Biography

The Austrian-American composer, Arnold Schoenberg, quoted "If it is art, it is not for all, and if it is for all, it is not art." This represents a continuing development of Evoken. An ever-evolving unique sound and profound sense of atmosphere to freeze the soul & haunt the subconscious mind.

Evoken, are an extreme doom metal band from the New York/New Jersey area. Formed in 1992 the band self-released their first EP Shades of Night Descending anno 1994. Licensed & released that same year by the French label Adipocere Records. Re-released again in 2010 by Dutch label Displeased Records. In 1998 came Evoken's first full-length album "Embrace the Emptiness" (Elegy Records- RIP) prologue to 5 full-length albums, two rehearsal demos, appeared on four tribute albums, a split CD and covered the classic Paradise Lost song "Rotting Misery" as part of the Decibel Magazine flexi-disc series.

Seen as pioneers of the funeral doom genre along with Thergothon, Skepticism and Esoteric. The band are also part of the first wave of US Doom/Death metal drawing influence from the Peaceville 3; Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride & Anathema. Yet, their music reflects a dynamic range of influences inside and outside of metal. In 2000 & 2004 Evoken released "Quietus" and "Antithesis of Light", on highly respected Italian label, Avantgarde Music. Years later both, "Quietus" and "Antithesis of Light", were re-released by Peaceville Records on cd and vinyl including bonus tracks. Anno 2007 the album "Caress of the Void" was released by I Hate Records based in Sweden. It was after the release of "Caress of the Void" & split EP with Swedish doomsters, Beneath the Frozen Soil, founding member, Nick Orlando, departed from the band. Yet, this was merely the calm before a deadlier & more powerful storm to come.

In 2012 Evoken signed with a rising beast, Canadian label Profound Lore Records. "Atra Mors" elevated the band to new heights. It is viewed by many as one of the top 10 albums of 2012. Evoken's latest magnum opus, 2018's, "Hypnagogia" (Profound Lore Records) still retained the sound & atmosphere Evoken are known for, but stretched across the grave for a more melodic album. Receiving great reviews across the board, but also had its detractors looking for a continuation of past albums. "Hypnagogia" was STILL included in many top albums of 2018. It also shows the band will never compromise nor fear risk.

Since 2009, Evoken have gradually increased their number of live shows and tours. Two European tours in 2009 & 2013. Performing on some of the top festivals in metal, most notably Decibel Magazine's Beer & Metal Fest in Santa Ana, CA & Philadelphia PA, Maryland Deathfest, Netherlands Deathfest, Hellfest, Obscene Extreme Fest, Firebox Fest, Hopscotch Fest & many others. In 2010, Evoken was invited by Roadburn Festival guest curator the legendary & reason Evoken exists today, Tom G Warrior (if you need us to name his bands you shouldn"t be here) Unfortunately, the band experienced Mother Nature's wrath in the form of a erupting Icelandic volcano which ultimately delayed our performance at Roadburn Festival until the following year.

Even though the 21st century has provided a society of extremes, listening to music deeply rooted in extremes may seem dubious. Evoken can be defined as fear, anger & an unseen presence deep within the dark halls of your eventual faltering memory. There are many things on the horizon for the band. In this lair, Evoken exists as definitive sadness, impenetrable darkness & a path of their own making. Be warned the coming darkness will consume all light. Its name is Evoken.

Evoken (from left to right) is John Paradiso, Vince Verkay, David Wagner, Chris Molinari and Don Zaros