AeSect release their new single “Simulacra” tomorrow… but why wait? We’ve got the video down the bottom, and between here and there we’ve a bundle of questions that the guys have taken the time to answer!
For those that don’t know, briefly tell us about the history of the band and how the band’s sound has evolved to what it is now?
Luke [Drums] – We formed in 2011 after myself and Dave and met through mutual friends, Aido ed later that year to complete the original line-up. From the very beginning we had a writing chemistry that has flourished over time, as we know each other so well now. Willow’s vocal and song writing approach to “Simulacra” opened up the band’s creativity after covid and we haven’t stopped since, so we’re really excited to show it to the world.
We know that you’ve already performed at Bloodstock Festival. I still have the plastic cup you gave me on the day, and it still has a cactus in it! Tell us how that performance came about and what the experience was for your first UK show?
Luke – We did a short run of shows with our friends in Broken Jaw a year prior to our Bloodstock slot, so we had a slight taste of what was to come, but nothing quite compares to the Bloodstock crowd. Such an incredibly friendly festival that really does up-and-coming/emerging artists.
It was great to be a part of, and feel like of the Bloodstock family. We got the slot through the Metal 2 The Masses Ireland orgainisation the year before the world went into a Covid lockdown.
Willow [Bass/Vocals] – We had played the UK a few times before our appearance at Bloodstock, but no festivals, just smaller local shows which are always fun as we love to play in new venues. We were selected by Simon Hall from Bloodstock at M2TM Ireland back in may of 2019, which gave us a spot on the New Blood Stage. The whole experience was loads of fun. Everyone from the crew, crowd, and other bands made it an unbelievable experience, and we would love the chance to play it again someday.
There has been a few line-up chanages within the band over the years, would you attribute that to the evolving sound of the band and now, AeSect are, for the first time, a four-piece. Does it feel like you’ve finally reached the sound that you’ve strived for over years?
Luke – Most of our lineup changes came down to a crossroads in life, and I guess naturally, as one person exits, another enters, or swaps rolls. There is a natural shift in approach and it was all just an organic evolution for us.
When Willow stepped-up on vocals, it opened up a whole new avenue for us. He’s got very different vocal influences from the rest of us and getting a blend of the two was just so creative and exciting, we were trying lots of different styles and experimenting as we had time to be creative.
Personally, this is happiest I’ve been with the sound of the band. It really feels like we have been heading this direction for a while and the stars all aligned for this path to open up for us. That’s not to throw shade at any previous and what they contributed to the band, as every member has been fully invested, and certainly appreciated for how they have helped us grow.
But for sure, this feels right, like we’ve been longing for this for a while. Lockdown really took away our creative outlet and we’ve been raring to go ever since, so we’re delighted to finally be getting material out to the world.
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The new single, “Simulacra” follows a previous isolated single, “Revolutionary Suicide”, which was released last year. Are there plans to release an album or an EP with these tracks on it?
Luke – We have a bulk of material recorded and the goal is work towards an album release. We have plans for a few more singles first though, which will keep some good momentium and help us strive for new goals. We are currently working on a few concepts and ideas for new material, so for now, you’ll have to watch this space.
Willow – Ultimately we are working towards an album release. The material is recorded with completed artwork, so we are just working on some additional ideas at our own pace.
We are really enjoying releasing the tracks individually, getting to focus on the individual song themes, and expanding our content, which allows us to constantly be creative and try out so many different things that is just not possible when releasing a large body of work, such as a full-length album. For an emerging band such as ourselves, it keeps our socials ticking over and means we have content that’s new and relevant.
The band worked with Björn Strid of Swedish Death Metal crew, Soilwork, how did that come about?
Luke – That was an opportunity that came about at the height of the lockdown era. We had seen Bjorn was doing collaborations and we had a new track, “Sky Burial” already completed, but with no vocals. We submitted it to see if he was interested… and the rest is history. I’ve been a fan of Soilwork for years, so getting to hear someone I listened to as a teenager sing on a song we wrote is still very surreal for me.
With regards to the Irish Metal scene, do you find that bands from Ireland are getting more coverage now, thanks to the likes of Metal 2 The Masses which has helped some killer Irish bands get into the UK market via Bloodstock?
Luke – Absolutely! It has had a massive positive effect for a lot of the Irish bands. Getting a chance to play a festival like Bloodstock is incredible for our scene, and it certainly opens a lot of doors. The Irish scene is very ive of each other and genuinely love to see each other succeed. It has to be said that the M2TM Ireland crew especially go above and beyond for the scene in trying to get us all heard by wider audiences.
Are there plans for much touring in 2024 and will that include the UK?
Willow – At the moment we are very focused on the forthcoming releases for this year, so the prospect of touring has not really been at the forefront of our discussions, but we are working on a few shows throughout the year, and we will hopefully be able to share news on some of these soon.
Can you shed any light on the next release from AeSect and when we can expect to see that released?
Luke – We’re aiming for our next release sometime around Feb / March. We’re currently in the pre-production stages of the video shoot. What I can tell you is that this next track leans more into our Thrash influences, but of course, has some intense heavy breakdowns that I hope we’ve become known for.
Willow – We are currently working on the video and graphics for the new release. The song itself is completed and ready to go, and as Luke mentioned, it’s definitely Thrashier than “Simulacra”, but has many melodic moments intertwined with intense, crushing breakdowns. We’re having loads of fun coming up with ideas and are in a really productive and creative place right now, which is very exciting.
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