Monsters, Myths, and Darkness on the Horizon: Irdorath Are Preparing the Album Bestiarium
From the depths of Slavic mythology, from the shadows of dark forests and forgotten stories intertwined with the pulse of the modern age, the Belarusian pagan folk band Irdorath rises. The band is coming with its fourth studio album, set for release on April 26, 2026. This new record, fittingly titled Bestiarium, dives deep into Belarusian mythology — a world of ancient beings, demons, and spirits bound to the land and age-old rituals. The band has decided to perform the entire album exclusively in the Belarusian language.
Work on Bestiarium took several years, and its creation is inseparably linked to the personal fates of the band members. Some of the songs and visual concepts were conceived during a time when the band's core figures, Nadezhda and Vladimir Kalach, were imprisoned in Belarusian prisons.
Irdorath was formed in 2011 and over the years has carved out a distinctive place on the European pagan folk scene. The band has released three studio albums and performed at many major festivals, including the legendary Wacken Open Air. This journey was abruptly interrupted in 2020, when Nadezhda and Vladimir took part in protests in Belarus against Lukashenko's dictatorship. They were subsequently arrested, recognized as political prisoners, and spent two years in prison. After their release, the band was forced to leave Belarus and flee to Germany, where a new chapter of both life and creativity began.
Musically, Irdorath represents a collision of several worlds — from electronic rhythms to classical instruments such as the cello, and further to ancient medieval instruments like bagpipes, the hurdy-gurdy, or the didgeridoo. The visual aspect is equally important: the band is known for its elaborate and aesthetic live shows, featuring handcrafted costumes that bring mythical characters to life.
The year 2026 will not bring only a new album. Irdorath also plans to release a book offering illustrations, translations of the song lyrics, and deeper insight into the Belarusian myths that inspired Bestiarium. At the same time, the band is preparing a new concert show designed to immerse audiences in the absorbing world of Slavic mythology — a space where the past meets the present and ancient stories come alive once more.
Although an official tour in support of the new album has not yet been announced, Czech fans have reason to celebrate. Irdorath will appear in the Czech Republic twice as part of the Beltine concerts together with the band Deloraine.
On the threshold of spring, in a time of fires, transformations, and ancient rituals, Bestiarium will awaken for the first time. Come and become part of a story about freedom, tradition, and the unbreakable strength of Slavic folk.