“…the poisoning of god.”
Interview by Jason Guest
Jason: Thank you very much for taking time out for this interview and congratulations on Aseity (reviewed here). Aseity was released in September 2013. How do you view the album now that you’ve had time to live with it, so to speak?
A: It’s a stepping stone for what’s currently in development. It’s a vital part of the infantile stage of the band; figuring out what works on all levels.
Jason: What was it that you wanted to achieve with the album?
A: Creating a canvas for the listener to do what he/she wishes.
Jason: When writing for Aseity, did you have an idea of how you want the songs to sound or did each of the tracks and the album take shape as they were being developed?
A: I typically sit down and write with little/no ideas or goals. When I attempt to write in a style, it ends up with something that’s not organic because I’m forcing myself to do something that may not be exactly what I’m feeling subconsciously. For this album, it came about in two different writing sessions for each half of the album. I developed a concept behind the album and arranged accordingly.
Jason: Can you tell us about the album title, its significance and what it means in relation to the music?
A: Aseity refers to an entity that exists in the lyrical concept of the album. To sum it up, the poisoning of god. The album begins with aggression, as in the initial stages of dosing, the effects of poisoning, and all of the feelings associated. Half way through the album, it then beings to mellow out when death is realized, accepted, and achieved.
To the Dream Plateau of Hideous Revelation
Jason: In October 2013, you released the split, To the Dream Plateau of Hideous Revelation, with Ævangelist. What prompted the split release? Why did you choose to work together?
A: I’ve known the members behind AEvangelist for many years and our other projects have collaborated and toured together. It was only a matter of time before it happened.
Jason: Was the music for the split written around the same time as that for the a album or later?
A: The material on the split was recorded roughly a year after I finished demoing Aseity.
Jason: Does the music on the split mark a progression since Aseity?
A: Definitely, the material on the split is a more accurate representation of what Esoterica is and will become than Aseity, as of now.
Jason: The artwork for the album and the split with Ævangelist are both incredible. Who designed them? Was it the same artist?
Aseity
A: Ralph Stewart designed both covers.
Jason: When choosing the artist(s), what were you looking for?
A: I was looking for someone who could capture the “illness” of the albums concept.
Jason: How much freedom did you give them in the design?
A: 100%. I sent him a few vital tracks from the full length and he put it in to visual form.
Jason: Is there a theme, concept, or a philosophy that underpins the music of Esoterica?
A: No, each release is recorded in a different mindset. If I had to choose, it would be chaos and free will.
Jason: Who writes the lyrics? And what inspires them?
A: I write all of the lyrics as of now. Everything and nothing.
Jason: Are there any tracks on either the album or the split that stand out for you? Are there any that you think mark a significant development for the band or indicate where you see the band heading in future?
A: ‘The Devil’s Trumpet’ is probably the song that sticks out the most for me. I think it’s exactly what I want Esoterica to sound like, atmospherically speaking. The track ‘III’ from the Idololatriae EP, simply because it’s the first track I wrote for Esoterica.
Jason: You’ve recently played your first live shows, your debut with the aforementioned Ævangelist. How were they?
A: Both live shows for us were incredible, much better than anticipated.
Jason: Any further plans for live shows? And if so, will we be seeing you in the UK?
A: Some exciting things are planned for the summer, but Esoterica will not play live very often. We would love to play Europe sooner or later.
Jason: What does the future hold for Esoterica? Is there more material in the works?
A: There will be some new things, mainly an EP that is in the works to be released sometime this year. Aseity and the AEvangelist split are also being released this year on Demonhood Productions. After the smoke has cleared from these things, we will begin album II.
Jason: Thanks again for taking time out for this interview. I look forward to hearing more from Esoterica. Do you have any closing words for our readers?
A: Thank you.
