Symphonic metal project VESSELES is preparing to release its debut EP I Am a Demon on May 3, 2024.
On the forthcoming EP, the project's founder, Valira, comments: "I Am a Demon goes through the transformation of my identity. It flows from self-hate to liberation, ritual and thus transformation, ending in the disconnection between soul and body. Musically, there are elements of decadence illustrated by a gradual increase in dissonance and unexpected changes alongside elements of black metal."
On the importance of the new project, Valira continues, "Music in general has meant a lot to me over the years, but this project is on a different level in terms of purpose. I've never had such a strong emotional response to my own music."
The opening track and first single from the EP, "Suffocating Flesh", explains Valira, "is about self-hate and the feeling of being trapped in my body". With monstrous vocals and gripping discordance, it creates a totally immersive and dark sound. In contrast, the instrumental "Wretched" provides a sinister and melancholic atmosphere. It's a deeply powerful piece, performed only on the piano, through which haunting melodies intertwine and echo across the abyss.
About VESSELS:
VESSELES (veh-sel-is) is the exciting first solo project from West Coast metal veteran Valira, which involves an exploration of identity dysphoria layered with symphonic metal. A demon living among humans and struggling with the vessel she was born into, she turned to music before she understood its importance. Many years later, she found her true self and the importance of expressing it as loudly and proudly as possible. The result, VESSELES (a play on the word "vessel"), is a study of self-identity and pushing the boundaries of the human-dominated world.
