The relationship of Eldritch with the Greek audience has lasted for years and remains strong! After their triumphant performance at the Horns Up Festival, they return to present a set that combines highlights from their 35-year journey as well as their latest album, “Innervoid”.
With nearly 35 years of career and 13 albums to their name, Eldritch continue to evolve while keeping their passion for music alive. This year’s tour marks a new era with the addition of their new vocalist Alex Jarusso, who has already won the hearts of the band’s fans.
Let’s see what the main composer and guitarist Eugene Simone answered to Angelos Katsouras’ questions in an in-depth interview about the past, present, and future of Eldritch.
The return of the Italian prog/power metallers Eldritch to Greece is a fact!
17/10 – Athens: https://www.facebook.com/events/756337243669839/
18/10 – Trikala: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQe7bxucG/
19/10 – Thessaloniki : https://www.facebook.com/share/1BKJnP7gFv/
RockOverdose: First of all we would like to know your opinion about “Innervoid”. What do you think it adds on the legacy of Eldritch and what has been the response almost 2 years after its release?
ELDRITCH: Innervoid is a first step towards a new era for us. Artistically, we are still the same, but the real big news is that we have a new singer. The voice is a highly distinctive element, and even though the music remains intact, the overall sound inevitably undergoes a significant change. Alex Jarusso, in addition to being an excellent singer, has had the merit of adapting very well to our intricate textures and the mood that has always distinguished us. The responses have been very positive, and Innervoid has been very well received.
RockOverdose: Of course “Innervoid” becomes more special as it is the first time for the new singer. What did Alex bring as a vibe to the band and how was he chosen to be a member of Eldritch? Was he the obvious choice, or did you have to decide after many auditions for example?
ELDRITCH: We didn’t actually hold many auditions. Marco Biagioli (Runover and Seventh Thorn) was with us for a short time. His temporary presence allowed us to do a couple of shows that we had planned for some time. We evaluated some very interesting profiles, but they were difficult to consider, mainly because of the distance. Oleg and Marco Ribecai (our live sound engineer) knew Alex and thought it might be worth auditioning him. We hadn’t little doubt about his talent after listening to his previous projects, but we didn’t think he would adapt so well to our music right away.
Alex has the vocal characteristics we were looking for. Versatility, good range, but above all a beautiful vocal tone capable of delivering the best performance. We were lucky because it wasn’t easy to find the right singer close to us.
RockOverdose: The band has been around since 1991 and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the debut “Seeds Of Rage”. We have 2025, 13 albums are released and the band keeps on going on. Did you believe you would last so long when the band was created? How much of all those you wanted you have achieved so far?
ELDRITCH: Honestly, I never thought we would get this far. Right from the start, it wasn’t all roses and sunshine. We’ve had a lot of problems throughout our career, but in the end we’ve always overcome them. There have also been many changes in the lineup, but in most cases these have given us new energy and motivation. However, there have been difficult moments, but I believe that our great passion for this creature called Eldritch has been the real driving force that has allowed us to move forward.
RockOverdose: I know that many people started listening to you because of the name, taken from the famous Watchtower song. Can you describe us the motive of creating the band back then and the influences you had then, which changed in the future somehow?
ELDRITCH: When we started thinking about transforming an old project into something new, I introduced Terence and Adriano to some bands that I followed with interest. These bands were Fates Warning, Queensryche, the very early Dream Theater, Watchtower, Coroner, Annihilator, and others… From there came the idea of creating our own personal sound inspired by that genre and those influences, but not only. Our music also has traces of different genres that have changed over the years, as is normal in an artistic journey. However, our identity has always remained the same and many characteristics will always remain unchanged.
RockOverdose: You have been the only constant member from the beginning, but an old friend returned some years ago. How much of a relief was to have Oleg back in the band? Also how much easy or difficult was the decision to let some other people go and replace them in the past? Is it a little harder when you have to be the leader?
ELDRITCH: Oleg’s return brought back certain sounds that were part of our early days, but it wasn’t a return to the past. After many years, the band has evolved and he has reintegrated himself brilliantly, making a truly important contribution to our current sound. As for the changes in the lineup, I would say that they are quite normal and have numerous causes that are often beyond our control. For me, the band is like a family. I’ve remained close to almost everyone who’s been part of it, even those with whom things didn’t end very well. Because, in any case, over a period of time, we shared a journey together that was very different from a simple vacation.
RockOverdose: The fans always admired Eldritch because in a time when everyone tried to copy Dream Theater, you had your own personal sound. Even when the band became heavier with more groove, it was still something special. How much can the sound change on the main composer’s mind and what might lead to a change? Wanting to do something new? Avoid stagnancy? Or test your limits maybe?
ELDRITCH: I would say all the elements, but above all a natural need to be yourself. As I said before, we have never had a single musical reference to inspire us. Growing artistically must always be a priority and something natural. Then you can make albums that are more or less beautiful. Wanting to include something new in a song and not doing it for fear of disappointing those who expect to always hear the same thing from you, means denying yourself as an artist. That’s how I see it.
RockOverdose: The last 6 albums have been released through Scarlet Records, which leads us to the conclusion you have a relationship of trust with them. We would like to know how you get along with the company and kind of help they provide you for this relationship to last about 15 years.
ELDRITCH: With Scarlet, we have never had any problems apart from a few normal disagreements on certain issues. The main reason we get on well with them is that they have never hindered us artistically. This is fundamental for us. When we need to discuss something, they are always available. There is a balance that allows us to move forward peacefully. And that is not something to be taken for granted.
RockOverdose: I have a question especially for you, as the new album of Coroner is about to be released and is the album of the year for me. I know you love them very much and have influenced you a lot. Have you heard the first two singles yet? What made them special in your opinion? Which other bands would you like to see returning after years or maybe touring with them also if you could?
ELDRITCH: Of course, I listened to Coroner’s two singles and I really liked them. I’ll give my opinion only when I’ve listened to the whole album, from which I expect those special features that have always distinguished them and that I only hear in part in the two singles. For me, they have always been on another level compared to other more acclaimed bands, and I believe that even today they can teach many.
One band I would have loved to tour with is Fates Warning. I’d love to see them back with a new album, but if they’ve decided to take a break from recording, there’s a reason for it and it should be respected.
RockOverdose: Being one of the most skilled and technical players of the last 30 years, your advice on younger guitarists would be precious. What do you consider your strong part on your playing and how can you balance heaviness, melody, technique and personal sound? What should new young players be careful about?
ELDRITCH: Wow, really? Thank you so much, but you’re too kind 🙂
The first thing is to set yourself a goal and focus on that. If your priority is to become a monster guitarist and master all the techniques, the only way is to study hard and practice. For those who put making music first, I can only advise you to work on your technique in relation to the music you are playing. Never lose sight of the fact that it is the music that has to come out well and express something, not individual skill.
RockOverdose: We’re seeing you in Greece once again, I was there the first time with Firewind in an amazing performance. Greeks were always supportive of the band and consider especially “El Nino” -and “Headquake”- as a lifetime album. What should we wait from your performance and what goodies will you bring with you for the fans to buy?
ELDRITCH: Hehe, I can’t reveal the tracklist, but I can say that it will be very rich. We’ll be bringing a lot of merch with some gems.
We can’t wait to be there!
RockOverdose: Last but not least, I would like to thank you for your time. I would like to know which are your plans for the future and what gives you motivation to go on so many years and create something new each time. See you soon in Athens. Salve!
ELDRITCH: My great passion for music and my love for this band are the two things that drive me forward. But I must say that I consider myself lucky. Because despite many departures, some of them significant, the band has found some very talented new members who have made and continue to make a very important contribution.
Thank you very much! It has been a pleasure 🙂
On behalf of RockOverdose,
Aggelos Katsouras
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