Interviews About Albums: Among These Ashes - Embers Of Elysium (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Melodic Power Metal/Thrash Metal band Among These Ashes to ask questions about their album, "Embers Of Elysium".

1. What can you say about this new CD?

Our new album is titled Embers of Elysium. It features 12 new tracks and one bonus track. The first eight tracks are thematically standalone, but the final four tracks are conceptually linked in a sci-fi/horror story titled Chronicles of the Obsidian Reign. The bonus track is just us remaking one of the album tracks with our friend Brooke Rousseau singing all the vocals. Check out her band, Lady Luna and the Devil. The focus of this band has always been on the quality of the songwriting, so a lot of work really went into prioritizing that, and I think it shows. 

2. What is the meaning of the CD name?

Embers of Elysium is basically a poetic way of symbolizing the degradation and polarization of the United States. Elysium is basically meant to be the country, or more specifically the vision of what it was or perhaps should have been, and embers are all that remains of that.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD?

I (Richard Clark) write all of the songs then when we record them, the guys bring in bits and pieces to put their stamp on it. Kane really has his own voice on the bass in this band, and his approach to what he laid down on each song stands out beautifully on this album. Kyle is just otherworldly with his drumming. Our sound is very demanding on the drummer, and he rose to the occasion in every way.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

This is always so hard for me because these songs are like those of my children. I refuse to put filler on an album and to take that further, I have to think a song is excellent before I will record it. That said, I love the track Serpents Among Rats very much.

5. Is there a special message in this CD? If there is what it is?

For anyone who is listening critically to the lyrics, there is a common theme of unity and acceptance of differences as well as being defiant in the face of defeat on some of the songs. However, the lyrical themes on the album are deliberately varied.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

The track The Storm Within, is a poetic reminder to never give up though you may struggle:

Tear out my heart to see if it still beats

I am unbowed though I'm gripped by defeat

Fragments pieced together once again

Nothing will quell the storm within

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

My biggest inspiration for this album was my rejuvenated interest in Metallica and specifically my adoration of the mighty, inimitable James Hetfield. Other than that, my thanks go out to the guys for being a part of this and to my family and friends in the Detroit scene for supporting us. Also, thank you to the people and fans we've made through this band. And of course, a thank you to the Clawhammer guys.

8. Something to add?

Thank you guys so much for asking us to respond to this, and we sincerely hope that listeners connect positively with these songs. https://alone.gr/shop/product/among-these-ashes-embers-of-elysium-cd/ https://amongtheseashes.bandcamp.com/