Re-established in 2018 by guitarist/singer Matron Thorn, founding member of the first iteration of the band, today’s ÆVANGELIST are located in Finland and continue to offer their industrial black/death metal with avant-garde and psychedelic hues. “Simulacra Retrospectræ” is the first recording from the band’s new lineup, which includes singer/lyricist Stephane Gerbaud (ANOREXIA NERVOSA) and drummer Manuel Garcia (SKRYING MIRROR, BLATTARIA), as well as two permanent live session members, Mattias Sallinen on guitar and backing vocals, and Luke Kuoppala on bass. The album was recorded live in the studio and consists of a composition of over 31 minutes that the band is performing on stage at the Turku Saatanalle Festival 2023 in Finland, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary edition. It’s a mesmerizing medley incorporating snippets from some of the best compositions from the band’s previous incarnation: from “Fountainhead” to “Aberrant Genesis,” from “Prayer For Ascetic Misery” and “Halo of Lamented Glory” to “Crematorium Angelicum” and “Pendulum,” even including a cover of “Ilon Päivä” by Finnish black metallers AJATTARA. “Simulacra Retrospectræ” is a celebratory, ultra-limited release (only 100 pcs, never to be re-pressed) that marks a new genesis for ÆVANGELIST and which I, Voidhanger Records is pleased to present as it did with the band’s 2012 full-length debut.
