AXAMENTA

track-list:
act 1: NARTHEX
act 2: PULPIT
act 3: NAVE
act 4: CRYPT
act 5: SACRISTY
act 6: GALLERY
act 7: SPIRES

Axamenta are:
Ian van Gemeren – lead guitar, vocals, orchestra
Peter Meynckens – vocals
Tom van Oosterwyck – drums
Jeroen Vingerhoed – bass
Sven Deckers – rhythm guitar

discography:
1995 Echoes Demo
1997 Into a Dream Demo
1999 Nox Draconis Argenti EP
2001 Codex Barathri Full-length
2004 Incognation EP
2006 Ever-Arch-I-Tech-Ture Full-length
2024 Synopsis Single
2024 Spires EP

‘Spires’ touches on the story of Axamenta’s 2006 concept album ‘Ever-Arch-I-Tech-Ture’.
The concept behind that album revolves around the continuous reïncarnation of a single entity, both into malign and benign version of itself, over the course of many centuries.
This process was initiated on a higher plane of existence as a source of energy.
‘Spires’ is set in late 19th century London and tells the story of Father Harold O’Callahan, a priest who is consumed by guilt over the loss of his younger brother when they were both children.
Dwelling in the lower classes of society, the family not only lived in miserable poverty, but their youngest child, Benjamin, regularely suffered from epileptic seizures, thought to be the Devil’s work.
One day, Benjamin suffered such an intense seizure, he started bleeding from his eyes.
Their parents, now convinced Benjamin truely was possessed, beat him severly and threw him out of the house.
Harold followed Benjamin as he ran away, still weeping his bloodred tears, until he crossed a frozen lilypond.
The ice cracked and Benjamin fell through, desperately fighting for his life.
It is in this moment Harold is faced with a life-changing choice.
Wanting to spare his younger brother from further hardship, he lets him drown to end his suffering.
But the guilt keeps haunting him for years.
Deep down, was it Benjamin, or the rest of the family, that he wished to relieve from their suffering?
In an attempt to counter this burden of guilt and shame, Harold joins the clergy and lives on in a church near the Westminster Bridge.
It is on that bridge where the apotheosis in ‘Ever-Arch-I-Tech-Ture’ takes place, on March 28, 1879.
The converging of two reïncarnated entities on the Westminster Bridge, and the run-up to this moment, trigger horrendous shifts in reality.
Father Harold has been a witness to these mind-bending events, thinking it’s his guilt that has finally driven him insane.
Harold vows to repent for his sins and mounts the stairs to the spires in order to appeal to his Lord and Saviour.
On his way up, he is haunted by harrowing visions and a deafening, machine-like noise rising from the foundations of the ancient church.
‘What kind of God creates such horror,’ he asks himself, starting to doubt if this is his Lord’s work at all.
Once he reaches the top of the tower, he looks down to the Westminster Bridge and sees the two entities, fighting violently.
One of which is staring back at him with glaring, crimson eyes.
Reminiscing his brother’s bloodshot eyes, Harold thinks Benjamin has come for him to take him to Hell.
Will he save himself, kneeling before his Lord and Saviour in repentance, or will he let go of his faith, his shame and finally, himself?
“For our ‘Spires’ music video, we embraced our cinematic angle, drawing inspiration from some of our favourite classic films. Starting with the final scene of our would-be 90’s action movie and continuing as outtake reel, we took on most production tasks ourselves. Notably, the ‘NAME PENDING’ credits engage fans in a social media campaign, encouraging them to share our content for a chance to be featured in the final credit roll.”
Though AxamentA‘s roots trace back further, its current form solidified in 2004, gaining significant attention with the acclaimed full album ‘Ever-Arch-I-Tech-Ture’ in 2006 and standout performances at Graspop Metal Meeting in 2005 and 2006.
“Following a period of hibernation from 2008 to 2022, in 2024 we are still committed to innovation and our passion for storytelling, driving us to create music that resonates deeply with those who seek a unique auditory experience. With a track record of contributing trailer music to Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Old’ (2021), ‘Prey’ (2022) and ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ (2023), our band possesses a unique skillset to immerse listeners in a captivating voyage through multiple layers of emotions and sonic exploration. Our mission is to redefine the landscape of contemporary metal, daring to challenge conventional norms while pushing the limits of artistic expression.”
“Our new EP, ‘SPIRES’, is the most recent manifestation of this musical vision. Fully mixed and mastered, and accompanied by comprehensive conceptual artwork, ‘SPIRES’ has been released unto the world and amaze listeners seeking an in-depth experience.”