The artist of the week: Ethereal (Colombia)

In the vibrant landscape of mid-1996, a group of passionate musicians from the burgeoning Colombian metal scene in Bogotá came together, inspired by a shared vision, to initiate an exciting new project named Ethereal. This talented band drew their inspiration from a diverse array of styles, including death metal, black metal, heavy metal, and gothic music, resulting in a unique sound that resonated with many fans. Their musical influences are notable bands such as Iron Maiden, Kovenant, Dimmu Borgir, and Behemoth, which helped shape their artistic direction and creative expression.

line up:

Valenna Román - (female vocals)
Angel Zamora - (scream vocals)
Sander Bermúdez - (drums)
Reinel Bermúdez - (synths)
Daniel Realpe - (guitar and clean vocals)
David Devis - (bass)

Their extended play, "As Sad As Beautiful," which was released in 1998 under the well-respected Colombian label Cornucopia Entertainment, achieved significant recognition within the vibrant national metal scene. The EP sold approximately 2,500 copies, a noteworthy accomplishment for an emerging band, and allowed them the opportunity to embark on an exciting series of concerts in Ecuador.

Ethereal's two captivating performances at the renowned Rock al Parque festival in both 1998 and 1999 solidified their status as a significant reference point for symphonic black metal in Colombia, further establishing their reputation among metal enthusiasts.

In the year 2000, with the notable addition of Angel Zamora as the talented new vocalist, the Bogotá-based group took a significant step in their musical journey by releasing their very first album, titled "Shroud of Flesh." This impressive work not only showcased the band's originality but also featured a compelling cover of "Fear of the Dark," a classic original track by the acclaimed and legendary band Iron Maiden. Shortly thereafter, Ethereal was fortunate to be approached with an exciting opportunity to serve as the opening act for the esteemed American band Megadeth.

After concluding their contract with Cornucopia Entertainment and making the bold move to relocate to the United States at the end of 2002, the group energetically began composing their second studio album, "Cessatio a Divinis," which would also be their third official release. This album included the captivating vocals of Ana María Botero, allowing the band to progress toward their desired and unique sound. Ultimately, this highly anticipated album was released in 2004, marking a significant milestone in their career.

Following the departure of their talented female vocalist, the band released the visually stunning animated music video "Equivocal Tyranny" in 2006, providing eager fans with an exciting preview of what to expect from their highly anticipated upcoming album. By the end of 2007, Ethereal successfully completed the recording of what still remains their latest work, "Unequality," which was officially released to the public in 2008. In a significant development for the band, female vocals made a triumphant return in 2017 when the talented Valentina Román joined the lineup, rejuvenating their sound and creative direction.

You can find additional information and updates by visiting their social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.