Emerging from the abyss, postpunk / darkwave outfit Altar of Eris present the ‘Isolation’ EP’. Their sophomore release, here they lend listeners a glimpse into their own dark and raw musical reality.
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Altar of Eris is a three-piece band comprised of Travis Stanley (vocals, synth, lyrics, drums and social media), Nick Trimmer (bass, drums and production) and Brandon Bannister (guitar, drums and band relations).
This six-track offering is forged with elements of darkwave, postpunk, industrial, and electronic body music with vocal musings somewhat reminiscent of The Fall’s Mark E. Smith. Their trademark sound is characterized by the utilization of drum machines, eerie synthesizers, bludgeoning bass, and melodic guitar riffs. There is something here for both new wave and old schoolers of goth and post-punk music.
“Isolation is a hallmark release for Altar of Eris. As a newly formed band, this is our most polished release to date. Named for the fact that this EP was recorded in quarantined isolation, this EP touches on themes of social segregation, broken hearts, promises and dreams,” says Brandon Bannister.
“It also explores the occult, existential pessimism, and classic horror – I feel we have created something immersive while opening a door into the void. The music we create is rooted in themes of trauma, grief, heartbreak, philosophy and the occult with the intent of cathartically exploring life and music through a lens of self-loathing and existential dread”.
Altar of Eris’ influences are wide-ranging and pull from both classic and modern acts of a similar genre, including The Cure, Clan of Xymox, Joy Division, Boy Harsher, Ritual Howls and Drab Majesty.
The ‘Isolation’ EP is a true DIY project. In addition to writing and performing the music featured here, the band members in Altar of Eris handled the recording, mixing, and mastering themselves at their home studio in Seattle, while Nick Trimmer produced the EP.
Altar of Eris’ sound is something as intangible and esoteric as it is an outlet to express complicated feelings and uneasy emotions. If one was to paint their sound with broad strokes, it could be summed up as brooding, aggressive, melancholic, dark and creeping.
The ‘Isolation’ EP follows the ‘Table of Discord’ EP from several months ago on New Year’s Day. That was released both digitally and as a limited edition of 100 red cassette tapes, hand numbered and wrapped in black tissue paper (plus MP3 download and bonus track).
The ‘Isolation’ EP will be released on May 29 and available everywhere, includingSpotify, but It can already be ordered via Bandcamp.
TRACK LIST
1. Three-fold
2. Transmigration
3. Labyrinth of Tears
4. Violent Dreams
5. Someone Else
6. Your Ghost
CREDITS
Recording, mixing, and mastering was done by Altar of Eris in Seattle
Written by Altar of Eris. Lyrics by Travis Stanley
Produced by Nick Trimmer
Travis Stanley – vocals, synth and drums
Nick Trimmer – bass and drums
Brandon Bannister – guitar and drums
