2023 Retro – ERSHETU

"The exciting concept, bold compositions, and strong performances go hand in hand, ensuring a rich experience." (Vampster.com)

Cinematic Black Metal band ERSHETU emerged from the creative minds of lyricist Void (DMP) and composer Sacr. Collaborating with acclaimed musicians Vindsval (BLUT AUS NORD, FORHIST) and Lars Are Nedland (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD), the band's debut was released in autumn 2023. Our fourteenth retrospective installment delves into "Xibalba" and the project's future. Explore more masterpieces by artists like AARA, NIGHTBRINGER, and SLIDHR from the 2023 roundup series, featured on the bands' individual pages and our news section.

"Your voices echo in the wild
We pray for rain
We pray for life
Enslaved to thy will
Oh Gods, grant us the power
Oh Gods, let us harvest life
Consoled by this blood we offer" ('From Corn To Dust')

ERSHETU's debut contains six entrancing compositions which narrate the rise and fall of the Mayan civilization, focusing on their death rituals and beliefs. Drawing from central texts like the Popol Vuh, Void and Sacr vividly plunge listeners into an ancient world where life and death are inextricably linked. The album features an impeccable orchestral foundation adorned with folk elements, elevated by the passionate and hypnotic vocals of Lars Are Nedland, and complemented by the textured Black Metal guitar work of Vindsval.

"I am the Great Owl
Omen of Death
When the tunkuluchú sings, a man dies." ('Tunkuluchú')

Discover the album here and via our YouTube channel:

"Xibalba" was conceived as the sonic counterpart to an imaginary film, a soundtrack that invites listeners to immerse themselves in the ancient Mayan universe. To accentuate this concept, Dehn Sora (THROANE) crafted an evocative video for the track 'From Corn To Dust':

Showcasing the compositional skill underlying ERSHETU's work, composer Sacr also presented a guitar playthrough of the album's final track, 'Tunkuluchú':

ERSHETU are currently working on their second full-length, as Void narrates:

"Sacr has been busy this winter and the new album is fully composed! Lyrics still need to be finished. Vindsval already started recording everything at Earthsound Studio. We'll take you on a journey where the soul does not die with the body. Rather, it persists in the universe as spiritual energy."

Lars Are Nedland and Sacr have also shared their top albums of 2023.

Sacr:

01. AARA – "Triade III: Nyx"
02. JOHN WILLIAMS – "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"
03. BLACKBRAID – "II"
04. NIGHT IN GALES – "The Black Stream"
05. AVISHAI COHEN – "Continuo"

Lars Are Nedland (in no particular order):

GREEN LUNG – "This Heathen Land"
MARDUK – "Memento Mori"
WYTCH HAZEL – "IV: Sacrament"
BLUT AUS NORD – "Disharmonium - Nahab"
THANTIFAXATH – "Hive Mind Narcosis"
SPIRIT POSSESSION – "Of The Sign..."
APHEX TWIN – "Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760"

"Xibalba" is available from our EU, US and Bandcamp shops.