Aversed returns with Erasure of Color, an album steeped in heartbreak and gothic melancholy. Guitarist-songwriter Sungwoo Jeong discusses its themes, new vocalist Sarah Hartman, and the band’s evolving sound.
1. Your new album Erasure of Color is set for release on March 21, 2025.
What themes and emotions are you exploring in this record?
-The common thread that unites much of the album is heartbreak. The
heartbreak underpinning the songs spans both platonic and romantic
relationships as well as dismay at the ongoing violent destruction of the
environment and the many ancient cultures within it. In fact, the title
“Erasure of Color” alludes to this as well.
2. How does Erasure of Color compare to your previous album Impermanent in
terms of songwriting, sound, and overall atmosphere?
-Compared to Impermanent, I wanted a far more gloomy and gothic atmosphere. I
wanted the songs to breathe more, have more chug Guitars and even slower at
times.
3. Sarah Hartman has now joined the band as your vocalist. How has her
presence influenced Aversed’s sound and dynamic?
-Sarah has been a true go-getter since she joined the band. She always projects
utmost cooperation, enthusiasm and a can-do attitude so working with her makes
everything easier. When it comes to her creative input and performance, there
really are no limitations. I might have a vocal idea for a song, I’ll present
it to her and she will create those ideas to life. She always comes up with
great motifs and melodies too so the working dynamic is untouchable.
4. You’ve collaborated with Vikram Shankar for orchestration, and the album
was mixed and mastered by AJ Viana and Brad Boatright. How did these
collaborations shape the final sound of Erasure of Color?
-I think these outside forces created the final sound to be a true powerhouse
of a record that will stand the test of time. AJ took his own creative
liberties with the mixing and Vikram creates atmosphere to let the songs
breathe more. Brad put the final icing on the cake to make the masters of these
songs really shine.
5. Your music blends progressive and melodic death metal with Gothic and
extreme elements. How do you balance technical complexity with emotional depth
in your compositions?
-There is no systematic way of doing that. We all love all kinds of different
music and styles and they all incorporate themselves into our songs one way or
another. If something works for a song then it’s used.
6. Can you tell us about a specific track from Erasure of Color that holds
special significance for the band? What makes it stand out?
-I would say that would be Cross To Bear. It’s the most ‘Aversed’ sounding song
we wrote fit in the most compact package. There is no long intro, it’s straight
to the point and the lyrical themes facing guilt and heartbreak resonates to us
the most.
7. Aversed has been evolving since its early days in Boston. Looking back, what
have been some key moments in the band’s journey that have led to this album?
-I think maybe the pandemic and isolation was a big writing time for me for
Erasure of Color. These songwriting cycle begun in 2019 and when the shutdown
ensued in 2020, I spent so much of that time just writing and thinking about
future music.
8. With pre-orders available on CD, vinyl, and cassette, how important is
physical media to you in today’s digital music landscape?
-In the realm of rock and metal music, I think it may matter more than it has
in a long time. I know a lot of listeners want something to hold and own for
themselves. The value of physical media is recognized in a time where art gets
forgotten so quickly.
9. What are your plans for touring and promoting Erasure of Color? Can fans
expect to see you on the road soon?
-I think we will be out there on the road in late 2025 supporting this record
with another revered band. TBD
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