THIS IS THE PROLOGUE…

Homerik’s debut album is better described as a major collaborative effort by friends and colleagues in and around New York City. Beyond this iteration, their story expands into the ancient universe of mythology and folklore such as Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy.

This union of talent has produced pieces such as "A Song of The Night: Part I,” which is made possible with the orchestrated force of guitars, drums, bassoon, piano, brass and strings–all complimented by the mystifying soprano and alto vocal work by Carla Candelas and Nilsa Astacio. Combined, they make a chillingly beautiful narrative of a girl with recurring nightmares of abuse and neglect.

Not only does the work show its fruition from the friendships of Homerik’s members, it also celebrates those who have been a great influence but are no longer with us. Among their other works are “An Angel of Darkness” featuring the majestic pipe organ of the Riverside Church in New York City, and “Into the Pits of Oblivion & Unforgotten Kin”, inspired by Mesopotamian lands.

A lot darker by contrast, they revolve around those lost friends; their memories kept alive within the heavy metal overtones of Cory Boyle’s skittish guitars and Anthony Espinal’s (of Divergence) razor sharp riffs. What’s more is not just how talent comes together, but really how Homerik is more of a melting pot of different cultures of musicianship.

While Homerik derived its inspiration from Metal, the group is certainly not shy about exploring other genres at the production scale equivalent to a film score. "The Balance of Power" is among one of the songs with an international taste; it focuses on two dragons, the representations of Yin and Yang. The song itself has an Asian essence, in relation to its subject matter.

It isn't alone, of course, in its cultural twist - "The 'Ire' of Green" is one about indulgence, enjoying oneself, and simply having a good time, with an Irish spin to it. Meanwhile, “Wendigo” places oneself amiss the haunting scenario of one running from a hungry, relentless cannibal deep within the African Congo.

Homerik went through great lengths to produce their debut self-titled album. Over the course of two and a half years, the duo worked equally as hard on the music as they did on the content of their lyrics. “Curse of the Black Nile” features soprano Anita Hilaly, singing in Ancient Egyptian. Translated from verses in the tomb of the pharaoh, Unas, this Egyptian piece screams loudly about isolation and the desire to remain undisturbed.

“Bread and Circuses” is a political statement against tyrants, sung with the passion of a persecuted gypsy, as Forsakken's Brittany Diaz finishes off the album in “The Legion”, where we experience the overthrowing of that corrupt government. This album is Homerik’s opening statement and a message for others to explore and create their own sound. Rough around its edges, the debut album is not so much as a genre refined (such as “The Circle of Dead Children”) but rather the definitive beginning to an entirely new genre unlike anything else: Cinematic Metal.

SYMPHONIC FOLK METAL.

Homerik's debut album is best represented as an experiment to explore the unique genre of Symphonic Folk Metal and turn it into Philosophical Metal. Each composition is a unique story. Artwork illustrated by Anton Rosovsky.

Into the Pits of Oblivion & Unforgotten Kin

A man experiences life beyond death. Terror lies deep within the pits of oblivion, but not all who traverse are forgotten in the overworld.

An Angel of Darkness

Suicide damned his soul as the angel of death takes its prize. For fire is a crown to the untimely passing of the young, brave heart.

Curse of the Black Nile

Tomb raiders beware! The pharaoh's curse is upon ye. Leave him to rest in peace, or fear the blackened river that will drown your legacy.

The "Ire" of Green

Rejoice in the company of your sisters and brethren! Sharing this life on Earth with those you truly love is more important than all of your superficial company.

Bread and Circuses

Political struggle and tyranny prevent the ambitions of this disheartened gypsy, who sings and dances to the people she tries to inspire.

Wendigo

A hungry cannibal feasts on an innocent victim as an unsuspecting village carries on what seems to be an ordinary day under the African sun.

A Song of the Night: Part I

A young girl readies herself for bed as nightmarish ghouls linger in the shadows, waiting for her to sleep and enter her dreams.

The Balance of Power

Two powerful dragons fight for might and mind. Passion and wisdom are at stake. Who will win in this epic duel of strength?

The Legion

Rise against your oppressors, the time is now! Clashes of iron, metal, and steel are around you as you overcome the daunting revolution!

CREDITS

Production for Homerik:

All music composed by Kenneth Candelas, except for “The Legion" by Cory Boyle and Kenneth Candelas, "Bread and Circuses" by Kenneth Candelas and Eran Polat. All music arranged by Kenneth Candelas.

All lyrics by Andrew Petriske and Kenneth Candelas. “Bread and Circuses” by Carmen Estevez, and “Unforgotten Kin” by Amanda Cintron.

Executive Producer: Kenneth Candelas

Produced by: Kenneth Candelas and Andrew Petriske

Engineering for Homerik:

• Kenneth Candelas: Recording and Mixing Engineer

• Robert Anderson: Recording Engineer for “An Angel of Darkness" pipe organ

• Scott Young: Recording Engineer for “Wendigo” drums

• Jordan Purvis: Recording Engineer for “The Legion" drums

• Andy VanDette: Mastering Engineer

This record was recorded in various recording studios and locations: Big Yellow Duck, Dojo Taiko Masala, Real Brave Audio, The Riverside Church of New York City, The Sonic Arts Center at the City College of New York, Spin Recording Studios, and home recording studios.

Assistant Engineering for Homerik:

• Marcus DiLauro

• Andrew Saliba

• Lance Holloway

• Ben Donnenberg

• Monica Rodriguez

• Miles Blue Spruce

• Josh Vertolli

• Winy Taveras

• Emerson Caballero

• Taylor Bradshaw

Additional thanks to:

Family & friends, the Riverside Church of New York City, Peter Benjamin, Ronaldo Carter, Brian Crowe, Curtis Frasca, Yosimar Gomez, Daniel Graugnard, Jake Haimowitz, Dimitri Hatzisavas, Ruby Henao, Ernie Jackson, Jacqueline Jean-François, Allan Kashkin, Paul Kozel, Haley Larson, Kris Maxx, Jay Messina, Christopher Molfetas, Joseph Nagler, Jonathan Perl, Joe Popp, Steve Remote, Javier Roldan, Brian Schorr, Paul Special, Quentin Vidal, and Peter Wilson.

In memory of:

Kenneth Amadeus Batista, Konrad Duvall Cunningham, and Edward Nathan Nicolas.

Copyright © 2016 Homerik, Published ℗ 2017 Homerik Productions, LLC

Into the Pits of Oblivion & Unforgotten Kin:

• Kenneth Candelas: Drums, Vocals, Tuvan Throat Singing

• Andrew Petriske: Vocals

• Anthony Espinal: Electric Guitars

• Daniel Cassidy: Electric Bass

• Hritwik Ghosh: Tablas

• Purnash Durgaprasad: Tanara Vocals

• Laiyona Nakahishi: Taikos

• Obed Gonzalez: Vocals

Curse of the Black Nile:

• Kenneth Candelas: Vocals, Drums & Percussion

• Andrew Petriske: Vocals

• Cory Boyle: Electric Guitars

• Kolson Pickard: Cornets

• Jaime Marcelo: Violins

• Julian Langford: Celli

• Robert Ehrlich: Electric Bass

• Anita Hilaly: Vocals

Wendigo:

• Kenneth Candelas: Drums, Vocals

• Andrew Petriske: Vocals

• Jonathan Block: Violins

• Julian Langford: Celli

• Jean Marie Collatin-Faye: Percussion

• Anthony Espinal: Electric Guitars

• Lance Holloway: Electric Guitars

• Dario Baez: Electric Bass

Bread and Circuses:

• Andrew Petriske: Vocals

• Kenneth Candelas: Background Vocals, Drums & Auxiliary Percussion

• Carmen Estevez: Vocals, Cajon and Palmas (Claps)

• Lance Holloway: Electric Guitars

• Eran Polat: Flamenco Guitars

• Dario Baez: Electric Bass

• Jonathan Block: Violins

• Julian Langford: Celli

The Legion:

• Kenneth Candelas: Background Vocals, Drums & Percussion

• Andrew Petriske: Vocals

• Cory Boyle: Electric Guitars & Electric Bass

• Kolson Pickard: Cornets

• Jaime Marcelo: Violins

• Julian Langford: Celli

• Brittany Diaz: Vocals

• Monica Rodriguez: Soprano Vocals