Born from a shared passion for cosmic horror and old-school metal, Emissary has forged its identity by blending dark atmospheres with raw energy. After months of lineup changes, the group finally found its balance, shaping a debut album that is both organic and intense. Recorded live for an authentic sound, this release captures their vision: a powerful and immersive narrative driven by sharp riffs and eldritch themes. With a European tour in the works and new music already brewing, the Emissary’s journey is only just beginning!
Serial Metalbums: Emissary is a relatively new name in the extreme metal scene, having formed in 2023. Can you take us back to the band's inception? What led to its creation, and what vision did you have in mind from the start?
Michel Regueiro: I'd been coming up with some songs and riffs on my own and had been thinking about maybe getting back into music. At first I thought about pulling a Quorthon and doing it all on my own but that would be too taxing so I auditioned a drummer and guitar player separately who were both very good on their own but couldn't commit.
Then I met Hlib, made him an offer he couldn't refuse and we started jamming on "The Shadows lengthen in Carcosa" and everything fell into place. We set up a goal plan for the year and it paid off. The original idea was to make a band with an energetic and dark old school sound that would sing about cosmic horror as a narrator would. An Emissary for this lore.
Serial Metalbums: Each band has a unique dynamic. How did the members of Emissary come together, and what musical backgrounds do you each bring to the table? How has your local environment influenced your music, and what has the reception been like within your home country so far?
Michel Regueiro: Hlib and myself went through several musicians for months and none were working out. It got very frustrating until I asked Philip Graves if he knew any good lead players. To my surprise he offered to join himself and now the music was soaring but the bass spot was even harder. I think we went through 4 bass players until we settled with Cosme Martin and he is terrific, a very solid player. The lineup is very strong and everyone brings their own thing. Hlib and Cosme are more into black metal while Phillip and myself prefer more old school stuff so all together makes a kick ass mix.
Serial Metalbums: Your debut album, Eldritch, just came out via Fetzner Death Records. The title itself evokes mystery and the unknown. What’s the story behind it, and how does it tie into the album’s themes?
Michel Regueiro: Well...by definition Eldritch means something mysterious, horrible, undescribable and other worldly so I figured it was the perfect adjective to describe a collection of songs dealing with such themes. If by any chance tomorrow we start singing about Holliday resorts or cooking recipes then Eldritch sums up perfectly where the band was at this particular moment and album cycle.
Serial Metalbums: The sound of a debut album often defines a band's identity. How would you describe the sonic and stylistic elements that set Eldritch apart? Where did you record the album, and what were some key decisions that shaped its final sound?
Michel Regueiro: We are very pleased with the sound! We recorded it at Capricorn Studios in Barcelona and it was mixed at Moontower studios. The entire recording was done in only just 3 days and we didn't track it to a click, all the bed tracks were done live in one mad session.
I'm quite pleased with the guitar tones as well, we used tube amps, standard tuning,vintage style guitars(les Paul's, explorers and Marshalls)and room mics All in all a very organic sounding album for today's over compressed digital market.
Serial Metalbums: Can you highlight any tracks that you feel best represent the spirit of Emissary? Are there any songs that hold particular significance for the band?
Michel Regueiro: Ah shit, classic answer I like em all! I guess I would say "Hobbs End" and "Ravening for Delight" in the way that we can have both simple and more technical songs at the same time. Both represent our sound. What matters is that the hooks are right and I think every song in the album are great. It was written with a tracklist and listening flow in mind.
Pre-release Review: “Eldritch” by Emissary
Serial Metalbums: Working with Fetzner Death Records for your first full-length is a major step. How did that collaboration come about, and how has it helped in bringing Eldritch to life?
Michel Regueiro: Back in the early winter of 2024 Hlib and myself cut early versions on both "At the throne of chaos" and "The Shadows lengthen in Carcosa" at the studio with the intent of releasing them as a single but it did not come to fruition, however Fetzner Death Records showed interest and told us to get back to them once we had an album together.
So by early summer with Philip already in the band we had the material down and we signed with them.It was a huge step up for us and proved our initial goal plan and determination right.
Serial Metalbums: With this first album now out in the world, what do you see as the next step for Emissary? Are there already plans for live shows or future material?
Michel Regueiro: Next step is to take the show out on the road. We are booking gigs as we speak and we will tour this album throughout Europe. I'm already thinking about a second album or maybe a single between albums. There is much more music to come.
Serial Metalbums: For those who are just discovering Emissary through Eldritch, what do you want them to know about the band? What message do you have for the fans and supporters who are embarking on this journey with you?
Michel Regueiro: Enjoy the ride guys, it's all for you. Follow us on our socials and bandcamp, we got merch coming and this just the beginning. Heed the Emissary!
You can order the album on the Fetzner Death Records - Website or on the bandcamp below.