"The swamp is a vast poisonous stain on the map that has been swallowing for centuries. It seeks to kill, to erase memory, to extinguish everything that grows, breathes, and creates. Drawing into its cold embrace, it longs to become the one and only silent swamp" - says the band
The history of Natural Spirit begins in Chernigiv, Ukraine, where in 1998 Oleg Kirienko composed the debut album Star Throne. Rooted in melodic black metal with strong influences of Slavonic paganism, epic themes, and history, the release soon gained recognition across Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Over the years, Natural Spirit became a leading name in the Ukrainian pagan folk metal scene, performing alongside Skyforger, Behemoth, and Gods Tower.
Their landmark album Ruskolun (2004) combined folk melodies with powerful metal riffs and left a lasting impact on the Slavic pagan metal movement. In 2008, Sita Rosa was released via Storm Spell Records (USA), earning international praise as one of the standout pagan metal records of the year. Two years later, The Price of Freedom (2011) showcased a richer sound with live folk instruments and ethnic choirs, thematically exploring key moments of Ukrainian history such as Cossack uprisings, the struggle of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, and the famine of 1932–1933.
In 2020, the band released Під серпом часу, reaffirming their role as one of Ukraine’s most authentic pagan folk metal acts. Now, after a five-year hiatus, Natural Spirit returns with a brand new single, “Swamp” (2025).
