Po’ Metra Crijeva are one of the most distinctive bands on the Croatian heavy music scene,
known for their uncompromising fusion of metal and traditional Istrian folk heritage. Formed in 2003 in the Rijeka/Kastav area, the band emerged from the local underground as a bold experiment that gradually grew into a fully developed artistic concept. Over the years, they have coined their own genre label, Ča-Metal, combining aggressive metal styles with the Chakavian dialect, traditional instruments, and folklore deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Istria and the Kvarner region.
Musically, Po’ Metra Crijeva blend elements of death, thrash, black metal, and punk with
traditional sopila playing and two-part singing based on the Istrian scale, recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The folk elements are not just decorative additions but an integral part of their songwriting, shaping both melody and atmosphere. Their lyrics often draw from local myths, legends and rural imagery, balancing dark humor, satire and folk horror themes.
This approach makes their music feel almost ritualistic, raw and unmistakably regional, but still remaining accessible to metal audiences beyond Croatia, as it can be recognised through their shows all over.
Their discography spans from early releases in the 2000s to more recent albums such as
Boškarin IV and Metal je Ča!, which helped introduce their sound to a wider audience and
earned them recognition within the regional alternative and metal scenes.
On 20 December 2025, Po’ Metra Crijeva returned to Zagreb after 2 long-awaited years,
performing at Boogaloo in what was announced as a special Christmas-themed concert
(Božićna ČArolija, eng. Christmas MAgic). The last few appearances in the city had already
established them as a powerful live act, but this show raised the bar even higher by fully
embracing a festive yet sinister atmosphere. The concert opened with one of their most known songs, “Metal je Ča”, immediately sending the audience into a frenzy and setting the tone for the entire night. From the first moments, the crowd responded with overwhelming energy, and the atmosphere remained intense and enthusiastic throughout the performance.
This particular concert leaned heavily into Christmas symbolism mixed with elements of horror and folklore. Alongside the band, additional performers appeared on stage, including Frane Iznutricosijek and other supporting characters dressed in costumes inspired by Istrian myths, legends, and rural folklore. The stage was filled with visual details; from traditional masks all the way to miniature scythes and knives covered in blood that enhanced the theatrical narrative (especially during the “massacre” of the front row) without overshadowing the music. Rather than feeling forced, these elements worked in harmony with the songs, reinforcing the band’s identity as storytellers as much as musicians.
The concert was also marked by constant interaction with the audience. At one point, the
frontman/vocalist (Č. R. U.) asked if anyone had come to the show despite being sick with the flu. After hearing the crowd’s affirmative response, he offered a piece of “traditional medical advice” delivered in classic Po’ Metra Crijeva fashion: two onions and garlic in both ends, and you’ll be fine. The line was met with laughter and cheers, perfectly capturing the band’s mix of absurd humor, folk wisdom, and metal bravado.
Folk elements were especially prominent, both musically and visually, turning the concert into something resembling a pagan folk-metal ceremony rather than a conventional show. The interaction between heavy riffs, traditional melodies and dramatic stage presence kept the audience fully engaged from start to finish. By the final songs, the crowd was clearly hoping for an encore, calling for a return to the stage. Unfortunately, despite the demand, there was no encore, leaving a sense of unfinished business — though not disappointment.
Before leaving the stage, the band shared one final piece of news that was met with loud
approval: Po’ Metra Crijeva announced that a new album is planned for next year, confirming that their creative journey is far from over. And judging by the reaction of last night’s crowd in Boogaloo, Zagreb is more than ready to welcome the next dark, folk-infused surprise they bring.
The night of the 20 th (December) at Zagreb (Boogaloo) unfolded as a carefully layered evening that gradually built from raw underground energy into a full-scale folk-metal ritual wrapped in Christmas imagery, dark humor and theatrical elements. This themed event was shaped not only by the headliners, Po’ Metra Crijeva, but also by the opening acts, Šiza and Skotni Vrag, who each contributed their own distinctive character to the overall atmosphere.
The evening opened with Šiza, a two-piece post-punk and garage rock band from Koprivnica, known for their stripped-down setup and relentless intensity. With only drums and bass/vocals on stage, Šiza delivered a tight, aggressive set driven by sharp rhythms and confrontational energy. Their sound draws heavily from post-punk and garage rock traditions, but their live presence pushes the music into something far more physical and immediate. Songs from their recent album Zebra showcased a more focused and mature approach while retaining the raw edge that defines them. Loud, direct, and unapologetic, Šiza effectively jolted the audience into motion and set a high-energy foundation for the rest of the night.
Following them were Skotni Vrag, a band whose performance shifted the mood from raw
minimalism into something far more colorful and surreal. Hailing from Virovitica, Skotni Vrag operate somewhere between psychedelic rock, alternative, progressive influences, and
theatrical satire. Their visual identity (ranging from flowing garments in the form of medieval clothing all the way to exaggerated personas and playful symbolism) mirrors their music, which moves freely between grooves, unexpected structures, and humorous yet pointed lyrical ideas.
Their recent work, including material from their newer releases and collaborative projects,
highlights their ambition and creativity, offering a performance that felt as much like a
happening as a concert. Skotni Vrag’s set added imagination and unpredictability to the
evening, expanding the emotional and stylistic range before the headliners took the stage.
In the end, Šiza, Skotni Vrag, Po’ Metra Crijeva, and the technical support team from Dostava Zvuka collectively shaped the evening into a highy immersive experience. Through strong performances, carefully crafted sound, and a shared sense of atmosphere, they completed a twisted yet festive Christmas story. One that balanced chaos, humor, tradition, and heavy music into a memorable night at Boogaloo.
Gallery:
PO’ METRA CRIJEVA, Skotni Vrag & Šiza, Boogaloo Zagreb, 20.12.2025
