Epta Astera

Since there seems to be speculation around the internet, I figure I’ll briefly clarify my own beliefs.

I am a Christian. That comes through in the lyrical themes, but Epta Astera is not an explicitly evangelistic tool. Though that has its place, I think the efforts of Christians to penetrate secular markets has for the most part just led to more cultural balkanization. For example, the Christian Metal scene that is separate both from the wider metal culture and wider Christian culture. I just like to make music, knowing that God will be glorified as he chooses to be, and aiming to be a part of that as a vessel of mercy, not a vessel of wrath.

As for the particulars of my beliefs, though I enjoy their music very much (obviously), I am neither Catholic nor Eastern Orthodox. I am Protestant – specifically Reformed/Calvinist. If you’re interested, you can read my thoughts on my faith here.

Hello all,
We are pleased to announce the immediate availability for download of Epta Astera’s sophomore album, SALIGIA. Clocking in at just over 50 minutes over seven songs, SALIGIA is a massive step ahead from Ero Cras, both in terms of production and creativity. It can be downloaded and previewed from its last.fm page, or downloaded all at once in handy ZIP format (192k MP3, 69.3 MB). FLACs are forthcoming and shall be available in the next few days.

Enjoy!

Summer fast approaches, and with it the impending release of SALIGIA. In commemoration of the website refresh to match the new album, it will be announced: SALIGIA will be released on May 25.

In addition to the release date, the first song from the album, Superbia, has been published in its entirety both on the Myspace and the Facebook (though Myspace’s player is a major hit on sound quality; I recommend listening to it through the Facebook page for better sound). The first of the deadly sins, Superbia (Pride) takes the text of Satan’s speech from John Milton’s Paradise Lost and juxtaposes it with clips from the best darn botox-stuffed health, wealth, and prosperity preacher around, Mr. Osteen.

The second wave of previews is here for SALIGIA – the first and last songs on the album: Superbia (pride), and Avaritia (greed). Two more songs to go, but even with only five songs completed, SALIGIA already beats Ero Cras’ playing time by a good minute, with an average song length of 7:09 so far. It promises to be a much more comprehensive album in just about every respect, and is on track for an early summer release.

Superbia

Avaritia

And since there are only two previews to speak of this time, I shall reveal the album artwork as well.

As promised, here are brief previews of three of the songs from the upcoming album SALIGIA – Acedia, Luxuria, and Gula (Sloth, Lust, and Gluttony, respectively).

Acedia

Luxuria

Gula