HOMERIK: Releases New Album and Novel
Ken Candelas (aka The Mad Composer of Homerik) has an independent Philosophical Metal project that is releasing an original adaptation of Dante’s Inferno, published by his label Metal Mastermind – a website focused on educating Metal musicians and producers.
“The story of Dante is such an important lesson in Christianity and I believe your website puts out really great information for the Metal community,” said Candelas. “Many folks over the course of time have deemed Metal to be Satanic but I think that a website like yours can help shape the narrative that we can use religion and secularism together – and in this case in the form of (my) fictional mythology – to help understand what it means to be a good person. I’d like to establish a working relationship with you to help bring you content that I believe would be relevant and of interest to you. Allow me to explain:
“Homerik’s latest creation is titled The Circle of Dead Children, set to release on September 20, 2024. This release is much more than an album – it is a concept completely equipped with an entire novel to coincide with the musical opera. This novel releases on Halloween, 2024. For reference, some of the project’s inspirations are Kamelot, Symphony X, Epica, and more.
“Philosophical Metal is a derivative of Symphonic Folk Metal, with a focus on ancient folklore that is long and epic in its nature (such as the medieval poet Dante Alighieri’s creation). It forces us to think and question in tandem with a cinematic experience using the Dolby Atmos technology.”
Featuring Jonathan Kruk, Master Storyteller of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow (pictured above).
From the spellbinding philosophical Metal group Homerik comes “The Circle of Dead
Children”- an album and story originally inspired by the concept of ‘as above, so below’,
the alchemical philosophy that fostered the merging of two concepts. This infernal
pilgrimage through the Inferno unlocks the ‘secrets of divine power hidden within the
fabled philosopher’s stone’. Following the prologue “A Song of the Night: Part I,” the
album’s epic quest continues with “Godless; A Song of the Night, Part II,” exploring the
pivotal role of Morgana, Dante’s mother, in connecting him to the devil. As Dante ventures
deeper into the Inferno, he confronts the awakening of a great power within him, seeking
redemption and answers for his soul’s errors.
“Morgana’s role is pivotal to the story, for she is the key to Dante’s connection to the
devil. This forces Dante to explore deep within the Inferno and, as he gets closer to the
ninth circle of Hell, a great power within him begins to awaken. Whilst Dante seeks
answers to correct the errors of his soul, he must uncover what harkens him toward the
divine and what kind of power he harnesses. The afterlife depends on it.”
This epic quest for redemption and healing explores the workings of humanity’s
morals. Homerik has created a reflective journey through which we can ponder on the
questions that have no answers. A journey to recognize our mortality and recognize what
is good.
The next standout track “Sacred Order,” features a call to reflect on past sins, draws
upon Franklin D. Roosevelt’s impactful “The Arsenal of Democracy” speech from
December 29, 1940. This song represents Dante’s conflicted mind and regret over joining
the Nazi regime, setting the stage for his journey through the horrors of World War II and
the Inferno.
The release of “The Circle of Dead Children” is accompanied by the Inferno Bundle,
which includes the album, a novel, a stunning art book featuring David ‘Max’ Millgate’s twisted illustrations, and a documentary detailing the artist’s decade-long creative process, as well as the role of legendary guitarist Michael Romeo in refining the album’s orchestration. The album drops
on September 20th, 2024, with the novel following on October 31st, 2024, making for the
perfect halloween 2024 experience – certainly not one to miss out on for any metal or
gothic horror fan.
Fascinating artist Homerik is the brainchild of visionary, Mad Composer, Ken Candelas
a twenty-first-century architect of the extraordinary. Homerik is a Philosophical Metal opera that reimagines the classic tale of Dante’s Inferno, set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II. With the masterful narration of Jonathan Kruk, the musical prowess of Elizabeth de Deus (Candelas), guitar work from Jason Stallworth, and pulsating basslines from Nic Z, Homerik sets a new standard
in musical storytelling. This project is more a fusion of art, literature, and sound than just a
musical project thus giving it such a timeless nature. Homerik’s commitment to quality
over quantity and their dedication to creating an art form unlike anything the Metal
community has ever seen sets them apart as true innovators. Their work is a magnum
opus—a creation meant to endure through the ages.
Influences Symphony X, Epica, Kamelot, Dream Theater, Dethklok
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