Ave... Here’s the beginning of our interview, so I guess you should give a short bio for EPOCH OF UNLIGHT...

- EPOCH OF UNLIGHT (pronounced “epic”) has existed in various forms under different names since 1990. Initially, the band was  named ENRAPTURED. This incarnation of the band went through many line-up changes and played quite a few shows in the Memphis area before its demise in 1993. REQUIEM was then formed from former ENRAPTURED members Tino LoSicco (myself) and Jason Smith, along with Danny Murphy and Justin Jones. A demo was released in November of 1993 entitled “As The Image Slowly  Fades…” with a last minute change in bass players (John Henderson replaced Murphy). After another line-up change and a major shift in writing, Jason and I officially named the band EPOCH OF UNLIGHT in 1994. Randy Robertson was added as a replacement guitarist for departing member Justin Jones. Three months later, bassist John Henderson was replaced with Pierce Totty. Pierce had played in the band's ENRAPTURED days until he  parted ways to play with INCINERATION. With this line-up,we recorded our first demo "Beyond The Pale" in the summer of 1994.  In 1995, they were approached by Last World Records to record its first full-length release, “Within The Night…” Ten tracks were recorded in May of 1995 for a CD to be released in August. After 10 months of negotiating with Last World and their so-called “professional” artist, we realized that the CD was not going to be released. It was decided then that the CD would be released independently with some minor modifications. Some of the older songs that were considered incongruent with  our current style were removed. The release, “Within The Night…”, then became a 4-song MCD. The MCD was pressed  in 500 copies and is now sold out from the band. In May of 1997, we returned to the studio to record the "Black & Crimson Glory" promo CD. Shortly there-after the band was contacted by The End Records. The band was signed to The End Records in March of 1998.

As far as I know, The End Records have already sent few promos of «... What Will Be Has Been» to various zines, but what about the official release of your debut CD?

- The official releasee date for the full length was supposed to have been October 13th. Unfortunately because of delays at the CD plant the CDs weren't out until almost two weeks after that.

Let’s get back in the year of 1997... What are your thoughts upon «Black & Crimson Glory» now, after rather long time since it has been released?

- We were quite happy with that release. The "Black & Crimson Glory" promo CD signified an attempt on our part to better present what we believed at the time was the best we had to offer. We spent more time and money on this release then we had in the past on any others because we so desired to capture the sound of the band. Every recording we did prior to this was just a source of irritation to us (mainly because of the sound quality and turn around time to releasing the music).

In my view, verses featured on «Black And Crimson Glory» are highly impressive, in the same time being extremely weird and quite equivocal... Would you like to tell me more regarding them? It seems that you’re strongly inspired by the Black Arts and occultism, am I right? What appears as your main source of inspiration while writing lyrics?

- I view the lyrics as an opportunity to tell a story or paint a picture or image.  [To many times "others" have used lyrics as an excuse to rave about ideals or spout cliches that they may not fully understand.]  With this in mind, my lyrics are an outlet to my desires and the ever-present influences in and around my life.  I also try to capture brief images, however metaphorically, as to what I believe to occupy this "Age of Darkness" in which we dwell.  These metaphors extend to the use of various vampire mythos in the story telling or descriptive process.  I draw a great deal of influence from the works of Brian Lumley and I would highly recommend his books to everyone.

Your second effort, «... What Will Be Has Been» soon should be unleashed, so what can you tell us regarding it? Personally I drew some parallels with DARK TRANQUILLITY and Swedish death / black metal; I mean, your music became more melodic and less sombre, lacking that inimitable mysterious atmosphere that once was there...

- I don't agree with that at all.  I think the melody was always there in the songs... it was just buried in the poor productions that we had. I'm sure if I agree about the somber aspect either.  I have always written the lyrics and have not consciously tried to alter their tone. Perhaps you're referring to the presence of keyboards and programming on the promo-CD and their lack on the full-length (no – ED).  The keyboards were never meant to be a permanent part of the band and were adding strictly in an experiental capacity. (While I like them, unfortunately due to where the band is located it would be harder to find a stable keyboardist than it would be to find second  guitarist for whom we are presently searching.)

Ok, let’s get back to «Black & Crimson Glory». I still can’t understand if this MCD was released by some kind of a label? And what is «Y.F.L.H.D.»?

- No. The promo CD was released independently.  The "Y.F.L.H.D" is the name under which we copyrighted the songs. The meaning of the abbreviation is actually a quote from the last line of the song "Immortal Crucify" on the full-length.

Where did you record «... What Will Be Has Been»? Was it Rocking Chair again?

- No. Unfortunately Rocking Chair closed the month after we recorded there. The full-length was recorded at the Sound Factory.  We did, however, hire the same engineer to do the full-length.  The sound factory was a relatively new studio in town. They were easy to work with and had everything we needed.

How did you manage to get a deal with The End Records? Did you find them or vice versa? Are you pleased with the way they promote EPOCH OF UNLIGHT?

- The End Records actually contacted us. Apparrently, some one at Metal Maniacs had gotten ahold of the “Black & Crimson Glory” promo and sent a copy to Andreas at The End. Andreas liked it alot and basically just got in contact with me after that.

What is your opinion of the other bands on The End, such as MENTAL HOME, SCULPTURED, NOKTURNAL MORTUM...?

- Each of the other bands offers a different style which I think can only help contribute to the The End’s success as a new label.  Its not like some of those "other" labels which sigh bands which only sound like "carbon-copies" of their other bands.

The End Records signed few Russian bands, therefore a question arises - what do you know and think of Russia? Have you ever heard any bands from my country?

- Apparently Russia has more music to offer than I was currently aware of before we signed with The End.  Until that time the only Russian Metal band I think I could have named was.... GORKY PARK.  As for the country itself, it is always interesting to learn more about other cultures and life styles. (especially when you come from the culturally deprived city of Memphis, TN)

What can you tell me concerning the feeling of hate? Is it of value to you and what (or whom) provoke it inside of you? Do you consider hatred an important part of human nature and what is your opinion of the «theory of opposites» (e.g. nothing can exist without it’s opponent)?

- Of course hate (or what others perceive as hate) has its place in the world. Most things in life nature and life have dichotomous aspects to them. Everything needs its balance. There are of course fanatics on either side of the issue. What I have the most problem with are those that wish to impose their feelings on others – be it good or bad!

I know few people claiming to be lycanthropes (hmmm, is it popular now or what??) and, honestly speaking, I consider them to be nothing but utterly brainless kids who listen to BLACK FUNERAL more than much... Would you agree with me here?

- Heh. Thats funny. Sounds like these kids have too much free time.  If someone said that over here that would probably get the shit-kicked out of them.

Do you have any personal philosophy of your own or something like that? I mean, what is your attitude to religion, etc...?

- I don't have much to comment here in that I have my own beliefs and as long as no one tries to force there's upon me I'm quite satisfied with them. I understand why organized religions exist in the world... I just don't agree with them!

I guess, you don’t earn too much money playing in EPOCH OF UNLIGHT, consequently, say few words of your usual life... Do you work or study anywhere?

- I'm in grad school right now majoring in Biomedical Engineering. My area of research is in Cardiac Electrophysiology.  Jason works full-time and Joseph is working on his undergrad degree right now.

What are the future plans for EPOCH OF UNLIGHT? Are you planning any gigs in nearest time to come? What about coming to Russia and playing live here?

- I believe we have a show coming up with SOILENT GREEN at the end of the month.  Other than that our main concern right now is finding a replacement for the second guitarist position. Sure, we'd love to travel overseas and play. Who wouldn't? I mean the scene is so much bigger anywhere out side of the country (or even the little city we live in).

Thanks for answering this godforsaken interview... If you want to add anything, do it here...

- Thanks for the interview and the interest in the band. EPOCH OF UNLIGHT debut full-length is available now from The End Records. For more information on the band and the CD we have a website that I personally maintain at:
 
http://www.people.memphis.edu/~tlosicco/EOU.htm
 

EPOCH OF UNLIGHT contact –
Email: tlosicco@cc.memphis.edu