Chicago death metal outfit Embittered are the product of decades-long friendships, shared scene history, and a writing process that was anything but conventional. What started as a pandemic-era project between longtime collaborators eventually evolved into a full band with a debut full-length and new material already in the works.
Guitarist A.V. Bach says his connection with bassist Austin stretches all the way back to middle school. “Austin and I have actually been playing in bands together since starting our first band in 6th grade… Mostly doing grunge—so of course we had to call it Bleach.” The two continued through various projects over the years, eventually landing on a blackened-doom outfit called Last Light. When that band dissolved, Embittered rose from its ashes.
Austin adds that both had deep roots in the Chicago scene long before the new project took shape. “We’ve been involved in the metal scene since we were kids. Our dads took us to Ozzfest ’99… Once high school hit, we got super involved in the local hardcore/metalcore scene, going to shows at the Fireside, Jim Grimes Fest, other DIY spots.”
Vocalist Samu Rahn came from a different angle, having spent years documenting the scene as a journalist. “In a former life, I was a metal journalist here in Chicago… reviewing albums, photographing concerts, and conducting hundreds of interviews,” he explains. Those experiences, from conversations with Cryptopsy’s Lord Worm to time spent with members of Necrophagist and Decapitated, shaped his perspective on the genre. “None is more engaging, mutually supportive, and transparent. It is our duty to uphold that conduit.”
As heard on their forthcoming album, Archatron, musically, the band draws from a wide swath of death metal history. Guitarist Bach, who is also a prolific author and filmmaker, points to foundational acts like Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, and Decapitated, as well as newer names such as Tribal Gaze, Laceration, and Teeth. “Bands that push the boundaries of genre like Wake, Cult Leader, Ulcerate, Noctambulist” also factor into the mix, along with personal favorites like Yob, High on Fire, Pantera, and Meshuggah. Austin expands the palette further, jokingly listing “Converge, Burnt By the Sun, Buried Alive, and 50 Cent” among the influences.
Lyrically, much of the band’s work stems from A.V.’s long-standing passion for storytelling. “I’ve been telling stories one way or another for as long as I can remember… writing, music, drawing, painting,” he says. Though he’s spent years writing fiction, Embittered marks the first time he’s handled lyrics in a serious musical context. The concept behind the album Archatron came from a shared reading experience with Austin. “Our band practices would turn into a book club… we were both struck by the concept of the Archatron and thought it would pair perfectly with the songs we were writing.”
Despite the heavy subject matter, the band’s formation was marked by a chaotic, DIY spirit. A.V. admits the record came together in an unusual way. “We wrote this record in the most backwards way possible,” he says, explaining that much of the material was composed and rehearsed in a DAW before the full lineup was even in place. At one point, the band tracked the album before securing a permanent drummer and vocalist. “So basically we booked our first show and tracked our first full-length album before 50% of the band was even on board. Not the normal process by any means… all part of our plan to become the Steely Dan of death metal [laughs].”
Now fully assembled, the group is looking ahead. “We’re already hard at work writing new material,” A.V. says, this time with the full lineup involved from the start. “Focusing on Embittered as a live, living, breathing band.”
Back home, the Chicago scene continues to thrive. “Happy to report the Chicago scene is alive and well,” A.V. notes, pointing to acts like Gored Embrace, Barren Heir, Sector, Hell Is Real, Sarin, Pains, and more, alongside veterans such as Broken Hope and Weekend Nachos. “If any of these bands come to your town, check them out.”
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Archatron will be out on February 13th (available on CD).
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