Metal comes in many forms, but cinematic, philosophical metal is a very particular style and no one does it as well as Homerik. A true metal/rock opera, The Circle of Dead Children involves a detailed retelling of Dante’s Inferno with memorable soundscapes, dark melodies and moods, and beautiful storytelling. I was unsure what to expect going into something like this, but the more I listened, the more invested I became in all it encapsulates.
Homerik is a musical journey created originally by Ken Candelas, aka Mad Composer. He is joined by his wife, Elizabeth Candelas (vocals), Jason Stallworth (guitar), and Nic Z (bass). David “Max” Millgate is the incredible illustrator, and Jonathan Kruk does the spoken word throughout the album. What a team! This literal adventure is intense, breathtaking, and soulful as you follow Dante, a former Nazi, to hell to attempt to right his wrongs. The soundscapes all the way through are some of the most thought-out, feeling, and powerful melodies and sounds you will hear in a metal album. The breaths in between some, where others don’t give you time to breathe, is a perfect balance to what the story is telling. I have never heard anything quite like it. I highly encourage everyone to take an hour to listen to this fully with all your attention, and a good sound system.
Ken was kind enough to sit down with Metal Nation and discuss the making of The Circle of Dead Children. (If you are viewing from your phone, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click, “View Desktop Version” to gain interview and video access).