Eidola

Eidola formed in 2005 after the band Kittyhawk dissolved, with Andrew Wells on vocals and guitar, Sergio Medina on bass, and Blake Richardson on drums. They self-released their first full-length album 'Degeneraterra' in 2008 after their debut EP 'The Architect' didn't lead to a record deal. The band's name comes from an Ancient Greek term for an archetype or ideal form, which hints at the philosophical territory they explore.

Their music often deals with spiritual themes and Eastern philosophy, with Wells writing lyrics that touch on existential questions and the search for enlightenment. Songs like 'Sri Vishnu Yantra' and 'Ancient Temperament' reflect this orientation toward metaphysical concerns. They've continued making concept albums that follow particular themes, including 'To Speak, To Listen' in 2013 and 'The Architect' in 2022.

Eidola's sound incorporates elements from experimental metal, creating intricate arrangements that can feel both ethereal and heavy. Tracks such as 'The Familiar' and 'Caustic Prayer' show their ability to blend melodic passages with more aggressive sections. While they've developed a following in metal circles, their approach remains somewhat unconventional compared to more straightforward genre acts.