Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka - Guitar

Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka was born on December 17, 1981, in Krosno, Poland.

Kiełtyka received formal musical training from an early age. He graduated from both first- and second-degree music schools and later attended the Academy of Music in Kraków.

Although he became internationally known as a guitarist, his principal instrument during his formal studies was accordion. He also studied and played piano and keyboards.

Decapitated

In 1996, Kiełtyka co-founded Decapitated with his younger brother, drummer Witold "Vitek" Kiełtyka.

Despite the members being extremely young, Decapitated quickly developed a reputation for technically advanced death metal.

Vogg became the band's guitarist and principal songwriter and would eventually become its only continuous member.

Decapitated released Winds of Creation in 2000, followed by Nihility in 2002, The Negation in 2004 and Organic Hallucinosis in 2006.

The albums established Decapitated internationally and made Vogg one of the most recognizable guitarists in modern technical death metal.

Lux Occulta

In 1998, Vogg joined Polish black/avant-garde metal band Lux Occulta.

He appeared on My Guardian Anger in 1999 and The Mother and the Enemy in 2001.

He later participated in the band's reunion album Kołysanki, released in 2014.

The 2007 Decapitated Accident

On October 29, 2007, Decapitated were involved in a serious road accident in Belarus when their tour bus collided with a truck.

Vogg was injured in the accident.

His brother Vitek and vocalist Adrian "Covan" Kowanek suffered severe head injuries.

Vitek died from his injuries on November 2, 2007, at the age of 23, while Covan survived but was left with serious long-term health problems.

Following the accident, Decapitated became inactive.

Vogg eventually decided to rebuild the band, announcing a new lineup in 2009.

Decapitated returned to recording with Carnival Is Forever in 2011, followed by Blood Mantra in 2014, Anticult in 2017 and Cancer Culture in 2022.

Vader and Other Work

During Decapitated's period of inactivity, Vogg became involved with fellow Polish death metal band Vader.

He joined Vader around 2008–2009 and performed guitar on the band's 2009 album Necropolis.

He also toured extensively with the band before leaving in 2010 to concentrate on the reactivated Decapitated.

Vogg has also been associated with Polish metal band Sceptic.

In 2006, following Erik Rutan's departure from Morbid Angel, Vogg auditioned for the position of second guitarist but did not become a member.

He has also worked professionally as a guitar technician for Hypocrisy.

Joining Machine Head

In 2018, longtime Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel and drummer Dave McClain left the band.

The following year, Robb Flynn began assembling a new lineup for Machine Head's Burn My Eyes 25th Anniversary Tour.

In September 2019, Vogg was announced as Machine Head's new lead guitarist alongside drummer Matt Alston.

The tour used a special two-part format.

Flynn, Jared MacEachern, Vogg and Alston performed the first portion of each concert, concentrating primarily on Machine Head material released after Burn My Eyes.

Original guitarist Logan Mader and drummer Chris Kontos then joined Flynn and MacEachern for the second part of the concert, performing Burn My Eyes in its entirety.

The arrangement meant Vogg immediately entered Machine Head during one of the band's most unusual touring periods.

Øf Kingdøm and Crøwn

Vogg became involved in the creation of Machine Head's tenth studio album, Øf Kingdøm and Crøwn, released in 2022.

He performed lead guitar and received co-writing credits on "Unhallowed" and "Bloodshot".

The album became his only full-length Machine Head studio album as an official member.

At the same time, Vogg remained the leader and principal songwriter of Decapitated.

Balancing the schedules of both bands increasingly became difficult.

Reece Scruggs

When Vogg was unavailable because of Decapitated commitments, Machine Head began using Havok guitarist Reece Scruggs as a temporary live replacement.

Scruggs made his first live appearance with Machine Head on November 3, 2022, at Strummer's in Fresno, California, during the opening show of the Electric Happy Hour (Live) tour.

He subsequently returned for additional Machine Head performances when Vogg was unavailable.

Vogg continued as Machine Head's official guitarist, with his final tour as a regular member taking place in South America in October 2023.

Leaving Machine Head

On February 17, 2024, Vogg officially announced that he was no longer a member of Machine Head.

He explained that maintaining full commitments to both Machine Head and Decapitated had become increasingly difficult because of the demanding schedules of the two bands.

The departure was amicable.

Reece Scruggs, who had already spent considerable time filling in for Vogg, subsequently became Machine Head's full-time guitarist.

Vogg returned his primary focus to Decapitated.

Return to Machine Head as a Touring Guitarist

Despite leaving Machine Head as an official member, Vogg's relationship with the band remained strong.

In 2025, Reece Scruggs temporarily stepped away from Machine Head's touring schedule after his father was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Machine Head needed replacement guitarists for their European and UK summer dates.

Vogg returned to help his former band and performed a substantial portion of the tour, while longtime Machine Head producer Zack Ohren handled guitar at selected shows.

The arrangement made clear that Vogg's 2024 departure had not ended his relationship with Machine Head.

His temporary involvement continued into 2026.

Vogg returned for most of Machine Head's April and May 2026 European An Evening With... tour, once again performing as a touring guitarist rather than rejoining as a permanent member.

His appearances meant that although his official Machine Head membership ended in 2024, he continued to play an important role in helping the band cover Reece Scruggs' extended absence.

Current Career

Vogg remains primarily associated with Decapitated, the band he co-founded as a teenager and rebuilt following the death of his brother.

His career has also included Lux Occulta, Vader and Machine Head, along with numerous guest and session appearances.

His official Machine Head period lasted from 2019 until 2024, during which he toured internationally with the band and contributed to Øf Kingdøm and Crøwn.

His subsequent returns as a touring guitarist in 2025 and 2026 have extended his connection with Machine Head beyond his formal membership and made him an important recurring part of the band's live lineup.