Belarusian pagan folk band Irdorath has announced a double premiere: the release of the album and book “Bestiarium,” material for which was created even within prison walls. The release will mark a point before a joyful pause in the band’s life — the group’s leaders Uladzimir and Nadzeya are expecting a child, so the April tour will be the only chance to hear them live for the next two years.
Music and Mythology: Humanity in the “Beasts”
The centerpiece of the new project is the fully Belarusian-language album “Bestiarium.” The musicians drew inspiration from images of native mythology but approached them philosophically. It is an attempt to find humanity in creatures traditionally considered inhuman. The album’s characters appear as complex heroes of dark, tragic and ironic tales.
Alongside the album, a full bilingual book (in Belarusian and English) will be released. It is not simply a booklet but an artistic companion featuring illustrations, legends and author’s commentary, allowing even foreign listeners to immerse themselves in the Belarusian mythological universe.
Created in Captivity
The story behind the release is unique and painful. A significant part of the material was conceived by the musicians during political imprisonment. This traumatic experience is reflected in the sound and meanings of the album. Completed later in exile with an updated lineup, the work became a manifesto of recovery and resilience.
Final Tour Before a Joyful Pause
The presentation of “Bestiarium” will take place during a limited series of concerts in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. These performances will be special for two reasons. First, audiences will see a completely renewed audiovisual show.
Second, the band’s leaders, Uladzimir and Nadzeya, are expecting the birth of a child this year. After the tour, Irdorath will pause concerts at least until 2027.
“These six concerts will be the only and last opportunity to see Irdorath live in 2026,” the musicians say.
Tour dates and locations:
April 24 — Warsaw, Proxima
April 25 — Poznan, 2 Progi
April 26 — Berlin, Maschinenhaus
April 28 — Prague, Archa Plus
April 30 — Brno, Sono Centrum
May 1 — Krakow, Zaścianek
At the Polish concerts, the band will be supported by the folk duo Furda, while in the Czech Republic Irdorath will perform as special guests of the band Deloraine.
Tickets are already available on the official website.
The recording of the album was supported by the ArtPower Belarus program.
