when... Loved the joke about the major chords, btw 😀 As always, keep up the good work!

[@VinAndSori]

Thank you!!!

[@SoCalDan530]

Vin's a total baddass, and Sori's a goddess. They are the coolest. They are the guests you want at your party.

[@Formerlyi]

iconocolasts cant really be similar to today's or 16th century protestantism, at some point, even the byzantine emperor and the patriarch of eastern church made it the majority in most of eastern orthodox world

[@VinAndSori]

What a strange comment considering all the multitudes of ot quotes in the new t

[@chaosandcreation4118]

Not protestants but Byzantine puritans/fundamentalists who hated Images - like jews or christian djihadis!

[@LadyD.1999]

The atmosphere of orthodox church is the best...i cant even believe that the girl said that she didnt like it....is so atmoshperic and calming...everytime i go to a ritual at a greek orthodox church i feel a spiritual healing..

[@guardianofthegrail3261]

Several things, the monks who where on a cross in the video is from our on iconography and represents how monks crucify themselves to the flesh and are spiritual martyrs. The icons of Mary the Theotokos bleeding in the video isn't that strange in the Orthodox world, since their are some icons that miraculously bleed. Also Eastern Orthodox Christians don't believe in the sacred heart since it is Nestorianism (separating Christ's humanity from His divinity by worshipping his body parts) but Eastern Catholics do since they are united with Rome and they adopt Latinizations that don't come from their own religious tradition. And for Theosis it is based on 2 Peter 1:4 where it says we become partakers of the divine nature. Chrysostom and Gregory Palamas are our version of Augustine and Aquinas. The main reason for the split between East and West was the issue of the Filioque clause in the Nicene Creed, but the west also adopted a view of God that He has absolute divine simplicity and interacts with creation through created grace as a type of intermediary, while in the East God is equal in the Trinity and we have an Essence/Energy distinction which allows for God to be Transcendent and Immanence at the same time (this is also what the uncreated light at the mountain of transfiguration was about). Peter was Bishop of Antioch way before he ever went to Rome, just for your information. Yes you are correct that the most used Divine Liturgy (Sunday Eucharistic service) was St. John Chrysostom's but we also have liturgies from St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Great (pope of Rome), St. Mark of Alexandria (yes the one who wrote the Gospel), and of St. James Bishop of Jerusalem (and relative of Jesus Christ). While Protestants are saved by faith alone, and Catholics by staying out of Mortal sin, we Orthodox would say salvation is by Grace alone (that it is God who saves and heals us if we allow him and cooperate with Him). You should really check out the Orthodox view of Hell because it would really solve your problems with it since that is the hardest thing for you to accept. But yea, great video and review!!! I will be looking forward to a talk in the future between us in Google Hangouts or something, God Bless!

[@guardianofthegrail3261]

I assume that the "demons murdering people" is an icon of the aerial toll-houses which is our Church's teaching on the particular judgement before the final judgement (for more info check out Fr. Seraphim Rose's book the soul after death). God didn't create evil, Satan and eventually man decided to live life without obeying God and being in communion with Him. God is only truly glorified when creatures who have freewill worship Him, if we were just programmed to worship God it wouldn't really mean much. And God created the whole world so that people could benefit from His love. Satan fell from his position because of pride, which in our Church is the worst sin. The Church isn't dark, but we use a type of Theology that is known as apophatic, which is knowledge of God through negation. I hope this helps Ceaneyen, I could answer some more questions for you if you are still confused.

[@Midaspl]

Indeed. I like arguing with people like in 14:50 of this video. I am christian and TBH I see that everything they put in their songs can be interpreted in some pro-christian way. They just pull out the darkest parts of the belief, focusing on martydom and afterlife. I live in Kraków and TBH we have some creepy christian things here too ( pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcybractwo_M%C4%99ki_Pa%C5%84skiej ). I sometimes think that it's one big troll undercovered, like when I went to their concert and there were plenty of diehard metals with pentagrams and shit, scanding "God have mercy upon us" in Russian possibly even unknowingly, and I was like... "lol, nice one". :P

[@TraceyRolandelli]

@apsalet rifle33 yup.

[@denis3060]

Midaspl batushka uses church anthems in Church Slavonic just replacing God with the word I(me)

[@nathanbrown3155]

@@guardianofthegrail3261 I’m late to the game, but I’m pretty sure that the people killing people are actually people. And that the saints looking on and clapping their hands are St Justinian and St Theodora, emperor and empress of the Byzantine empire during the 6th century. Their reign was responsible for eliminating paganism in the empire, but it was also particularly bloody. From what I have read in interviews and picked up from performances Batushka (at least Derph) seems to want to draw attention to the violence and evil done by the Church in God’s name while simultaneously not being against God. It’s this tight rope walk of blaspheming the Church but not God. At least that’s what I’m getting from it. But like all good art it sparks discussion and there is plenty of room for interpretation.

[@Morkeric]

As a black metal musician who feels disillusioned from the community, this gives me hope for open-mindedness and growth within the metal community. Thanks for what you do on this channel.

[@Trve_Kvlt]

One of my bandmates comes from a Christian background, and still practices is some aspects. He helped me write lyrics for one of our most blasphemous songs, which was fun.

[@followdanger890]

@@Trve_Kvlt it should only be about the music, the ideologies are trash in the scene but the music is horrifyingly beautiful!

[@Birmanncat]

Batushka always brings so many conflicting feelings in me. They use original psalms in their songs, directly quoting scripture but they mix it with this music and visuals. It just not right and yet so fitting at the same time... It's difficult.

[@ivangushkov3651]

Yes Sori, Batushka makes me really uncomfortable too. There is just something so dark about it. It´s part of the reason I love it. This band has hit the jackpot with their aesthetic and atmosphere. Those guys are totally revitalizing the second wave black metal sound! Fantastic band :)

[@rupe82]

I don't consider Batushka dark myself. Stuff like Blut Aus Nord, Aosoth, Dragged Into Sunlight etc... gives off a more sinister/dark vibe.

[@fendranm2914]

P H Aosoth, man. So cold and sinister.

[@rupe82]

Fendran M Yup. I listen to their IV album very often, so good.

[@ivangushkov3651]

P H Dude I have a background of Orthodox Christianity (Bulgarian, if you wonder) and Batushka just takes me right back to the first time I remember going to a liturgy. Just chills down my spine. You need to go to orthodox liturgy to understand :P

[@Luemm3l]

would love seeing them dive into Aosoth...

[@noenduringcity]

I am loving watching Sori's mind being blown by learning about the Eastern Church! Much respect to you both!

[@intothedepths6428]

Here I am watching again to you guys reacting to Black Metal!!!! I love how open you guys are to music and as I said before much love guys!!!

[@dzejrid]

Your discussion and the reaction to this track means that the band has achieved its goal.

[@brmptify]

loved the video and commentary. vin is obviously well educated and informed. i respect that.

[@maggotsid]

I still believet that Batushka is not a christian band as they are showing that you don't need to be straightforward "666 satan" and all that to show how dark the religion itself is. Death, blood, sin, grief and ritualism is in the center of the religion - where is light in all that?

[@loganviking3923]

You're right that acknowledgment of sin is important to us, so I guess you could say that's "dark". But the death and blood of one, Jesus, gives life and a way of escape from sin for all who believe in Him, and that's a great light and joy. As for the ritualism, I (and Jesus) speak against dead ritualism without a heart for God.

[@Formerlyi]

they are a satirical band, not a satanic band. 'batushka' is a word that the russians (and probably in other slavic countries) use to call a russian orthodox priest, their songs are mockery of eastern orthodox litanies and their album is called liturgy. in the world where most black metal bands are satanic, they chose to have this as their identity instead and that's one of the reasons of why this band got hyped up so quick amongst metal listeners now

[@Lee-kx7pg]

Greg Memelad the whole point of the album is that they’re trying to say nothing is more evil than the abrahamic religions itself so there’s no need to change it

[@pedrolucaslopesballiana6702]

Damn

[@matheusmotta1132]

@@Formerlyi no, they're clearly pro Orthodoxy

[@williampeterman5048]

Funny that I was Presbyterian and converted to Greek Orthodox. I felt closer to God in the Orthodox Church.

[@Herot145]

Melechesh - Enki Divine Nature Awoken Melechesh - Multiple Truths

[@blub6585]

YES!

[@Luemm3l]

I'd also love Rebirth of the Nemesis... or something about Ereshkigal on their Djinn album (musically as well as from the lyrical standpoint)

[@Kataxu]

Yes, Vin!!! Sori!!!! PLEASE Do something from Melechesh!!

[@whatsunderisabove]

fuck yeas!

[@kosmosyche]

I asked them to react to Melechesh so many times I frankly gave up. Here's hoping you'll be more lucky than me.

[@luisgaudencio61]

Batushka is amazing!! Saw them live and man oh man!! What a vibe, what a voice, what a group alltogether!! One of my favourite bands!! Its scary, its awesome!!

[@81iand]

Luís Gaudêncio truest unique and amazing experience to see them live. I was blown away

[@silasowings1106]

That was an extremely good explanation of liturgical Christianity- and yes, the Divine Liturgy celebrated every sunday by the Orthodox is properly called "The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom"

[@sdmfanthony5649]

If Sori knew all of this I would not learn as much as I do from Vin. It's such a perfect blend.

[@MegaDoom89]

Holy crap a react channel that not only knows their stuff but also lets the music or video play without ANY interruptions?! I never thought i'd see the day, subbed!

[@EdHandal]

MGLA - WITH HEART TOWARD NONE III

[@Nekronatalenhet]

YES, best of them

[@Namastez]

Oh please yes! More MGLA

[@VulgrimOfficial]

Mgła is godlike

[@mattsmossing]

a simple but brilliant guitar riff!

[@thishandlealreadytaken]

Yes!

[@sauroros]

This is the conversation I've enjoyed the most. Very interesting reaction also.

[@markmiliani9086]

...GOD DAMM !!! a whole insight on Batushka by 2 christians ... Love ur channel and your open mind and complete lyrics insight !!!

[@Пиво-н9ю]

Храни Бог Батюшку. И ныне, и присно и во веки веков. Аминь

[@antekm2639]

Im from Southern Poland, Batushka abseloutely rock, my favourite Polish band alongside Kult and Mgła

[@fernandogalvez9805]

The whole album is a Mass. Vin, you would love yetkeniya III. The best in the album.

[@theyeking7023]

2 is the best

[@mortalmedicine]

6 by far

[@woodenhoe]

2 and 3, 1 is a good intro

[@randallmcmurphy6709]

yes! III and V

[@AeolethNionian]

31:03 I've found strict Christians will sin more than atheists. Tell someone they can't do something and it's all they can think about. Give someone freedom and they're less likely to feel the urge, unless they're fresh out of restriction maybe.

[@VinAndSori]

Yup!

[@Kek-b1w]

Everyone sins no one is perfect except for Christ

[@deathisdeadd]

i am a perennialist, but i feel most comfortable with eastern tradition. my family is from eastern Europe and there is something very mystical and ancient about eastern orthodoxy

[@colddarkness1798]

More like copy paste Slavic Paganism in traditions

[@destroyallheresy]

I'm so glad y'all did this one! Here's my take... So first, know two things: (1) I am a practicing Roman Catholic (not Eastern Orthodox, but similar, as you said) and (2) Black Metal is my favorite subgenre of metal, specifically atmospheric black metal. I love Christ and His Holy Church (or at least try my best to) but I like extreme music, it's just what I like, and those two don't always have to be in contrast to each other. Music is music. I happen to like the darker kind! Lol When I first saw and heard Batushka, I was blown away. First, I was excited to see icons [ icons are personally one of my favorite aspects of the Eastern Church, we Catholics borrow them from the East every now and then (; ] Secondly, THE CHANTING. Absolutely amazing. I am a Catholic geek all around so I love chants and religious imagery. And third, it was black metal just the way I liked it: foreboding, atmospheric, melodic, and even heavy at parts. I love it all! I was extremely confused on whether or not they were a Christian band upon first listen, but it didn't take long to see that it is not... as a matter of fact it is quite the opposite, it is what I would consider to be true blasphemy. I say true blasphemy because there are lots of bands that aim to "blaspheme" but fail...miserably. Haha, a lot in the death metal and black metal range. A lot of them have NO idea what they're talking about when it comes to God. It usually is based on terrible theology and even worse philosophy. Batushka, however, is different... they really did their homework, you could say. As mentioned in some comments already, everything they do is a perversion of the good. And that is what Satan always does: takes the good, and perverts it onto some twisted version. Yes, the psalms are unchanged... but the point of view is shifted from psalmist to God, indicating a type of mockery of God. And a lot of the lyrics are also a perversion of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (which is a beautiful liturgy, btw). The Icon of the Blessed Mother and the Christ child is defaced. Their live shows are a a kind of mock liturgy, and their robes are once again a perversion of those of Eastern Orthodox monks / nuns, displaying inverted Byzantine crosses. So, after much discernment and fighting, I have come to the conclusion that despite the fact that I LOVE the whole album musically, I know longer allow myself to listen to it. It can tried to be justified, but at the end of the day, it's blasphemy, end of story. It does not change my faith of course, but I cannot personally listen to it in good conscience, if I'm honest. TL;DR: Litourgia is one of the best black metal albums I've ever heard musically, but because of it's blasphemous content, I as a practicing Roman Catholic can't listen to it in good conscience. Sorry for the long comment! But great video guys, thoroughly enjoyed hearing yall's thoughts!

[@imgoingberserk5918]

As a an Orthodox Christian I have come to the same conclusion, sadly.

[@freundderwahrheit5627]

Danke für diese wertvollen Gedanken. So genial die Musik auch ist, doch nicht guten Gewissens an zu hören

[@RM-mx5ol]

I know this comment is WAY OLD by now, but I wanted to say that, as a devout Roman Catholic who just found this band, I feel the same way you do. I was SO EXCITED when I first found this band and absolutely love the sound (even though I am typically more into doom and symphonic myself). But after some research, I had to come to the same conclusion you did; I cannot in good faith listen to this. Thank you for your thorough explanation. Your added insight really put the nail in the coffin on this for me.

[@Fenix011000]

And then in my opinion with your official version: to be a believer or a true Christian, you should not get involved in these types of music, much less like black metal because if they are satanic things as you classify it because every listener who listens to heavy metal In all their genres they are satanic they pervert the human being to the darkest and how do you say that you like these types of genre why criticize this band if you say that the lack of ignorance Do not know what they say about God? It is only music in the ears that illuminate all the mental power of the human being and the conclusion that the ignorant carry is you with all due respect; If you really love Christ from the heart, the question is; Shouldn't I listen to chants and choirs from the church instead of going to the dark and sinister of Satanic music? I really mean it

[@RM-mx5ol]

@@Fenix011000 what? Clearly English isn't your first language but I'll try to address what you're saying. No, metal doesn't pervert the human person as a genre and isn't satanic as a genre. Sure, certain bands and lyrics are, but that doesn't mean it all is. Most of it is actually pretty neutral. Also, other genres, like rap and country, also promote sinful behavior sometimes, so can Christians only listen to church music and nothing else? Of course not. Now, Christians absolutely should listen to church music, but when it comes to the other things they listen to, so long as it's not promoting immortality it's not against God.

[@pes6628]

Vin, I am impressed with your knowledge. Not only that, but I also agree with your perspective. Just like Sori feels bad being at other churches, we also cannot take evangelical sermons seriously. I felt like someone was going to sell me a vacuum cleaner at the one I went to. - regards from Poland

[@agapije]

I am an orthodox priest and professor of theology, big fаn of Maiden, Megadeth, Sepultura, Dio, Rainbow, Deep Purple... Behemoth. 😱 Up the Irons from Serbia! ❤️ 🤟 You big guy, you told all truth about eastetn orthodoxy. In deed, Chrisostomous wrote the main service in Eastern christinaity - The Divine Liturgy. And the lyrics from this song come from Liturgy like bunch of songs made by Batushka(=priest). For instance, "Yekteniya" is the very first part from the Liturgy and literary means "begging" (greek). The escensse of Orthodoxy is enternal life.

[@colddarkness1798]

JASENOVAC! -U-

[@agapije]

@@colddarkness1798 Tnx for support! 😇

[@ravenclaw_3160]

I'm an Eastern Orthodox Christian as well and I really love Batushka. Despite their "orthodox christian" theme and lyrics, the aesthetics are pretty blasphemous. Even their live performances are. I'm not saying it's not interesting, but it's kind of sacrilegious.

[@Unknown_account_2000]

You are a “priest” listing to death metal!? 🫤 yeah….I don’t think so

[@agapije]

@@Unknown_account_2000 It sounds a little bit strange, but it's truth.

[@pariskotsaros]

Rotting Christ - X Ξ Σ (666) would be an interesting one

[@rudolfkratky36]

Oh oh or *in nomine dei nostri*

[@Christoforos-Matthew_25-34]

N O N S E R V I A M

[@indefexe]

Amazing username hahaha

[@Kostas_Ountsis]

Rotting Christ ❤

[@nickhantzopulos4145]

Fuck yeah! Get some Greek metal up in here!

[@ct5465]

It’s really cool to hear a guy with some knowledge watching this band.

[@eagleclaw006]

This was very pleasantly not what I was expecting. Also, thanks for the Christianity lesson. I learned more from this video than I ever did from a Sunday school class.

[@timanderson5417]

I was born and raised Lutheran. I always thought we worshiped Lex Luther! Thanks Vin for fixing me

[@ridleyroid9060]

You guys NEED to visit an orthodox monastery in either Serbia, Russia or Greece. These monasteries are so powerful in atmosphere. Entering one just takes you out of it. I'm not religious at all but the atmosphere in the monasteries i've been in are just mindblowing. You'll spot the difference between catholicism and orthodoxy immediately.

[@odyniec1]

but they are protestants rather... Catholicism is very close to orthodoxy, especially traditional catholicism, much more than to protestantism.

[@matheusmotta1132]

*Eastern Orthodoxy is the religion of the Apostles*

[@salsanten9978]

Largely correct.

[@DeathBYDesign666]

This is quite possibly the best black metal song ever written and I am glad you two have chosen to review this piece by them. I myself straddle the line between belief and disbelief, darkness and light and the imagery this song conveys speaks to me even without understanding the lyrics fully. It's ok to have dark thoughts so long as you have a good heart in general which I think I usually do. Not all black metalers are evil at heart, but most do use their inner darkness and channel it through art. That is the best way and it can't be denied. There's no harm in that is there?

[@leftistfrog404]

funny to see how something that is somehow familiar to me, and is in a way soothing (I have Polish catholic background, and during a liturgy I've heard a lot of similar sounds and melodies that Batushka use on their album) can make someone else uncomfortable, haha. Also I have to thank you guys, because I actually learn stuff from you. I also have some recommendation that I put in your comments every now and then, namely The Dillinger Escape Plan. They are a great experimental band, you can consider them as legendary in a way ;) (unfortunately they're not active since this year), here are some suggestions: Limerent Death, Prancer, When I Lost My Bet, Farewell Mona Lisa, Sunshine The Werewolf or pretty much anything : D They will surely blow your minds out!

[@metalsadman]

love the commentary and this band.

[@Neisan2112]

Oh man, how have I never seen the music video for this? Interesting is what I'll say for it.

[@mightyears8578]

SEPTICFLESH 🤘 SEPTICFLESH 🤘 SEPTICFLESH Portrait of a headless man (official video) Anubis Vampire from Nazareth Prometheus Martyr Virtues of the beast Sangreal Communion PLEASE!

[@darkstar8196]

Communion is such a good album. Haven't heard any of the ones after that one.

[@eduardokirchhof8482]

Yeeeees please!

[@mightyears8578]

@@darkstar8196 never too late. "Codex Omega" is even better album in my not humble opinion.

[@Mythago1971]

For me, Titan is greater

[@mightyears8578]

@@Mythago1971 🤘😀👍✌️

[@happysatanproduction8854]

I love the whole album. I still have it on my playlist. Im glad you reacted to this masterpiece

[@dancarter8804]

Discovered this band yesterday. Absolutely blew me away.

[@apanapandottir205]

"the original gangsters" hahahhaa. Vin, you drive me crazy sometimes but you do make me smile :D

[@TheCount-y7e]

He really said "ON EAST SIDE CUZ"💀

[@Luemm3l]

isn't it fascinating how raw, how primal, how shamanic certain rituals in early orthodox christianity are? think about some indigenous folks who ate their dead because they wanted to ingest their wisdom, virtues and so on. I think that is kind of the same idea behind the relics: Trying to retain some form of the grace, wisdom or knowledge of the saints by keeping their mortal parts conserved (same with the pharaohs if you think about it). Also the concept of sacrifice (also deeply christian symbol by christ's crucifixion) as some sort of holy virtue --> mary sacrificed herself or her son (Jesus) to give away the word of god, making a new garden (new eden?), it also holds psychological (Freud) meaning: to grow up, to become adult, the child must sever itself from the nurturing mother and become independent --> the icon of mary on the river (good catch with the analogy to moses from Vin, didn't cross my mind at that time, but makes perfect sense). glad you chose to react to the video and not just a plain or live version.

[@georgianaa.8817]

I never watch reactions in general, because these types of videos are usually boring. But this is extremely interesting. Really liked the commentary. I'm grew up in an orthodox family and the guy got everything in point.

[@jeromios]

I'm Greek, but I'm not religious. Still, every time I'm in Church, for wedding and whatnot, it feels very comfortable. There's a very heavy atmosphere, everyone is very quiet, and the chants (if sung well) are soothing.

[@MLMMovies]

Based on some of the comments, if this band is actually aiming to mock Christianity with black metal, its funny because they may have inadvertently created the most epic Christian metal music.

[@milandomagojvuksic4893]

You should react to Fjara by Solstafir

[@mattfulgurite4746]

Ermahgerd yeyus

[@blaidd5917]

Yes, please!

[@chellappakurupjith5941]

And otta and ritual of fire

[@stolenhal0]

I concur.

[@nasralmaghout9402]

Translation is needed?

[@annoyingmajor7231]

Hey! That's Luci from Disenchantment at 3:45 :D

[@borislavmitev5913]

Bàtushka - the accent is on thе first syllable. Despite comming from the catholic Poland, Bàtushka mocks eastern orthodox church with all it's attributes like clothes, behaviour and icons. Sliceing body parts of saints (depicted towrds the end ot the video) and preserving in almost all big churches definitely is a collecting proccess ongoing for centures. This body parts are believed to possess magical/holy protective and/or healing powers. Live show are really a SHOW - with all accessories, choir and incense. Trully unique and intriguing way to present your art.

[@perunswrath6023]

You do realise that Kristof came with the idea by listening to some real monks, real Bulgarian monks chanting.. The Kristof himself probably was not some cringey "satanic" dumbass..

[@AbuZahi]

0:25 Breh did u just say En shallah? Haha

[@MathieuRouland]

I am having so much fun listening to you guys - I wish my catholic father would have your healthy constructive criticism and not freak our everytime I post these bands on my facebook wall. I would share your videos with him if he could understand english. I really don't know what to tell him anymore... He thinks satan tries to seduce me with this music - but I do not believe in those things. I told him it's okay, I'm just healthily venting out some anger listening to this. He should be more concerned about all the emo shit I share !

[@VinAndSori]

Lemme talk to him

[@wanted151]

I can't get how someone who claims that is a christian(or whatever religion), knows almost nothing about his/her religion history. I'm an atheist, but I know most about christianity ( I grew up in a Greek Orthodox family and society) and for most known religions. Because I want to know the subject I'm arguing about. But practising a religion and knowing almost nothing about it, seems pretty weird to me. Anyways, another great video from you, guys. Keep it up.

[@alexanorviii9061]

Greetings from Russia! We don't call our church Orthodox here, it's called Православие (Pravoslavie) - "The Right Way of Praising" (we're not orthodox, we just do it the right way (ridiculous)). My family is not very religious but I was told about the Great Schism at History at high school (was surprised that Sori didn't know much about it thou she was raised in religious family). What I remember from school is that Church was divided to Catholicism and Pravoslavie (Orthodox) than was the Reformation in the Catholic Church and something else so the Catholic Church was spread to many different types of Christianity.

[@ankhi3585]

Orthodoxy literaly means the right way / the right opinion so the Russian name is not too far off.

[@paulungureanu937]

Unfortunately, most Westerners are blatantly ignorant of the Eastern European heritage of Christianity. Pick up a book, and read! Catholic Church is more rationalized, scholastic, formalized. Eastern Orthodoxy focuses on mystical identification with Christ up until you end up witnessing the beauty of God. Going down to the roots and main deep meaning of Christianity, the words, thoughts and deed of Christ, on which you need to meditate and become profoundly absorbed by. Therefore, you attain peace, redemption.

[@Birmanncat]

By the way when you say "Batuska" the stress is on the first syllable.

[@eighthcircleofhell5348]

I honestly love you you guys specifically are open minded Christians, most of the ones I know (not trying to talk shite don't get the wrong idea) always call me a Satanist and Satan worshiper for listening to this music and unless it's a song about god then it's satanic and I'm not allowed to listen to it... I tried to show them batushka and they are over here "oh that doesn't count come to church so we can baptize you and maybe god will forgive you for your horrible sins, though with YOU it's unlikely" or something to that extent so I'm glad there are some open minded Christians out there... keep up the good work guys 🤘🤘🤘

[@Bagfullofcrabs1]

In Russia the Church is basically touring body parts of the saints and their belongings. They would bring such an item to a city and people would queue up to see it. Necrofetishism is still pretty emphasized in the Eastern Orthodoxy.

[@DrMr.]

Same thing with catholicism

[@sert87]

Corpse worship is a pretty popular thing around the world. In buddhism they have a similar thing, where they would bury a monk in a box with salt for example that will preserve the body, then exhume it, declare the monk to be alive (thats probably what prevents them from cutting the body up as catholic and orthodox churches do) and put him in the temple to attract the people to see the body for a certain tax free donation. Great business.

[@TraceyRolandelli]

Yeah, except when the Orthodox have a myrrh streaming icon, it's 3 monks showing up in a rental car, collecting enough money to get to the next town, and handing out the oil as they go along.

[@justinsinclair6962]

I was riding my bycyle in the country one day recently. A feracouse dog chased me out of no where and the faster down hill I road the more this dog kept up. He never did bite me.. I was listening to this in headphones

[@zockor]

EPICA - Consign to Oblivion (Live at the Zenith)

[@theicedevil]

Yes! That or "Kingdom Of Heaven Part 1"

[@SunOfTheSun]

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN LIVE BY EPICA!!!!!!!

[@anembersarc]

You guys are always picking the best stuff to react to!

[@ChevySpeedAddict]

As an Eastern Catholic, Byzantine Catholic to be specific which is nearly identical to Orthodox Christianity only we recognize the authority of the Pope and the Catholic church, this is basically a heretical and blasphemous take on Eastern Christianity. It's certainly interesting, but I can't say I'm a fan since they're blaspheming the Lord. It's just not for me. I really found your description of Eastern Christianity, Vin, very accurate and well done. I'd love to talk to you guys about it more to just exchange ideas and maybe explain how Eastern Liturgy works in more detail!

[@odyniec1]

As Roman Catholic I have the same. Crossover of metal music and orthodox chants are veeery catchy and climatic but blasphemous intentions demand to stay away from the band.

[@1uckywanderboy519]

Did you guys notice the garden that forms at 4:11 stops at the cloud with Death and doesn't continue down to the Earth and the Church.

[@christianreyes3174]

I'm a Muslim watching christians reacting to pagan music, I love internet.

[@VinAndSori]

Mashallah!!!

[@stevenprophet9531]

its not pagan... its satanic black metal

[@michahelit9417]

pro paganic music video

[@adejal]

Isnt it sulosed to imitate or mock Orthodox Catholisism? Btw you should see the react to Nile call to destruction lol.

[@marcony101]

@@adejal Its nether satanic, pagan nor catholic. Its orthodox christianity

[@sdjmacdiaz]

God's grace, that's fantastic. This is probably my favorite commentary from you two.

[@jproffitt2192]

You guys should check out Windir. Journey to the End is great, and i really like Ending

[@1uckywanderboy519]

YUS

[@lovecrafth]

Windir is not satanic, nor anticrhistian, I wonder if they'll do it, but is indeed the best band in black folk. My fav, always listening to it, and the bands after valfar die created by remaining members, cor scorpii, mistur, vreid. A unique style, sognametal.

[@Angarato86]

yes! windir is amazing! HAIL VALFAR! i vote for ending

[@Tryambakam108]

Damian Parededs, Do you actually know the lyrics or do you just like talking out of your ass? See Kampen, for example.

[@lovecrafth]

@@Tryambakam108 my bad, I know the lirycs, they are just not satanic guys.

[@ResusitoR]

Love your videos! Glad to see Openminded Christians that are solid in the faith! Keep it on!!

[@maerddriew6150]

Mgla - with hearts toward none 7 or 3

[@dennisfeijns2804]

I vote for VII

[@maerddriew6150]

7 for music primarily, 3 for lyrics....and music :)

[@Apathel]

Definitely VII

[@tesselesk8]

great choice, 7 and 3 are my favorite from this album xD

[@michanowak7060]

What's really interesting, we don't know who Batushka really is. There are theories that the band was formed by members of band Hermh who had a history of recording black metal with choir, I believe both bands started in same not that big town of Białystok. On the other hand it is possible that Batushka is connected in some way with Mgła, there were also rumours that Nergal from Behemoth plays there, but nothing we know for sure.

[@akilmanwaring7767]

Simply put, people fear things they don't understand! Sori's face during that reaction LOL Vin don't forget about the Coptics and the other Orthodox christians in the Middle East and Africa which are also similar to the Eastern Rite.

[@alexandrapaiva3700]

Clicked on this video for the laughs but stayed for the educational content. I am from an European Catholic country and some of my friends are Greek Orthodox, so this discussion on the schisms and the history of Christianity was wonderful to hear. The gentleman´s erudition and understanding of the nuances in symbolic language and and his work in decoding and giving context to the hermaneutics behind the several reformations that the Christian faith underwent throughout the centuries in an effort to actualize itself is commendable. I am very impressed, moreso considering the context.

[@jlopez47]

You guys need to review stuff on the new Drabikowski Batushka album, Panihida. It's gorgeous.

[@georgewheeler1566]

The real Batushka!!!!

[@kyrkalafatis]

Yekteniya III (knowledge) lyrics: Knowledge forgive, Come to bow And drop to Me, I'll save you I give to the asking Knowledge and mind, And I give communion To the sinned Assign an repentance in rescue [x2] To the semblance you, Quiet and unworthy Your slaves, And in hour of a face of the glory, The glory of My altar And granded My worship And granded My worship, And glorification of eternity Knowledge forgive, Come to bow And drop to Me, I'll save you

[@starlix6968]

Bathory - Enter the Eternal Fire or A Fine Day to Die Best shit there is

[@MysticleMonster]

I really liked this video. Interesting stuff.

[@ComaLies225]

Saw Batushka live, wonderful performance. They've sold out a couple of shows already includibg the one I went to. 13/10 would punch a baby to see them again

[@triv1]

Hey! Congrats on the website! :)

[@rodieee]

Sori asked if Orthodox people are not bored with the same Liturgy . I can tell you from my point of view that hearing about God's grace and love for us in such a beautiful ritual weekly feels sometimes like a necessity. Also there are slight changes of the Liturgy and other services through the year (you'll be entering the fasting period before Christmas , next for Pascha , etc. ). You don't get bored with this the same way you don't get bored with the same 4 seasons. Love you guys!

[@BlackFeather713]

thank you for your insight!! this is awesome

[@crimsonhawk4912]

Batushka was supposed to be a joke. Catholic Gregorian chant with black metal and the lyrics were suppose to sound demonic but when you do research it's Christian . Just like TOOL's song that sounds like a Hitler speach but it's actually a cake recipe

[@TheExtremeCube]

Those arent Catholic chants, they are orthodox

[@Syko1985]

You both very intelligent people, but Vin blows my mind with his knowledge, I love listening to his breakdown of the lyrics.

[@darkmarv8045]

Candlemass - Demon's Gate.

[@corpazilum5352]

Yes! That, or Dark Are the Veils of Death, or Black Stone Wielder, or Solitude...

[@fendranm2914]

You mentioned needing to get ahold of the artist that did this video. Though he’s probably not involved, you should check out Jonathan Pageau. He carves Orthodox icons, and has a YT channel where he talks about symbolism.

[@rubysoffner4557]

Katatonia - Nephilim Blut Aus Nord - Procession of the Dead Clowns Solstafir - Lágnaetti

[@BassRacerx]

i really like batushka and you did a better summery of them than anyone on the metal forums/reddit and i really liked your discussion thanks for making this video!

[@TheSalu781]

SCHAMMASCH - METANOIA (OFFICIAL VIDEO) or SCHAMMASCH - "Golden Light" Official Music Video

[@INFERNAL.LAKNATOR76667]

this band amaze me too!! AVE SHIVA!

[@xbm7931]

I just gotta say, that picture of Eve and Mary at the end almost makes me cry everytime I see it. How you guys doing today btw? Hopefully feeling good.

[@antwnhs213]

You should do a: "Christians react to all the things god said in the old testament". Or is that too much even for you guys?

[@minathebot6771]

Discovered your channel just a few days ago and I'm binging ! As a Muslim metal fan I can relate to most of your reactions : sometimes Sori's moments of discomfort, most of the times Vin's way of balancing everything with his erudite knowledge of religions in general, and not just christianity. Big up guys !

[@jabrane1564]

I remenber being a muslim metalhead. good old times....

[@theicedevil]

Your talk of Martin Luther makes me want to suggest to you the song "Nailed" by the Christian Metal band Theocracy. The song is about Martin Luther and "Nailed" referring to his 95 Theses, although that is not what the song is entirely about. Best new Christian Metal band out today.

[@andrewbrorherton6898]

theicedevil yesssssss keep requesting these guys. Awesome band

[@mtaffer]

It's not metal, but Neal Morse's "The Door" is also about Martin Luther. It's off the Sola Scriptura record.

[@theicedevil]

That is Neal's Metal album, IMHO. Love that album. You can tell that Mike Portnoy really had an influence on this album. The band Theocracy also did a Neal Morse cover of "I'm In A Cage" the first movement in his song "The Separated Man" from "One" album.

[@alejandromoreno5056]

came for the reaction, stayed for the convo 👍

[@domenicocampagna3948]

I know you already did Yektenia IV and II (not 1), but you should really react to the live version of Yektenia 1 you can find from the Brutal Assault Festival on KZbin, cause that can REALLY give you an idea of what Batushka is as a live act, just so atmospheric and incredible

[@mikhailwesthallen4356]

Vin 'you know your stuff I'm very impressed - I applaud you! And like your openness also' this is very good to watch