Kult is a Polish rock band that has captured the hearts of music lovers since its formation in 1982 in Warsaw. The band initially comprised Kazik Staszewski (lead vocals, saxophone), Piotr Wieteska (bass), Tadeusz Bagan (guitars), and Dariusz Gierszewski (drums). Kult’s early music was heavily influenced by alternative, progressive, and punk rock, as well as the British new wave, but the band gradually incorporated more diverse and innovative styles in their music.
Kult’s music is known for its powerful lyrics by Staszewski and the distinct wind section that features saxophones and horns. Before the band formed, all members of the original quartet had played together in either Poland or Novelty Poland, two bands led by Staszewski between 1979 and 1981. Although the band’s first concert in July 1982 only sold 14 tickets, Kult’s music soon attracted much attention with their first album, „Kult” released in 1987. The album included early punk-inspired hits such as „Krew Boga”, „O Ani”, and „Wspaniała nowina”.
The release of the album was not without controversy, as the censorship office initially did not allow for the release of many of Staszewski’s songs that were clearly aimed against „the system”. However, Kult’s popularity soared after the end of Communist rule in Poland in 1989, with each new album bringing new hits to the top of the radio charts.
Some of the band’s most popular songs include „Generał Ferreira / Rząd oficjalny” from the 1991 album „Your Eyes”, „Dziewczyna bez zęba na przedzie”, „Komu bije dzwon”, „Gdy nie ma dzieci”, and „Lewy czerwcowy” from the 1998 album „Ostateczny krach systemu korporacji”. These songs all reached No. 1 and stayed in the Top 20 for several weeks.
Kult’s music has its roots in punk, but it also has elements of rock, ska, jazz, traditional balladry, reggae, and even poetry. The group has an instantly recognizable sound and is distinguished by the voice and provocative lyrics of Staszewski. Kult’s songs attack „the system”, which is understood as a conglomerate of the communist state apparatus, the Catholic Church, and others. In the nineties, Kult took on the „new system”, which was seen as founded on pseudo-democratic leaders, the clergy, and corporations.
Despite the band’s recent post-2000 albums being less popular, Kult remains one of the best-known Polish musical groups. The band has released a total of 13 studio albums and two live albums, including the 2010 recording of an MTV Unplugged concert. Kult has become famous for the atmosphere they create at their concerts and the unorthodox message in their songs.
In conclusion, Kult is an iconic Polish rock band that has defied the system with its unique sound and provocative lyrics. The band’s music has its roots in punk but has evolved to incorporate diverse styles. Kult has gained much popularity in Poland, and their songs remain timeless classics to this day. If you are a fan of rock music, you cannot afford to miss the opportunity to listen to Kult’s music.
Photos taken from the official web page of the band: https://knz.art.pl/