The title refers to the Japanese Isogashi. My relationship with Isogashi is very personal again, sorry if I have to disappoint you. But again, I invite everyone to discover a personal link with the demon while looking it up. Aesma is the fourth and last demon, in Zoroastrianism the devil of wrath. Again a quality that we effortlessly connect to the first devil, which also completes the circle. How do you deal with feelings of anger? Aesma is indeed a demon I have been confronted with not so long ago. It has to do with the negative feelings associated with my disability. The fact that it is incurable. How I and my environment, people around me and society deal with this in themselves. But this is yet another demon that can be interpreted widely and is different for everyone. However, I am convinced that these four entities harass everyone among us and haunt us, no matter what culture you are. Jewish tradition seems to be an important inspiration for Iter In Tenebris, how did you come across it? Coincidentally. I have been inspired by different mythologies. The demons were already there. I only looked up which name I could best give them. Which demons from other stories still appeal to your imagination and would you still like to introduce them to the Empusae world? At the moment I have enough work with these four. Both Lueur and Iter in Tenebris were very targeted therapy for me. What I currently compose has a different angle. However, it has the same effect on me, to my pleasant surprise. I’m done with it now, with those demons. The pact that I made with them will last for a while, so I can focus on other things. But those things also come from the dark, elusive depth. Things you shouldn’t mention if you want to keep your mind and spirit. Thanks for the interview Nicolas, and we wish you a lot of strength in your tough battle with these demons. Allright. Thanks. Sorry for not answering some questions as you might have expected. I struggle a bit with the fact that my current work is sometimes very personal, hence my sometimes evasive answers. All understanding for that, and as you say your music appeals to the imagination in such a way - 25 - that it is possible for the listener to give it his own interpretation. We also consulted Nicolas’ life partner Christel, who is also active in Empusae for the visual aspect. Since this interaction is essential in the Empusae story, we found it only logical. Christel: (enthusiastic) Cool that you think of me too! This is my first interview ever! A bit strange though, because we think your share in Empusae is inextricably linked to the whole, which is why we would like to elaborate on this. Well, first of all thank you for that! Not only did Nicolas exceed the already very high standards that he had previously set at Empusae, it seems you also did a great job with the stunning visual interpretation on Iter In Tenebris. For instance by using the augmented reality technique. How did you get the idea to use this technique? I had been thinking about creating some AR illustrations for Empusae for a while... I had previously experimented with this technology together with EyeJack (the company that created the app that we also use for the album) and I really enjoyed it a lot because it combines my two favorite ways of expression: illustration and animation.It also brings a new level of “immersion”. I wanted to give people the opportunity to listen to the album and watch the animation at the same time. I wanted the demons to come to life, and for people to be able to touch them. For me, the goal in illustrating an album has always been to enhance the mood and emotions of the music, as an accompaniment, and I think with this technique we can sublimate the music like never before. Finally, regarding the Iter In Tenebris concept, which female demon do you most identify with? With none and with all of them, they are all part of me! And I have many more demons to share... Bring them on! www.facebook.com/empusaemusic Dimi BRANDS Photos © Luc Luyten Complete interview on www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be
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