Raptor Konrad

A rock band from Hlučín, a small town near Ostrava, Czech Republic. The founding members are Marek Burdzik (Maro, Buňo, Vox, Burďas, Buněčný), Andrej Kubelka, Libor Weiss, and Vítězslav Jiřík (Viťus). Marek devised the band’s name by intentionally distorting the name of the first reeve (mayor) of Hlučín, Konrad Sriptor, who held the position from 1303. The band name has nothing in common with birds of prey or dinosaurs.

Formation in 2004

The band was formed in 2004, when the founding members agreed to try to create their own musical expression. Each member already had some experience playing in various bands: Marek and Andrej from the band Vykořenění, Libor from Promile and Vajcovod, which Viťus was also part of at the time the band was formed, having previously played in bands such as Diamant, Notabene, Motor České Třebovice, and also in the legendary Ostrava-based band Hastr.

2005–2009

The basis for their own work was found in their original musical ideas (or motifs) and lyrics from some of Marek’s earlier compositions, which struck a chord with Viťus. Although Marek and Viťus grew up in quite different musical environments, it appeared that their musical feelings had a number of elements in common (namely psychedelic and progressive rock), and therefore most of their first joint compositions could occur between 2005 and 2006. All members participated in arranging the songs, although usually under the leadership of Viťus. In 2009, Karel Kühpast, who previously played in bands such as Ingot, Golden Dust, Moravius, Vajcovod, and Lybar Band, joined the band to complement the overall sound of the band with his six-string bass guitar and to help with the recording of the album.

2010–2014

The album Rock Suite: The Mass for the Angel was released in November 2010. The band continues to perform and work on new material, so fans can always look forward to new songs.

Raptor Konrad has also appeared on the ProgArchives website (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7039) and their songs are played on the ProgRockRadio internet radio station in New York City (http://www.progrockradio.com).

2015–2019

The recording of the new CD was delayed (it was supposed to be released in 2014 to celebrate the band’s 10^th anniversary), however, only the master tracks for all the instruments, drums and both basses were recorded. The rhythm section still needed processing and the guitars, synthesizers and vocals were yet to be recorded. As the results of the rhythm processing were not satisfactory, further work on the CD was dropped. Due to these unfulfilled plans, the entire first album The Mass for the Angel was made available to listen to for free, as detailed in the Discography section.

2019–2025

Done! Viťus states that it would be a great shame not to finish the second CD, so he finished it himself. The album entitled Sonatinas and Sonnets is completed and released in 2019. Fans can obtain it in several ways – please, the Discography section. At the same time, the band is moving into the next period of its development with significant personnel changes. Marek and Karel are definitely leaving, probably for different reasons which they are keeping to themselves. Viťus and Andrej agreed to try recruiting a female singer to replace Marek. After a long period of unsuccessful advertising and involving all sorts of contacts, their search was successful. A new band member is joining — Veronika!

2026–present

The band is preparing a new setlist for their concerts. As well as playing their own songs from the two released albums, they plan to perform covers of famous progressive/psychedelic groups such as Genesis, Led Zeppelin, and Porcupine Tree. In the longer term, perhaps the third album might be released…?



Raptor Konrad Members Discography Lyrics Photo Gallery Video	Raptor Konrad A rock band from Hlučín, a small town near Ostrava, Czech Republic. The founding members are Marek Burdzik (Maro, Buňo, Vox, Burďas, Buněčný), Andrej Kubelka, Libor Weiss, and Vítězslav Jiřík (Viťus). Marek devised the band’s name by intentionally distorting the name of the first reeve (mayor) of Hlučín, Konrad Sriptor, who held the position from 1303. The band name has nothing in common with birds of prey or dinosaurs. Formation in 2004 The band was formed in 2004, when the founding members agreed to try to create their own musical expression. Each member already had some experience playing in various bands: Marek and Andrej from the band Vykořenění, Libor from Promile and Vajcovod, which Viťus was also part of at the time the band was formed, having previously played in bands such as Diamant, Notabene, Motor České Třebovice, and also in the legendary Ostrava-based band Hastr. 2005–2009 The basis for their own work was found in their original musical ideas (or motifs) and lyrics from some of Marek’s earlier compositions, which struck a chord with Viťus. Although Marek and Viťus grew up in quite different musical environments, it appeared that their musical feelings had a number of elements in common (namely psychedelic and progressive rock), and therefore most of their first joint compositions could occur between 2005 and 2006. All members participated in arranging the songs, although usually under the leadership of Viťus. In 2009, Karel Kühpast, who previously played in bands such as Ingot, Golden Dust, Moravius, Vajcovod, and Lybar Band, joined the band to complement the overall sound of the band with his six-string bass guitar and to help with the recording of the album. 2010–2014 The album Rock Suite: The Mass for the Angel was released in November 2010. The band continues to perform and work on new material, so fans can always look forward to new songs. Raptor Konrad has also appeared on the ProgArchives website (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7039) and their songs are played on the ProgRockRadio internet radio station in New York City (http://www.progrockradio.com). 2015–2019 The recording of the new CD was delayed (it was supposed to be released in 2014 to celebrate the band’s 10^th anniversary), however, only the master tracks for all the instruments, drums and both basses were recorded. The rhythm section still needed processing and the guitars, synthesizers and vocals were yet to be recorded. As the results of the rhythm processing were not satisfactory, further work on the CD was dropped. Due to these unfulfilled plans, the entire first album The Mass for the Angel was made available to listen to for free, as detailed in the Discography section. 2019–2025 Done! Viťus states that it would be a great shame not to finish the second CD, so he finished it himself. The album entitled Sonatinas and Sonnets is completed and released in 2019. Fans can obtain it in several ways – please, the Discography section. At the same time, the band is moving into the next period of its development with significant personnel changes. Marek and Karel are definitely leaving, probably for different reasons which they are keeping to themselves. Viťus and Andrej agreed to try recruiting a female singer to replace Marek. After a long period of unsuccessful advertising and involving all sorts of contacts, their search was successful. A new band member is joining — Veronika! 2026–present The band is preparing a new setlist for their concerts. As well as playing their own songs from the two released albums, they plan to perform covers of famous progressive/psychedelic groups such as Genesis, Led Zeppelin, and Porcupine Tree. In the longer term, perhaps the third album might be released…?
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