Symphony and Black Metal see unity with Vesseles and their latest single “Cathartic Cruelty” off their upcoming debut EP I Am A Demon set to release on May 3rd, 2024.

Mastermind creator Valira comments that the song “focuses on the anger towards others for how things are in the world by murdering someone with catharsis.”

Vesseles (veh-sel-is) is the debut solo project from West Coast Metal veteran Valira (Legion of Grandeur, Among the Torrent, Arcane Existence) who explores identity dysphoria by shedding skin through symphonic black metal. Struggling to fit her host, a Demon living among humankind turns to music for relief before its significance deepens within. After many years, she finds truth in self and the gravity in ensuring she expresses that with pride and sound that shatters possibility. The result? Vesseles (a twist on the word ‘vessel’) that unveils the study of individuality, and what it takes to break the barriers of a human-dominated world.

Like a fire burning within, the itch and contortion I feel through the very moments of emergence has this track seared into my skin. It’s distorted and vibrant echo of noise and thunder rattles the soul, with darkened keys tuning into my inner struggles with precision and cruelty. It’s facing a mirror, knowing the reflection staring back is not who you are. The aggression, confusion, and hurt is over-whelming, and every hard gulp is like swallowing sandpaper as you struggle to conform to the body befitting you.

“Cathartic Cruelty” is reminiscent of angst and sorrow, of fear and rage, the feeling of wanting to pull back your very skin the moment you step out of bed and happen upon your own visage. The melody, relentless in its fury, backs this sensation, vocals screaming as they fall down your flesh like claw marks. To feel alone, and misunderstood, is amplified in the dragging hum of guitar strings striding on moments of low.

It’s an inquisitive track, layered with complex details and thought, energized by the raw, personal emotions that Veselles easily expresses. The purity of it, the unbridled depth of disorder that someone can feel within, is perfectly upheld with this song and its unchained devotion in diving into the dissatisfaction that merely existing can cause.

You can find out more about Veselles, and stay up-to-date with their upcoming release by following them:
Bandcamp
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

I Am A Demon, the debut EP from Veselles, is set to drop on May 3rd, 2024. You can pre-order your copy via the link – HERE.

Track Listing: 
1. Suffocating Flesh
2. I Am a Demon
3. Cathartic Cruelty
4. Wretched
5. Vesseles Rituale
6. Dysphoria 

EP band line up:
Valira Pietrangelo – Guitar, Piano, Lyrics, Composition 
Adam Rupp – Vocals 
Nick Loiacono – Drum Programming

Live band line up:
Valira Pietrangelo – Guitar
Joel Ferry – Vocals
Joseph Serrano – Drums