The Prayerbook: A Bold Reflection on Devotion, Authority, and Personal Growth
A month ago, Polish audio-visual artist Szopa teased us with the release of his haunting single Where Do I Go, offering a glimpse into the dark and thought-provoking world of his third album, The Prayerbook. Well, the wait is over—The Prayerbook is out today, and we can’t stress enough how much you need to give it a listen.
This album is a deep exploration of religion, devotion, authority, and hierarchical structures. Fusing elements of electronica, darkwave, and gothic pop, Szopa draws inspiration from medieval church aesthetics to create something truly unique.
But make no mistake, The Prayerbook doesn’t shy away from questioning the very institutions of faith it evokes. Szopa reflects on religious core values, contrasting them with his personal experiences growing up in a small, highly religious community. At its heart, the album juxtaposes fundamental beliefs with Szopa’s own observations of how scripture can be corrupted and manipulated for egotistical purposes.
Speaking about his album, Szopa explains, “The overall theme of the album takes inspiration from medieval Roman Catholicism. I use those themes to explore the ideas of social authority in the context of capitalism, as well as exploring religious devotion in contrast with devotion towards social figures, governments, or hurtful ideologies.”
The Prayerbook consists of twelve conceptual tracks, each oscillating between moments of light and dark—much like life itself. The lead single, Reverse My Prayer, stands out as a powerful reflection on personal growth, shame, and regret. Szopa shares, “‘Reverse My Prayer’ compares challenging our comfort zones and harmful beliefs to the process of abandoning religion.
“I think the two have a lot in common—there’s a lot at stake in both situations. Our personal circumstances and dreams are very closely tied to our communities and support circles, friends, and family. Being able to challenge your own belief and take action against what harms you is the ultimate sign of growth, but also one of the most difficult things you can do.”
You can check out the music video for Reverse My Prayer here:
The Prayerbook is not just an album—it’s an experience that invites listeners into Szopa’s intricate world of contrasts and contradictions. Each track feels like a chapter in a much larger narrative, one that challenges us to confront our beliefs and examine the structures we’ve built our lives around. Standout tracks include Holy Healer, Mercy, St. Camille, and an almost unrecognizable cover of Judy Garland’s classic, Get Happy.
The Prayerbook is available now on all major streaming platforms. It’s a journey through the shadows and light of the human experience, a must-listen for anyone ready to engage with music that challenges and inspires.
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Featured Image: Images Courtesy of Measure PR.
