Track By Tracks: Ill Geared - Ill Beginnings (2025)

Ill Beginnings is the first EP of Ill Geared, and it was published on February 7th, 2025. 

Track by Track:

1. Shape of the Den:

The origin of this track actually goes back to 2018-2019 (before Ill Geared was formed), being one of the oldest songs of the band.

It came a "project session" track which Tatu (guitarist) played together with the drummer of his previous (alternative rock) band.

The first riff was a bit unorthodox and became a definite keeper, followed by a second more trashy riff and a simple bridge part.

The song was instrumental only until Ill Geared was formed in 2023. It was the first tracks that were given to the possible new band members to get an idea of the style.

Cem, coming to audition for vocals, actually came to the audition with full lyrics and vocal part to the song. And yes, he got the part.

The song tells about letting society decide on the ways you live and the steps you take. One may feel that following the known paths would be a gateway to a guaranteed future but it may also be a trap to some, as they have to leave their capabilities behind if they want to go that way. In the lyrics, people who can not make decisions for themselves fall prey to those who have plans for them.

2. A Foul Fiend:

This song was formed around the main melodic, even a bit gothic riff, which the song also starts with. One of the first songs for all band members to work together with (still with the previous drummer).

After the more atmospheric parts of the start and middle, it then grows into more trashy territory towards the end. The verse parts were left intentionally without the rhythm guitar part, only to have the lead guitar and give more space to the bass and vocals.

The lyrics are about trying to stop yourself everytime you feel triggered. It's a fight between a person and their disliked darker side. This darker side is shown as the werewolf. So the lyrics are from the mouth of a lycantrope who thinks that his wolf side is in love with the moon and it is trying to destroy him to get outside and reach the lover. The moon is a symbol to everything that can trigger a person and call the monster out.

3. Hail the Fury:

The heaviest and fastest song in the EP.

The first two riffs were composed somewhere around Covid times, in lone sessions in our training place (could not have band practices). Maybe part of the anxiety/craving for freedom is captured there in the first two riffs. When Ill Geared was formed, Tatu started working on the third riff/chorus part. There were multiple versions of it, and somehow it took its time. It was a surprise that the latter part of the song was actually written during one rehearsal, during which the whole band played and improvised.

The meaning of the song is basically about how anger consumes a person slowly. It is shown as a dark, strong, and yet parasitic entity. If you give in to that, it changes you and breaks you down step by step. It's like a description from a previous servant who embraced it, and since there's no beautiful way of portraying the situation, it sounds like a warning to others.

4. Dead Below:

From melodic and atmospheric doom to trash. The first two riffs were composed before Ill Geared was formed. After that, Tatu came up with the idea to have the faster part from the middle.

That was first thought to be "sounds like another song", but then, sticking to the plan, it came together well. Only song in the EP with lyrics by Tatu.

The lyrics actually have a couple of meanings. One is that how many things in life require effort, and the effortless ones who gave up, scream and complain. We all fall into that.

Second is actually about bit oceanic and....about surfing: First bit afraid to go to the waves, but in the end have the courage, then you float in the ocean, calm, waiting, but always not sure what lurks in the deep. And then you catch the wave... (the last part of the song)