Formed in 2019 in Walpole, MA, Ancient Death has carved its own path in the Death Metal scene with a distinctive blend of cosmic brutality and melodic exploration. Their debut EP Sacred Vessel set the tone for their ambitious journey, culminating in the recent release of their first full-length album Ego Dissolution. In this interview, guitarist and vocalist Jerry Witunsky takes us through the band's origins, influences, and the creative process behind their powerful new record.
Serial Metalbums: To begin with, can you introduce Ancient Death to our readers? Tell us about the origins of the band, how you all came together, and what initially sparked the project
Jerry: Ancient Death was formed in Walpole, MA during the summer of 2019 by Jasmine (bass/vocals), Ray (guitar), and myself (guitar/vocals). Derek (drums) initially joined as a session player for the band but our chemistry felt so unique and amazing he ended up staying permanently. We’ve all been friends for years. Ray and I have been playing music together for just over 16 years and were previously in other bands with eachother. I had begun writing material that differed from my other bands. I wanted to create a space of vulnerability and openness for any musical idea or lyric I felt was honest or genuine. I want to note that Jasmine learned to play bass specifically for this band too which is insane. It’s really incredible to see her growth as a musician and individual.
Serial Metalbums: Your music is rooted in Death Metal, but it carries a unique aura that distinguishes it from the norm. How would you personally define the sound and artistic direction of Ancient Death? What elements do you believe set you apart from the rest of the Death Metal scene?
Jerry: Ancient Death is pure ripping cosmic death death metal but we all love so many non metal bands and I think that really affects our songwriting and approach. We love blending sounds/styles and try to not trap ourselves into a box or whatever’s trendy. The whole point of this band is to be authentically you and embrace all aspects of ourselves. So why limit our musicality for fitting into a genre. I also think Jasmine’s clean vocals are really unique and beautiful. They have an ethereal quality to them that truly elevates our music. Quiet literally light within darkness (or the calmness and beauty within the heavier, more chaotic parts of our music).
Serial Metalbums: Who are the key influences that have shaped your sound? Are there any specific bands or albums that have been particularly instrumental in your musical evolution?
Jerry: I think all of us in the band individually and collectively have a lot of influences that affect our approach to playing or writing music. But we never write to replicate another band's sound. If anything we may expand on similar moods or atmospheres but we have our own vision we’re going for. Some of the most important bands to us in the metal world are the more progressive, technical death metal acts of the 90s like Death, Cynic, Atheist, Gorguts but also heavier, doomier stuff like Autopsy and diSEMBOWELMENT. Other really important influences for us are Pink Floyd, Deftones, Linkin Park, Slayer, Joe Hisaishi’s soundtrack work for Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films, The Grateful Dead, and honestly pop music like Britney Spears and Madonna. For me personally, some records that changed my life and influenced my playing style are Linkin Park “Meteora”, Pink Floyd “The Dark Side of the Moon”, Deftones “Around the Fur”, Death “Human”, Atheist “Unquestionable Presence, Lush “Split”, and Cynic “Focus”… among a gazillion others.
Serial Metalbums: Your first EP, Sacred Vessel, marked your entry into the Death Metal scene back in 2022. Looking back, how do you reflect on that release? What were the main themes you wanted to explore, and how has it influenced the trajectory of the band?
Jerry: We’re all very proud of that EP. The artwork was painted by my father Tim and depicts depression which is what I wrote most of the lyrics about. We wanted to show that negativity is “The Ancient Death of Human Connection”. Musically it’s very similar to our sound on the new album, but a bit doomier and they have longer songs. But that record is just as important to us as the new record.
Serial Metalbums: Your debut full-length album, Ego Dissolution, was recently unleashed. Can you take us through the creative and recording process behind it? How did the experience differ from your previous work on Sacred Vessel?
Jerry: We had already begun writing some of Ego Dissolution before Sacred Vessel was even released. Some of the music dates as far back as 2012. I think the band right now is at our most fierce and creative so far. We were extremely rehearsed for the album and recorded it in only 5 days. The album was recorded by Seth Manchester at Machines With Magnets in Pawtucket, RI and mastered by Dan Lowndes. They truly captured our sound and vision. We also tried new things this time around such as Jasmine using a fretless bass and singing. I truly screamed my head off vocally on this record. Ray and I also really upped our riffs/solos and the lyrics are the most vulnerable I’ve ever written. They’re journals from my heart. Derek’s drumming is exceptionally insane too. With Sacred Vessel a lot of the drums ideas were already written when he joined up with us (still adding his own spin and taste on the parts), whereas this release he wrote everything himself. We all stayed true to our hearts on this release and we all feel we created something truly special with Ego Dissolution.
Serial Metalbums: The title Ego Dissolution evokes a sense of introspection and transformation. What concepts and themes did you aim to convey through this album? Is there a specific message or story that runs through its tracks?
Jerry: Ego Dissolution deals with the spectrum of emotions and more vulnerable topics such as love, depression, personal growth, life and death, etc. Ego Dissolution is also about the loss of one’s self through positive and negative experiences. I wanted to share my experiences to show others that they don’t have to be afraid to be themselves and instead embrace yourself for who you are. And it is especially important for me to let others know they’re not alone.
Serial Metalbums: When you observe the current state of the Death Metal scene, both locally and globally, how do you feel about its evolution? Do you believe the genre is still breaking new ground, or is it more about perfecting a well-established legacy?
Jerry: The genre is absolutely breaking new ground. Life to me is about growth and I think the music world is ever changing and evolving. Sure there’s tons of bands rehashing the same old stuff other bands already have done but there’s tons of newer innovative bands taking music to new plateaus. I personally think having both are important as long as you're forming your own identity.
Serial Metalbums: Finally, what are the next steps for Ancient Death? Are there any upcoming tours, new music in the works, or special projects that fans should be looking forward to?
Jerry: We plan on touring this summer and are currently already working on new material. We’re really proud of this album and so ever grateful for the support everyone has shown us. Special shoutout to Chris Bruni at Profound Lore Records for believing in our vision. Thank you for the interview and to all our fans! Worship the true cosmic flow that is… ANCIENT DEATH!
