Artist Spotlight ~ Etherius

Photo Credit: Jack Sorokin

Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our readers to some deserving up and coming artists/bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass, and we hope you do too! Today we’d like to shine the spotlight on the neoclassical thrash metal band Etherius!

Since forming in 2017, Etherius made themselves known for their unique take on the modern guitar instrumental genre. Refusing to bend the knee to trends, the group’s direction stands its ground while elevating their sound to new and uncharted territories. Etherius, led by guitarist Jay Tarantino, have managed to modernize the approach of classic influences such as Megadeth and Testament to inspirational new heights.

Their newest single, “Sedna,” marks the start of an entirely new chapter for the neoclassical thrash metalers. Produced by Angel Vivaldi and mixed by Jason Suecof (Trivium, All That Remains, August Burns Red), their upcoming album is sure to turn the guitar instrumental genre on its side with a much needed power-packed release of ferocious guitar playing and unrelenting thrash riffs with a classic aura.

Their debut EP Thread of Life garnered them the fanbase to open for acts such as Allegaeon and Within The Ruins. Slated to tour with Allegaeon in 2020, the unfortunate circumstance of the pandemic kept them home and focused on their second release Chaos. Order. Renewal. produced by guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi and mixed/mastered by Chris Clancy at Audioworks Productions. After the album’s success, it was clear that Etherius were here to stay and continue to push the boundaries of what progressive thrash metal can become. 2024 will see the debut of their upcoming third release which will take the genre of guitar instrumental to new and unexplored heights. Stay tuned for what is set to be their most
ambitious and dynamic release yet.

We sat down with XXXX for a short, but fun Q&A session.

Every superhero or villain has an origin and a band is no different minus the radioactive spiders and secret government experiments. What is the origin of Etherius?

The band started when I was looking to pursue something that was strictly instrumental. I had a bunch of music I had written that I didn’t think would work with the band I was playing with at the time. I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could make music and “be my own boss,” so to speak.

Band names can have a meaning or it can be a name pulled out of a hat. What’s the story behind Etherius?

Etherius: The word “aetherius” means: Of or pertaining to the ether, the sky, or the air or upper air; ethereal; aloft. Of or pertaining to heaven; celestial, heavenly; sent by heaven; divine. We picked that name because we were looking for a word that would perfectly describe the music we were writing. Our music has an ethereal quality and the word resonated with us. We dropped the letter “A” so it wouldn’t cause any confusion with the spelling.

What are you currently working on?

Etherius: Etherius just released our brand new album Hymns of the Crimson Raven, so right now I’m working hard on promoting it, live streaming on Tik Tok, and starting to out together some rough ideas for the next album

What are your 5 favorite albums?

-Iced Earth – Alive in Athens

-Machine Head – Unto the Locust

-Dream Theater – Train of Thought

-Children of Bodom – Follow the Reaper

-Iron Maiden – Powerslave

What are your 5 favorite movies?

-Back to the Future

-Goodfellas

-The Big Lebowski

-Taxi Driver

-My Cousin Vinny