Paulius Simanavičius – vocals, guitar, synths
Modestas Juškėnas – guitar
Vytenis Vaisiūnas – bass
Augustinas Bėkšta – drums
JUODVARNIS is a Lithuanian progressive/black metal band that has been constantly evolving since 2011. Having released three full-length albums, the band explores various soundscapes of metal and beyond. Their unique sound is colored by the Lithuanian language, one of the oldest languages in the world. Coming from the unique Baltic region, Juodvarnis explores themes that reveal the darkest human nature and the disturbing and constantly changing world around us.
In 2014 Juodvarnis released their first full-length album ‘Šauksmai Iš Praeities’ (‘Cries from the Past’), instantly gaining local popularity. During that same year the band played metal festivals in Lithuania, shows in neighboring countries and also won a national ‘Wacken Metal Battle’ competition, that granted them a place in WOA’s line-up. After an intense summer the band started working on the second album ‘Mirusio Žmogaus Kelionė’ (“Journey of a Dead Man”). It was released independently in February of 2016 and supported by a tour.
During the period from 2016 to 2019 the band had some lineup changes and faced internal struggles. After this period, the soil was fertile for the creation of a third album. After a two-year creative process, a new body of work emerged called ‘Nerimo dienos’ (‘Days of Disquiet’), the most mature opus from the band to date. Recorded and mixed through 2019-2020, mastered by Tony Lindgren (Fascination Street Studios). The album was released on August 28th, 2020 through Dangus Records.
In 2024 Juodvarnis released a new single ‘Svoris’ illustrated by a beautiful music video, followed by ‘Juodos akys’ in 2025.
The band’s fouth record ‘Tėkmės’ is to be self-released in January 2026.
Juodvarnis’ lyrics are in Lithuanian, one of the oldest and archaic languages. The sound of the band has been influenced by many sub-genres of metal, prog-rock, tribal and film music. Members of the band are also active members of the scene in other ways: mixing sound for other bands, studio recordings, producing and teaching.