Eviscerate, Eidola’s fifth and latest studio album release, uncovers the nature of existential darkness like never before. The 13-track album exemplifies themes of cynicism and violence while simultaneously referencing Buddhism, Hinduism and other religious allegories. Eviscerate, which was released on April 12, 2024, is said to be the first half of a “double album.” Its counterpart, Mend, is set to be released in the future, and is speculated by fans to act as the antidote to the intensity portrayed throughout this masterpiece.
This album means everything to us, it helped us cope with two years of loss, struggle, and immense personal challenge. The process brought us closer together and gave us intention and purpose in a project that has defined our lives for over a decade. We hope these songs resonate with you. – Eidola
The story behind Eviscerate
Eviscerate opens with “Atman: An Introduction to Suffering,” which presents listeners with a strong Gregorian chant that continues steadily throughout the piece. Spoken word excerpts from prominent historical figures such as John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt followed. Other tracks include quotations from Winston Churchill and Alan Watts and references to philosophers Nietzsche and Heraclitus. Their words shape the foundation of this album, emphasizing the current state of despair within society and hinting at the triumph that will inevitably follow.
“No Weapon Formed Shall Prosper” is the album’s most popular song, as it was released as a single in February to promote the album’s spring release. The piece left much to be anticipated, surpassing one million Spotify streams.
Many fans have concluded that Eviscerate leans on the heavier side of Eidola’s metal rock repertoire, with Matthew Dommer’s unclean vocals continuing to act as a staple to the band’s culture. But a little more metal certainly never hurt anyone. Eidola continues to balance darkness and light with some of their more melodic, pop-like segments. “Ziggurat,” a favorite among Eidola’s fanbase, begins with a dynamic electric guitar riff that transitions into Andrew Wells’ clean vocals.
One of the more complex tracks found in Eviscerate is its penultimate track, “Golgotha Compendium: Fifth Temple.” This six-and-a-half minute song juxtaposes screaming with singing, gods with mortals and bodies with souls. Its lyrics intertwine spoken word with references to gods.
When you eviscerate my soul
I need a brand new body, no control
I want to store my memories in the sands
I want to see the things that no man can
– “Golgotha Compendium: Fifth Temple”
The brutality of the protagonist’s current surroundings is made abundantly clear when studying the deep lyricism crafted by Wells, who also acts as the band’s primary writer. The titles of each track tell a story by themselves, with names such as “The Weight of Sin,” “Fistful of Hornets” and “God Takes Away Everything.” Experimental rhythms by drummer Matthew Hansen and undeniable talent from guitarist Sergio Medina and bass guitarist Matthew Dommer contribute to the relentless drive of Eviscerate.
While Eviscerate shines in its intricate instrumentals and elaborate songwriting, the lore it expands upon also brings Eidola to a completely new level. Each album is unique because they center around the story of Samsara, a character who has been split into two entities: the Alchemist and the Architect. The former is said to be the protagonist of Eviscerate, while the latter found its place in Eidola’s 2021 album release, The Architect.
Building into this world, “Kali Yuga” features vocals from Andrew Wells’ wife, Chantelle Wells, whose voice is speculated by fans to represent the Architect’s lover. “Kali Yuga” is a reference to the Yuga cycle found in Hinduism, and represents “the age of quarrel and hypocrisy.” This allusion reiterates the decline of the protagonist’s world.
The final track of the album, “Ecclesiastes: The Burden of Wisdom” is completely instrumental, with a defining piano melody that leaves a beautifully bittersweet taste in listeners’ ears. The final chord is left unresolved, leaving much to be anticipated for Mend.
Eidola’s history
Eidola first came together in 2011, self-releasing their debut studio album, The Great Glass Elephant, in 2012. They signed to Blue Swan Records in 2014 and have since released three other albums: Degeneraterra (2015), To Speak, To Listen (2017) and The Architect (2021, along with Rise Records). Eidola finished up their Eviscerate tour this summer, traveling to 18 different cities over the span of two months. They were supported by Royal Coda, Wolf & Bear and Sani Bronco. With Eviscerate‘s achievements and Mend‘s release on the horizon, this Salt Lake City band continues to leave its imprint on the progressive, experimental rock landscape.
The band is currently selling their entire discography on handwritten lyric sheets for a limited amount of time. A portion of the proceeds collected will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
To stay tuned with Eidola’s latest, check out their official website and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and Tiktok.
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