Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
The band was originally formed as a one-piece death metal act under the temporary name of Hollow Again. I wanted to create a project that was a throwback old-school death metal sound inspired by Bloodbath. Once the lineup was solidified, we worked together to create a fitting band name. We wanted Disciples of the Void (also the name of our debut release) but it was taken, which is understandable as it’s a great name. We worked through various combinations of words having to do with entropy/esotericism/etc and ended up on Ethereal Void. It has a good ring to it.
Logan began contributing to the songwriting shortly after the band’s formation, and would eventually fully take over that role (as well as guitar of course). Nemesis was added later on to fill in the lead guitar position.
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
We’re all from Southwestern Ontario, though the way we structure our workflow, it wouldn’t particularly matter. We do almost everything remotely, with the exception being the recording of rhythm guitars which is done in person (but could be done remotely if we didn’t have that convenience).
We all met via Kijiji (like Craigslist here in Canada) at different times. Most of the time you just find weirdos, but sometimes you find someone amazing!
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
For many years, my favourite band would be Dimmu Borgir, but recently it’s an artist named Azari. In both cases, they really don’t influence the sound of the music. I don’t personally listen to a lot of death metal on my own time.
Given Logan is the one writing the songs now, his answer makes a little more sense, citing Meshuggah, Gojira, and Lamb of God as influences to the writing in this project, but I don’t believe any of us really listen to the sort of music we make in Ethereal Void; generally, we’re more melodic across the board.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
I wanted to get into science, but I have dyscalculia which made it excessively difficult. Music was the compromise because you only have to count to 8. It’s all of the logic, with none of the math (and also none of the contribution to society but can’t win ‘em all I guess)
Ever since I was a teenager I did always want to be in a band, yes. I was just never social enough to get there until several years later.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
I’ve recently made a change to my consumption habits in my life, so the biggest artists for me right now are Azari and Sumia. I’ve been trying to expand and find genres that resonate with me, but I’m very much in the midst of that process, so I don’t have too much additional.
If you want a much more on-brand answer, Carcinogenesis by Viscera kicks a ridiculous amount of ass. It’s probably the last metal album I really REALLY got into.
Do you sing in the shower?
Only when I need to practise, or when something is stuck in my head to a dire extent.
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
We have begun work on a new album which has a very strong vision and is a bit of a departure from Gods of a Dead World in both sound and theme. Realistically since all of EV’s members are also in The Design Abstract, we will be finishing up TDA’s new release first, as well as the new Loremaster album.
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
You know, normally I would have said yes. Generally, by the time I’m writing these interviews, the next album is already halfway done. However, due to the aforementioned changes in my life, our musical output has been greatly reduced. I suppose Projekt Technophage has material ready to go, but that hardly counts.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Oh, I’d be content just playing at the Opera House in Toronto. So many bands I loved growing up came there, it always seemed like THE ultimate goal, even if it was shooting a little low.
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
I suppose I’d have to declare Death Cult Armageddon by Dimmu Borgir my favourite album still, even as I expand away from that genre personally. I think it’s a masterpiece and unparalleled compositional genius.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
I’m pretty open about everything I listen to. If you checked out Azari when I mentioned her earlier, you probably were a little caught off guard. I will admit for a while I listened to Motionless In White but didn’t tell anyone I did because the fanbase was so cringe. For the longest time I really, genuinely did only listen to metal so I didn’t have anything worth feeling guilt over.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Scar Symmetry solo headline with Christian even if they don’t get along anymore.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
“With your own money” is such a saving grace to this question because I remember the first two CDs my mom got me and now I don’t have to tell you what they are.
If memory serves, it would have either been Define the Great Line by Underoath or Summer of Darkness by Demon Hunter. Both choices hold up and I fully support Christian-teen-me’s choice.
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
I appreciate you making what I feel is a fairly bold assumption, but if indeed you are correct, I think a simple “thank you” is in order. It’s not been easy getting this music out there, so any and all fans are deeply appreciated -and even dare I say- loved.
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
The only official social media for this band specifically is our Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/EtherealVoid
anything we work on will be on our Bandcamp (Abstrakted Records consists of all the projects myself and/or Logan work on)
you can follow a lot of what goes on with all our bands on my personal Instagram as well:
https://www.instagram.com/voiicide/
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Go to your local animal shelter and buy 1-3 cats, then name them things you wouldn’t normally name cats, then message photos of them to us via the links above. That’s an order. Thank you.
This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum