In 2019, in the Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskyi, a chance encounter brought together guitarist Vitalii Bodnar and vocalist Vladyslav Byvalin. Fueled by their shared passion for music and a desire to grow, after a few rehearsals, they made a momentous decision - to form a music band.
Come July 2019, they welcomed drummer Oleksandr Matviychuk into the fold and held their very first rehearsal together. And so began the journey of the band known as KATANA. In that same month, bassist Andriy Savchuk joined their ranks. With this lineup, they recorded their debut single "Я не будую стін" ( I'm Not Building Walls) along with an accompanying music video. But in November 2019, guitarist Yevhen Lysenko joined, and Andriy Savchuk left the group. In this unchanged lineup, KATANA continued for over a year.
Unfortunately, due to quarantine restrictions, the band couldn't showcase their creativity on large stages as all venues were off-limits. KATANA's first performance took place in October 2020 at Docker G Pub in Kyiv during the Rock Battle UA. After their performance, the guys received praise from renowned stars of Ukrainian rock music, who declared that their music was worthy of top European festivals.
In February 2021, a new member joined the band, bassist Dmytro Voynarovskiy, and worked with the group for 8 months.
On March 27, 2021, KATANA released their debut album, "Ворог" (The Enemy) which delved into themes of inner struggle, constant self-improvement, progress, and the pursuit of personal and worldly betterment, as well as deriving joy from life.
In December 2021, drummer Vladislav Zakharchuk replaced Oleksandr Matviychuk.
Throughout 2021, the band performed at various festivals and events, including "Kniazhiy," "Kaifainemo Tour" (from the "Faine Misto" festival), "Tvij Manifest," the charity event "Live for Life," an afterparty for the "Tarasova Hora" festival, the "Cossack Spirit Festival," "Rock in Love," and others.
KATANA had grand plans for the summer of 2022, with a lineup of performances at diverse festivals. But on February 24, 2022, the occupying forces of the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, sparking a war. For several months, the band's creativity was on pause due to the uncertainty and unpredictability of the future.
However, in late spring 2022, the guys decided that creativity must endure even in the face of war and came together to continue their work. Their primary focus became charity concerts, where KATANA raised funds to support the Ukrainian army and refugees from the occupied or destroyed by russians cities.
On October 1, 2022, KATANA released a music video for "Твори" (Create) dedicated to Music Day. The video serves as a reminder: time is fleeting, create now and leave a worthy mark.
On July 1, 2023, KATANA released an English-language EP album, "Destruction," featuring three tracks:
Reinstallation
Shiva’s Dance
Destruction
The EP highlights human flaws and the hopelessness of the path humanity has taken, portraying the chaos that surrounds us as an integral part of existence and a transitional stage toward rebirth and the creation of something new.
In early August 2023, KATANA refreshed their lineup. Bassist Bednarskyi Kostiantyn joined the band.
On April 19, 2024 KATANA released single album “Flame of life”. "Flame of Life" is a call to awaken inner energy and persistently move towards goals in the midst of life's storms. Guys recorded two versions of the track in two different studios so that each listener could choose what he or she likes more: atmospheric or powerful.
The current lineup of the band is as follows:
Vitalii Bodnar – rhythm guitar
Vladyslav Byvalin – vocals
Yevhen Lysenko – lead guitar
Kostiantyn Bednarskyi – bass guitar
Each member brings their unique musical tastes and perspectives, which organically blend in the band's work. The guys play in the Nu Metal style with elements of Rapcore and Alternative genres.
KATANA harbors ambitious plans for the future. Currently, they actively participate in charity concerts to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and are working on their second album.
When asked why they chose the name KATANA, the guys simply respond: "Because it blowing your head off!"
