Give us a quick rundown of the ESCARION story so far?

It all began when myself (Johnny), Rhys and Jon (our original drummer) split from our previous band, which was a thrash metal band. Interesting fact, Rhys (bass) was originally our vocalist. We had to split from that band as a member started becoming involved in hard drugs, which made him aggressive and manipulative. 
Rhys, Jon and I started Escarion influenced by our favourite band of the time, Death, as well as black metal legends such as Mayhem, Dissection and Behemoth. We used the dissolution of our previous band to fuel our first EP ‘Pinnacle of Neglect’, reflecting on the betrayal we felt.

As we started the writing process of our debut album, ‘Pillars of the Faith’, our original drummer Jon decided to leave for personal reasons. We are still close, Rhys lives with him. Our drummer Tim joined the band, as well as Tommy (guitarist), who was formally in Canadian Death Metal suit Tyrants Blood. Together we wrote our debut and concept album ‘Pillars of the Faith’ on the seven deadly sins and their connection to the human psyche.

Early last year, Tommy decided to leave Escarion with a heavy heart, due to personal and work related reasons. Again, we are still close friends with Tommy, just like Jon. With Tommy’s departure, Louis joined and blew us away. His unique flair and style on the guitar is incredible to witness. Louis and I fight in jest over who is better at the strings, we’ll let you decide. At this time, I had been ruminating over the idea of an evolved sound, Death Metal with an ethereal atmosphere incorporated. Upon bringing this idea to the band, they were all in agreement. We tested the waters with ads online, which is where we found Gaia. She fit in perfectly, personality and musically, and we didn’t need to search anymore.

With the lineup we have now, we finished writing ‘Towards a Futile Existence’ and entered the studio immediately after. Since then, we have been playing shows and getting ready to release this album to the world, on October 31st, 2023. We couldn’t be more proud of what we have created.

Labels & webzines often like to write at the end of a bio or review with the term ‘for fans of’ such & such bands. But we really think the band itself should be telling us this. So enlighten us if you would. ESCARION is for fans of?

ESCARION is for fans of Death, MGLA, Behemoth, Trivium, Opeth, Tool, Evanescence, Necrophagist, Revocation, Rivers of Nihil, Dissection, Slayer, The Black Dahlia Murder, the list goes on. Essentially fans of creative Death Metal which incorporates heavy riffs, atmosphere, progressive passages, death growls and ethereal singing.

Your new album, ‘Towards A Futile Existence’, is out on October 31st independently. What would you say to a metal punter now to convince them to part with their crypto or credit card & grab themselves a copy?

Give us your lunch money or we’ll kick your ass, punk! In all seriousness though, if you are a fan of metal that pushes the boundaries, this is for you. If you’re a fan of music that experiments musicality, this is for you. If you like music that is not just surface level and writes deep cryptic and metaphorical lyrics referencing mythology, theology, philosophy and reflects on the collective soul of humanity, this is the album for you. We put our own spirits into this album. Close your eyes and listen to it start to finish and let it take you on a journey. The album is filled with a spectrum of emotions. Allow it to make you feel them.

Any reason for releasing it on the date of Halloween?

Let us answer with another question; what is the most metal day to release an album?

We’ve had a listen to the new album & the title ‘Towards A Futile Existence’ probably sums up the overall feel of the music. What would you say you are doing differently to other Australian acts that makes you stand out from the rest?

We are being authentic to ourselves. We have a myriad of voices in the band; we don’t suppress them. We are inspired by the world, by art, by history, experience. We don’t aim to be different, it comes by being true to ourselves and self-expression. Having said that, I believe this album we’ve made is completely unique to other metal acts out there. Whether that is a good or a bad thing, is up to the audience to decide. Either way, we cannot wait for you all to hear it.

Lyrically, is there an underlying theme or concept behind the new album?

Yes, the first album was the relationship between the seven deadly sins and the human psyche. This album is that same human psyche within a society; the pain of conformity, the ‘monotonous mediocrity of the mundane’, the death of the soul and suppression of individuality. The album is multi-faceted. The main theme can broadly be summed up by the title, ‘Towards a Futile Existence’.

ESCARION is a fairly new Aussie metal entity, is there any fun fact you can share with us about yourself or any other members?

Rhys is clumsy, Tim is so stoic it is hard to tell what he’s feeling at any time (he’s a complete enigma), Gaia is a film-maker with a short film coming soon called ‘A Walk with Kate’ we she directed (and the band scored musically), Louis works in I.T. Myself (Johnny), I am a high school teacher who loves chugging on the guitar and yelling about everything.

Mainstream metal vs the underground – what’s your preference & hit us with 3 bands that have been tickling your fancy lately & we should check out.

Personally, I like both. It depends if the music speaks to me or not, I don’t distinguish. Three bands I’m listening to at the moment are Werewolves (Australia), Humanity's Last Breath (Sweden) and Mgla (Poland). Mgla is one of my favourite bands of all time. Their lyrics are transcendent and just as academic as a published philosophy text.

Favourite musical format? Tape, vinyl, CD or digital & why?

I love vinyl. A couple of us host vinyl nights where everyone brings a vinyl each and we listen with drinks and socialise. However, vinyl’s are ridiculously expensive. We wanted to print a run for this release, but costs. Support this album and hopefully we can fulfil our dreams of having a vinyl run soon! Why vinyl? The sound quality is immersive. It’s much easier to be transported into the music when listening to vinyl I find, it’s all encompassing.

What formats will your album be available on?

Our album will unfortunately just be digital right now. All streaming platforms. Hopefully one day we can do a vinyl release!

A lot of bands in the current climate are adapting & coming up with some interesting & out there ideas for merch. Anything you plan on doing differently? Or if not, what do you have on offer at the moment?

As mentioned, merch is expensive to create at the moment. However, we do have shot glasses and drink coolers available! We also just got these amazing new long sleeves made. Instead of traditional white on black, we have metallic gold on black. They’re great! We also got the idea from a local band, VoidFall. So shout out to them!

Hypothetically, your next album is out, you’ve booked a massive national tour. What would be your ultimate Australian heavy music line-up that you would take with you to support you on it?

If we could choose any Australian metal bands? For me it would be Werewolves, Carthus and Psycroptic.

And lastly….
Most overrated metal band ever is?

Goddamn, don’t do this to us!

Most underrated metal band ever is?

Death. They need all the love, forever.