Tell us about your latest album release
Our latest album, The Book of Pain, was released on October 1, 2024; the LP version is in production now and will hopefully be ready by the end of this year. With album we intend to delve into the human experience of emotional and existential suffering, exploring grief, longing, and resilience. Each song reflects deeply personal experiences, aiming to connect with listeners on a profound level. The album captures a wide spectrum of (painful) personal emotions, offering a cathartic journey for anyone navigating similar struggles. With themes ranging from the raw pain of loss to moments of hope and transcendence, The Book of Pain is, at least to us, more than just music - it’s a narrative, an exploration of how we endure and grow through adversity.
What was the recording process like? Was it in a studio or do you do it all yourselves?
The recording process for The Book of Pain was carried out using my mobile studio
equipment and later mixed and mastered in my home studio. This setup allowed us the
flexibility to record in various locations while maintaining a high standard of audio quality. Unlike some of our previous projects, which featured entirely improvised tracks, this album followed a more structured and deliberate approach. Each song was carefully composed and arranged before recording, ensuring every element served the overall vision of the album. Our philosophy during this process was to balance artistic precision with an emotional rawness that could still feel authentic to listeners. While spontaneity influenced the creative atmosphere, for this album, it was always channelled within the framework of pre-written material. Also, the mobile studio setup provided the opportunity to capture the musicians’ performances in comfortable, familiar environments, fostering a sense of ease and creativity throughout the recording sessions.
How do you guys write the songs?
Our songwriting process is intuitive and organic, often beginning with improvisation. For
example, when the time feels right, I typically pick up my guitar and start playing, allowing chords, melodies, and lyrics to emerge naturally. This is not a process I can initiate at will, so I am always grateful when it happens. This initial creative spark evolves as I write down ideas for the lyrics and refine them over time. Collaborative improvisation also plays a key role in our process; for instance, some projects, like the Mondstein Chronicles, were created entirely through group improvisation sessions. With this fluid, exploratory approach, we aim to capture the emotional essence of a moment, ensuring each track becomes a genuine reflection of our inspiration and emotion.
What were your main influences while writing?
The primary inspiration for The Book of Pain came from my personal experiences and the
emotional weight of navigating love, loss, and existential reflection. Musically, we were
influenced by a range of genres, including rock, classical, and new age, creating a rich and varied soundscape. Specific themes in the album draw from mythological and literary sources, such as the legend of Prometheus.. Additionally, the loss of loved ones, including my late friends Michael Görig and Jörg Horner, shaped the deeply introspective and emotional tone of the album.
What is your favourite song on the new release and why?
If I had to choose, the first track, A Spark of Darkness holds a special place for me. It was inspired by the passing of my dear friend Michael Görig, and the song captures the
profound grief and existential questions that his loss evoked. This track serves as both a
tribute and a cathartic outlet, embodying the album’s overarching theme of finding
meaning amidst suffering. Its personal significance and emotional intensity make it one of
the most powerful pieces on the album. Apart from that, I personally enjoy the positive,
hopeful atmosphere of the last track, We Shall Rise, which serves as a counterpart to A
Spark of Darkness, pointing out that eventually we will rise above pain, as it is not meant
to last.
How did you come up with the name of the release?
The title The Book of Pain encapsulates the album’s exploration of suffering, longing, and
resilience. It’s a metaphorical representation of an emotional journey chronicled (not
necessarily chronologically) within its 17 tracks. Each song contributes a “chapter” to this
book, reflecting different facets of pain, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the struggles of love and desire, or the existential crises that come with self-reflection. The name also
aligns with the album’s literary and philosophical influences, emphasizing the idea of pain as a universal yet deeply personal narrative. So in summary, when I wrote the song “the book of pain”, it became kind of obvious that this would be the title track.
Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live?
At the moment, we’re focused on studio work and recording new projects, so there are no tours or live performances scheduled for The Book of Pain. However, many of our band members are active in other musical endeavours, performing live in various contexts. For example, our guitarist, Orion Roos, regularly tours with his other bands, Maestro (together with our bass guitar player Peter Douwenga) and Metalbats, and our jazz singer, Lila Herderberg, performs frequently in Austria with LiLa y Geckos. While ELOAĦ as a whole isn’t touring currently, these individual performances offer fans a chance to experience the artistry and passion of our musicians in a live setting.
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