It is my absolute honor to bring forward this latest Profile. Long-running American funeral doom and death metal entity Evoken released Mendacium last month through Profound Lore Records, and with their seventh full-length album they’ve crafted something as dark and suffocating as anything in their history. As a longtime Evoken fan myself – I still recall the first time I saw them live at MDF 2013 vividly, and how wonderfully oppressive their sound was in person – I was immediately impressed by Mendacium. There is so much to appreciate when considering both the Evoken timeline, and their genre as a whole. So, without further rambling, I present Vince’s (drums) responses to our questions. You know what to do from here. Give hit a read, hit play, and let this thing overwhelm you. It will be worth it.
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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to?
My parents bought me my first drum kit when I was around 13 years old. My father was initially opposed to it but eventually relented. I did what most kids do. I got together with friends and attempted to play cover songs. Of course, it sounded like furniture tumbling down a flight of stairs, but we didn’t care.
My friend Nick Orlando mentioned starting a new band with two other guys, Rob and Phil. He asked if I was interested in helping out by playing drums. It was an easy yes, so he made a rehearsal cassette of two songs without drums. I learned both songs and have been here since 1992.
How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?
Imagine someone running a lawnmower over bagpipes. All kidding aside, it’s subjective because I need a point of reference. I suppose it’s like a musical version of constipation, osteoarthritis, and clogged arteries.
Is there anything about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?
Several years ago, two chaps from the UK traveled to North Carolina to see Sleep and Evoken live. They started a band not long after that show. I’ll let someone figure out their band name.
Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?
There are many funny memorable moments. We saw a Haitian gentleman dressed as Superman standing on a rope tied between two trees in Helsinki. Our first European mini-tour in 2003 started with us hiring a random woman in Rotterdam to make a call on a payphone for us because we couldn’t figure out how to use it.
Another time, at the Roadburn Festival, we were chatting with two guys in our hotel lobby. We asked what band they were in, and they replied, “We’re in Voivod.” That was fairly embarrassing and probably should’ve cost us our metal membership cards.
What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?
The greatest thing is the complete freedom to write, record, mix, master, and release your music worldwide in a day.
The worst thing is the complete freedom to write, record, mix, master, and release your music worldwide in day.
Which has led to an oversaturated music market with new releases every single day. This is compounded by A.I.-generated music, 95% of which is junk, burying incredible bands that deserve far more attention.
Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?
One example is Don’s passion for stopping the mistreatment of animals. He adopts homeless animals with special needs and provides them with the love and care they deserve. We all do this to varying degrees. Human beings continue to strangle the beauty around us. If there’s an enormous asteroid with our names on it, we’ll get what we deserve. We never intentionally shoehorn present-day issues into our music.
Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?
We have day jobs to support the band. Yes, we’re making some money now, but not enough to keep a roof over our heads. It’s far more than just a hobby; I see it as having two full-time jobs.
We all have hobbies. The other guys can share theirs if they’re comfortable. I’m an avid Star Wars and Godzilla collector, a passion that carried over from my childhood and one I still enjoy. I also have other interests, like reading anything related to history or science.
What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?
I only have one piece of advice. If someone out there enjoys only one particular genre of music, don’t review albums of other genres. Otherwise bias comes into play and diminishes any trust from the public.
Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?
We aim to write better music with each album, improve our craft individually, and tour in an actual bus instead of being crammed like sardines in a small van. We also want opportunities to play as many European and US festivals we can, but for some reason, seem reluctant to include Evoken.
When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?
I go through cycles in my listening habits. Sometimes, I can go months or even years before revisiting a genre of music. At the moment, I’m bouncing between music from Lycia, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Cultus Sanguine, Ras Algethi, Tumulus, Sadness, and Monumentum.
What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?
We’re working on several shows and a European tour in August 2026. Unfortunately, a US tour isn’t in the cards unless we’re supporting a larger band with an audience not yet exposed to our music. It’s not about wanting to become “rock stars”; it comes down to the enormous costs of touring the US. We can’t afford to tour as headliners, and playing on a Tuesday night in the middle of nowhere isn’t financially feasible.
Summarize your band in one word.
Lūgubris
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Many thanks to Vince and Evoken for the time!
Mendacium is out now through Profound Lore Records. For more information on Evoken, head over to Facebook or Instagram.