EPECTASE share Faquin-illustrated new single 'V.I.T.R.I.O.L.'

The French duo provide a glimpse at the future with a well-textured offering to indulge in.

Cover Artwork by Faquin Illustration

2019's mind-melting Astres was Epectase's introduction to the world and it fit quite well among I, Voidhanger's eclectic selection of forward-thinking acts. Come 2022, the band will take their black metal prowess to new progressive heights. If new single V.I.T.R.I.O.L. is anything to go by, Epectase have a standout composition that strays from the conventionalities of the genre in a progressive and atmospheric sense. To bring V.I.T.R.I.O.L. to life, the band's Avitus and Vague enlisted the work of Faquin for an inviting black and white cover illustration of symbolic nature.

When asked about commissioning Faquin for the illustration and where the art aligns with the track's themes, Avitus comments:

"The overall goal of this project is really to express emotions and experiences with as many tools that we have on our side. The project is music-centered but we don't want to limit the way we translate or liberate ideas. Every person working on this project has a distinct personality and medium. As the singer of the project, I also bring my medium as an illustrator to the table."

Every track on this project is a different beast of its own. This project doesn't follow such a gradual narration like on our debut album. I wrote lyrics for two of these songs, including 'V.I.T.R.I.O.L.', and Vague wrote lyrics for the other two. Each song describes emotions or interests we both developed during this pandemic and lockdown. The symbolism and unconscious artworks explores each of these themes to their core. For this first song to be released, I’ll let this open to interpretation but the clues I’ll leave are : self-discovery, spirituality, material journey and bettering of the self."

Vague adds:

"Since the early incarnations of Epectase, our main goal has always been to release a certain urgency, to serve our sensibilities at any cost, in the most cathartic way we can. Whether through music, sound design, illustration, photography, or whatever resonates with the emotional states we find ourselves in. This accumulation of experiences, intuitions and sensibilities, somewhat creates a sensorial capsule where we invite listeners to sink in. In that sense, Faquin’s artworks bring new layers of meaning, which reflects in the various illustrations we unveiled until the release of 'V.I.T.R.I.O.L.'

This song is an odd one for sure. It was the first track I wrote for our sophomore album, which we will release in 2022. It’s more abstract and more direct at the same time, which I think resonates with Faquin’s artwork and the diverse methods he used to create this time around. All I can say is that it marks a departure from something. Whether it’s the end or the start of the journey is up to each and everyone’s interpretation. Only time will reveal!"

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Stream V.I.T.R.I.O.L. below or HERE and stay tuned for more from Epectase.