Interview with Eldritch

Eldritch, a pioneering force in progressive power metal since the early ’90s, continues to captivate fans with their intricate compositions and passionate performances. In this interview for Metal Invader, Eugene Simone opens up about the band’s origins, their latest album “Innervoid”, and the strong bond they share with their Greek audience. Dive into the story of a band that has skillfully blended diverse metal influences to carve out a unique place in the international scene while still pushing forward with fresh creative energy.

Hello and welcome to Metal Invader!

Hello to you and to all the Metal Invader readers!

Could you please introduce Eldritch for our readers who might be new to your music? How did the band form, and what influenced your early sound?

Eldritch was founded between 1990 and 1991 by myself (Eugene Simone), Terence Holler, and Adriano Dal Canto, from the ashes of a hard rock-oriented project. During that period, I introduced them to bands such as Queensryche, Fates Warning, Watchtower, Coroner, Annihilator, etc., and from there we began to develop our own style based on those genres. The result was a sort of Progressive Power Thrash rich in influences of various genres, and our strong ambition subsequently led us to complete the band with Martin Khyn on bass (who had already collaborated with us) and Oleg Smirnoff on keyboards.

We quickly managed to sign a contract with manager Limb Schnoor and the Inside Out Music label. That’s where our recording career began, allowing us to tour and carve out an important place for ourselves on the international scene in the years that followed. We can take credit for being among those who opened up new frontiers.

Can you tell us about your latest album “Innervoid”? What themes and inspirations shaped it?

Innervoid is an album whose main theme deals with right and wrong actions that lead individuals to inner emptiness, or are caused by that emptiness itself. At the same time, however, within this empty, imprisoned heart, a glimmer of hope can be seen in the background. That is, the unpromised land, the one that no one gives you, reachable (perhaps) only with great willpower.

Musically, it draws heavily on the latest albums but is a little more direct than the previous EOS.

Even though “Innervoid” is 3 years old right now and both Press and fans loved it, would you change anything at it if you could?

We would change a few arrangements and a few other choices, but those are details. With every album, after some time has passed since its release, there is something we would change. But we can say that we are very satisfied with “Innervoid” and how it has been received.

How do you see the role of Progressive elements in your songwriting compared to other Metal influences?

Progressive elements are always present in our songwriting because they are at the core of our roots. We don’t deliberately insert them into a song; it’s more of a natural process and therefore not forced. Although we do have many more direct songs.

What motivated your decision to bring Eldritch to Greece for these shows?

We have always had a special connection with Greek audiences. We came to play for you for the first time in 2009 as support for Firewind, and it was wonderful. We already had a good following, but after those shows it became even stronger. Then we returned three years ago to the Horns Up Festival and decided to do these three shows as headliners to strengthen this bond.

As you performed in Greece before, what do you remember most from those experiences?

As I mentioned in my previous answer, the reception was fantastic! Bob Katsionis, former keyboardist for Firewind, had been following us since the beginning and told us that Eldritch were well known and appreciated in Greece. We will never forget those two nights in Athens and Thessaloniki. Unfortunately, at the Horns Up Festival, there were some problems related to a change of location caused by a weather alert. However, this did not make the show any less special.

What can fans expect from your live performances during this tour? Will there be any surprises or unique aspects?

We don’t want to give too much away because it’s nice to leave the audience with a little curiosity. I can say that it will be a very varied set list. With 13 studio albums, unfortunately something will have to be sacrificed, but we are sure it will be an exciting live set!

How do you choose your setlist for a tour like this, balancing new material with fan favorites?

We will obviously focus on our latest album, “Innervoid”, and our most recent work. However, we will touch on almost every period of our career, with a special focus on some classics from our early albums. We don’t deny anything from our past and always try to give space to our entire repertoire from different eras. I don’t think our fans will be disappointed.

Are there any particular songs you’re excited to play live for the Greek audience?

We know that Greek metalheads will definitely be expecting some classic tracks… and they’ll get what they want!

Have any Italian or Mediterranean musical elements or culture influenced your music in any way?

One would expect an Italian band to be influenced by traditional Italian music. In reality, although we are very open-minded musically, we are not very familiar with Italian music, except for a few historic Progressive bands from the 1970s. However, there are melodic elements that may vaguely recall the Italian tradition. Although I believe this is coincidental.

After the Greek tour, what’s next for Eldritch in terms of recording or touring?

After the mini tour in Greece, we will start working seriously on the new album. In any case, we will always be ready to get on stage if interesting opportunities arise.

The closing is yours.

Thank you so much for giving us this space, and a big hello to all Metal Invader readers! We hope to see you all at our shows, pumped up as always!!!