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KAT
European heavy metal and thrash metal pioneers with a history spanning more than four decades.
KAT was founded in 1979 by guitarist Piotr Luczyk, initially as an instrumental band. Over more than four decades, KAT have released nine studio albums and three live albums, becoming one of the pioneering metal bands to emerge from behind the Iron Curtain.
Two years after the band was formed, on the eve of the introduction of martial law in communist Poland, vocalist Roman Kostrzewski joined KAT.
Following a series of successful concerts and festival appearances, as well as their breakthrough at Jarocin Festival, then the most important rock festival in Eastern Europe, KAT recorded their debut album “Metal and Hell” for the Belgian label Ambush Records.
Released in 1986, “Metal and Hell” would go on to become one of the defining albums in KAT’s history. Years later, Metal Hammer UK included the album in its list of the “40 Greatest Black Metal Albums of All Time”.
A planned European tour never took place due to the political situation in Poland at the time. The band members were denied passports, effectively restricting KAT’s activities to Poland.
During that period, KAT toured with Hanoi Rocks and also shared the stage with bands including Pretty Maids, Running Wild, Helloween and Overkill.
In 1987, KAT supported Metallica twice during the “Master of Puppets” tour. One of these performances was later documented on a KAT live album.
In 1998, the band’s legacy was honoured with the tribute album “Czarne Zast?py”, featuring interpretations of KAT songs by artists from the Polish metal scene, including Vader and Behemoth.
KAT has always placed great importance on the quality and intensity of its live performances. In the years that followed, this led to further appearances alongside major international acts, including Motörhead and Iron Maiden.
In 2005, while promoting “Mind Cannibals”, recorded with new vocalist Henry Beck, KAT embarked on a European tour with Six Feet Under, followed by another European tour alongside Helloween.
Over the years, KAT have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including Metallica, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, Helloween, Six Feet Under, Overkill, Running Wild, Pretty Maids and Hanoi Rocks, among many others.
In the following years, Piotr Luczyk also became involved in organising music festivals across Europe. The first was METALLICA ZLOT, held in Poland and Germany, followed by Cover Festival – one of the largest events of its kind in Europe at the time.
In 2014, bassist Adam Harris joined KAT, and the band once again surprised its fans by releasing the acoustic-symphonic album “Acoustic – 8 Filmów”.
After this more romantic and unconventional chapter in KAT’s history, it was time to return to something heavier.
In 2016, new vocalist Qbek Weigel joined the band. KAT entered the studio and began working on new material under the title “Without Looking Back”.
With the new line-up, KAT signed a worldwide deal with German label Pure Steel Records. “Without Looking Back” was released on June 14, 2019.
The track “Flying Fire” from “Without Looking Back” was featured on the soundtrack to the film “303 Squadron”.
At the turn of 2019 and 2020, Piotr Luczyk began collaborating with former Judas Priest vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens. The collaboration resulted in “Flying Fire 2020”, featuring Owens on vocals.
The track appeared on KAT’s anniversary album “The Last Convoy”.
The album also features new versions of the first two songs with which KAT made its debut at the beginning of its career, as well as covers of songs by artists who inspired the band members and helped shape their musical path.
In this way, KAT paid tribute to bands including Scorpions, Deep Purple and AC/DC.
“The Last Convoy” was released on September 25, 2020.
Today, KAT stands on the threshold of another chapter in its history.
On October 23, 2026, the band will release its new album – “Death Is Not Enough”.
With this album, KAT opens another chapter in its career while remaining true to the principle that has guided the band from the very beginning – never follow the beaten path.
https://kat-band.com
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