Metal fans, get ready to witness the rebirth of a band that has long been a force to reckon with in the heavy music scene. Illumina A.D., the powerhouse metal outfit from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is back with a vengeance.
After a brief hiatus and some key lineup changes, the band has reemerged with their highly anticipated single “Aperio,” a crushing track that leads the charge for their upcoming album Days of Blood & Fire. With a new lead vocalist, Sheila Eden (aka Nepthisis), and a new bass player at the helm, Illumina A.D. are ready to mark a new chapter in their artistic journey as they embrace a refreshed sound while maintaining their core intensity.
Founded in 2011 by talented rhythm guitarist Alexander Bane, Illumina A.D. has always been defined by their ability to fuse the brutal with the beautiful—a perfect balance of thundering riffs and intricate melodies. The name itself, meaning “Light After Death,” hints at the band’s deep philosophical underpinnings and their relentless pursuit of a transcendent sound. And with “Aperio,” they not only maintain that unique blend but elevate it to new heights, thanks to the addition of Eden’s versatile, commanding vocals.
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Following their 2019 single “Suffer,” which featured Jerry Cappadona Jr.’s gritty, powerful vocals, the band underwent a significant transformation. Both Jerry and bassist Kenny Cappadona departed, leaving a void that could have derailed the band’s momentum. But true to their name, Illumina A.D. found light after this death, recruiting Eden as their new frontwoman and bringing in a new bassist who supports the band’s sound with metronomic precision proving to be able to perfectly fill Kenny Cappadona’s role.
With this new lineup in place, Illumina A.D. set out to create Days of Blood & Fire, an 8-track opus that clocks in at 54 minutes, featuring blistering riffs, melodic interludes, and an 8-minute instrumental that showcases the band’s musical prowess. The album is a reflection of both the band’s evolution and their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of metal.
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With Bane’s thunderous guitar riffs, Justin Ennis’ shredding solos, and Justin Cavis’ relentless drumming, the band hasn’t lost any of its raw power. What sets this new track apart is Eden’s powerful, versatile vocals, blending effortlessly with the band’s iconic sound. The single opens with an epic, electrifying intro that builds anticipation before Eden’s commanding voice takes center stage. Her dynamic performance, ranging from haunting melodies to operatic flourishes, transforms “Aperio” into a metal anthem.
Comparisons to metal greats like Nightwish and Lacuna Coil are inevitable, but Illumina A.D. forge their own path with a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. “Aperio” is the perfect introduction to Days of Blood & Fire, an album that promises to be a bold statement in the band’s decade-long career. The addition of Eden has breathed new life into the band, and fans of heavy metal are in for an exciting ride as Illumina A.D. continues to evolve while staying true to their roots.
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The track starts with an atmospheric, tension-building intro before exploding into a barrage of heavy guitar riffs and thunderous drums, courtesy of Justin Cavis. Guitarists Alexander Bane and Justin Ennis lay down a wall of sound, their intricate interplay of rhythm and lead creating a rich, layered texture that is both brutal and captivating. And then there’s Sheila Eden. Her voice is nothing short of transformative. In a genre dominated by powerful male vocals, Eden breaks through with a performance that’s as commanding as it is nuanced. Her dynamic range is on full display, shifting from haunting, ethereal melodies to full-throated, operatic crescendos. In the chorus, she delivers a performance that recalls the drama and power of bands like Lacuna Coil, while also carving out her own space with a uniquely melodic flair. The bridge showcases Eden’s more operatic style, adding an unexpected twist to the song and giving it an extra layer of intrigue.
This shift in vocals, from the raw energy of Jerry Cappadona Jr. to the more refined, dramatic delivery of Eden, brings a new dimension to the band’s sound. The evolution of Illumina A.D. is both exciting and refreshing. While “Aperio” serves as a taste of what’s to come, it’s clear that Days of Blood & Fire will be a tour de force for the band. From Bane’s relentless guitar work to Ennis’ face-melting solos, Cavis’ precision drumming, and the band’s fresh approach to melody and intensity, the album promises to be a standout in their catalog.
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What’s most impressive is the seamless way in which the band has managed to maintain their core sound while pushing their music in new directions. Nepthisis’ vocals are a perfect fit for the band’s complex arrangements, bringing both power and subtlety to their sound. And while the departure of Jerry and Kenny Cappadona could have been a setback, the addition of Eden and the new bassist has only served to propel Illumina A.D. forward into uncharted territory. With the band’s renewed energy, fresh lineup, and a bold new sound, the future is bright—and heavy. Stay tuned for more from Illumina A.D., and make sure to catch their upcoming releases, as this is a band that continues to evolve, surprise, and deliver.
Check the links below, discover more about Illumina A.D. and their music, and remember to add their songs to your favorite playlists!
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