Azusa

An international supergroup operating in progressive metal, Azuza pulls its personnel from Dillinger Escape Plan, Extol, and Sea + Air. The unit surfaced in 2018 with its opening full-length Heavy Yoke, a release that stitched black metal and progressive metal to post-rock, dream pop, and metalcore while threading additional styles throughout its fabric. Global outlets ranging from Decibel and Indie Vision Music to NPR singled out the record for widespread notice.

Azuza traces directly to Norway’s Extol, the Christian progressive metal outfit active 1993–2007 that cousins Christer Espevoll (guitar, vocals) and David Husvik (drums) originally assembled. The two relatives reconnected at a Benea Reach concert, another earlier vehicle for Espevoll, and began exchanging new demos while reaching out to bassist Liam Wilson of Dillinger Escape Plan, who voiced deep admiration for Extol. Wilson accepted an invitation to help launch the project. Seeking relief from vocal responsibilities, Husvik recommended Greek singer and songwriter Eleni Zafiriadou of indie pop outfit Sea + Air; he had previously caught her work in the early punk band Jumbo Jet, where she alternated clean and harsh deliveries. The resulting quartet tracked singles that led into the 2018 debut long-player Heavy Yoke. Indie Recordings issued the album across Europe and Solid State handled the U.S. release, both editions receiving uniform international praise. After touring the material, Azuza returned to the studio late in 2019 and resumed issuing fresh singles via digital outlets and YouTube. In April of the following year the band delivered its self-produced second album, Loop of Yesterdays.