Getting To Know: Embers

Bringing the raw intensity of death metal and the intricate layers of progressive metal, Embers is a force redefining the extreme music scene. Led by vocalist, bassist, and composer Sebastián Bruzzone, this Ecuadorian trio dives deep into the human psyche, tackling themes of spiritual awakening, mental health struggles, and societal injustices. With a sound both brutal and sophisticated, and a live debut that left a lasting impact, Embers isn’t just a band—they’re a profound musical journey. Let’s delve into the minds behind the music that dares to question reality itself."

1. Your music explores profound themes like spiritual awakening, mental health struggles, and injustices. How do these themes influence your songwriting process, and how do you hope listeners interpret them?

These themes are at the core of our musical creation. Spiritual awakening, struggles with mental health, and the world's injustices are not distant concepts but realities we deal with daily. When we compose, we start from authenticity, expressing our own internal battles and the desire to find meaning beyond suffering. We want our music to serve as both a refugee and an invitation to reflect on universal consciousness and metaphysics. We hope listeners feel understood and find in our songs a spark that inspires them to question and transcend their own limitations.

2. Embers blends the aggression of death metal with the intricacies of progressive metal. Can you talk about how you balance brutality and technicality in your sound?

The balance between brutality and technique comes from our desire to convey a powerful yet well-structured message. The aggression of death metal allows us to release raw emotions, while the complexities of progressive metal give us the space to explore our ideas more deeply. We like our riffs to hit hard but also to have moments of intricate execution that challenge both us and the listeners. It's a balance between the visceral and the cerebral, a way to combine catharsis with reflection.

3. In your debut live performance, you were able to capture the audience’s attention in a powerful way. What do you think is the key to forging such a deep connection during a live show?

The key lies in total commitment and attitude. When we step on stage, we're not just there to play music; we're there to share something much deeper with the audience. We feel that if we show authenticity, vulnerability, and commitment, people sense it and respond in kind. It's not about impressing but about connecting. We also believe that the live energy has to be as powerful as the ideas behind the songs. When the message and the music are aligned, that connection naturally arises.

4. Your vision goes beyond just making music—you aim to inspire your followers to transcend their realities. Can you share more about how you hope to create this connection through your art?

Our art is meant to be a doorway to something greater. We want people to see beyond their daily limitations, to find in our songs an invitation to explore who they truly are, beyond labels or circumstances. We believe in music as a medium for transformation, and we hope that by sharing our experiences and perspectives, we can help others confront their own challenges and seek their own awakening, aligning with their inner being. Every riff, every lyric, is designed to challenge conventional narratives and create a space for introspection.

5. As a band from Guayaquil, Ecuador, how has your local music scene influenced your sound, and how do you see yourselves contributing to the global metal community?

Guayaquil has a growing music scene that, while small, is passionate and full of talent. From our beginnings, we’ve been surrounded by musicians and bands who, like us, are trying to make their way in a sometimes challenging environment. That constant struggle has influenced our music, giving us a more intense and persistent outlook. Globally, we feel we can bring a unique perspective from the South, blending our roots with international influences. We want our music to be heard not just as Ecuadorian metal, but as a meaningful contribution to the global metal community, representing a spirit of struggle and renewal.