From the war-scarred heart of Ukraine comes Katana, delivering a blistering new single that rips straight through the soul. “Scars” is more than a song — it’s a gut-wrenching confession wrapped in a sonic assault. Fusing the raw weight of metalcore, the aggression of nu metal, and the emotional depth of modern metal, Katana carve their truth into every bar.
Lyrically unflinching and brutally honest, “Scars” explores the torment of childhood trauma, generational pain, and the battle to break the cycle of abuse. With lines like “I’ll never be the monster like you” and “Grew up in prison you built for me,” the song hits with the force of a personal reckoning.
Musically, Katana blend down-tuned riffs, explosive breakdowns, and haunting melodic passages to create a landscape that mirrors the torment in the lyrics. It’s a cry for justice, a cathartic purge, and an anthem for every broken soul who refuses to become what tried to destroy them.
Whether you’re a fan of Slipknot, Architects, or Spiritbox — Katana is carving out their place beside giants.
Biography
An electrifying fusion of Nu Metal and Hardcore from this powerhouse Ukrainian band. Brace yourself for heavy guitar riffs, bone-crushing breakdowns, and intense vocals.
In 2019, guitarist Vitalii Bodnar and vocalist Vladyslav Byvalin serendipitously met in Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, united by their mutual passion for music. Fuelled by this shared fervor, they swiftly decided to form a band. By July of that same year, drummer Oleksandr Matviychuk had joined their ranks, followed by guitarist Yevhen Lysenko in November, marking the inception of KATANA. Despite facing lineup adjustments and myriad challenges, the band persisted, culminating in the recording of their debut single, “Я не будую стін” (I’m Not Building Walls), with this lineup intact.
The band’s trajectory encountered a stumbling block in 2020 with quarantine measures stalling their live performances. However, their inaugural live show at Docker G Pub in Kyiv garnered acclaim from Ukrainian rock luminaries, underscoring their potential within the European festival circuit. In February 2021, bassist Dmytro Voynarovskiy joined the ensemble, and KATANA unveiled their debut album, “Ворог” (The Enemy), delving into themes of self-betterment and the pursuit of happiness. Drummer Vladislav Zakharchuk took over from Oleksandr Matviychuk in December 2021.
Despite the tumult of 2022 amid the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, KATANA rallied for charitable concerts, extending support to the Ukrainian military and displaced individuals. On October 1, 2022, they dropped the music video “Твори” (Create), spotlighting the significance of creativity. July 2023 witnessed the launch of an English-language EP titled “Destruction,” wherein KATANA explores human imperfections and the transformative essence of chaos.
Early August 2023 saw KATANA refreshing their lineup with bassist Bednarskyi Kostiantyn and drummer Hetman Yaroslav. The current ensemble encompasses a diverse array of musical influences, culminating in a distinctive amalgamation of Nu Metal, Rapcore, and Alternative sounds. KATANA remains steadfast in their philanthropic endeavors and looks forward to unveiling their second album, resolutely committed to leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. When probed about their moniker, they succinctly assert, “Because it blows your head off!”
KATANA is:
Vladyslav Byvalin
Vitalii Bodnar
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