These Melodic and Progressive Death Metal innovators are back with the third part of their cosmic trilogy, a story of a mother and a son, of mankind and the cosmos, of feeling destined to failure in a world designed to destroy.
Following on their critically acclaimed full-length albums The Long Road Home, released in 2017, and The Body Cosmic, released in 2019, Long Island, New York- based Melodic/Progressive Death Metal innovators Iapetus (which means “the piercer” or “the one who pierces” in ancient Greek, describing a mythological Titan, a moon of Saturn, and a prehistoric ocean) return with the third part of their phenomenal trilogy, The Mother Void. Recorded by Alexander Backlund, mixed by Jens Bogren, and mastered Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios, and displaying a cosmic artwork by Vanessa Lemen, the stunning new offering by Matthew Cerami on vocals, guitars, bass and arrangements, and Jordan Navarro on the guitars, keyboards and drum arrangements sees the duo be joined by Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade) on vocals, along with several notable guest musicians including drummer Brody Taylor Smith (Invent Animate), guitarist Benjamin Baret (Ne Obliviscaris), and vocalist Frank Harper (Caelestra), resulting in a bold, multi-layered nd flawless metal voyage highly recommended for admirers of bands the likes of Ne Obliviscaris, An Abstract Illusion, Persefone, and Insomnium.
After the atmospheric, ethereal intro Parturition we’re dragged into the world of prog death madness ruled by Iapetus in The Mother Void, an embracing title-track that sets the tone for the rest of the album, with the guitars by Matthew and Jordan exhaling heaviness and cosmic energy. After such a killer tune, we face Aniara, presenting 17 minutes of first-class, no shenanigans Progressive Death Metal where the all harsh vocals clash beautifully with the penetrating, hypnotizing clean vocals by Fabienne, sounding like multiple songs in one; whereas Red Giant keeps the momentum going, with Brody crushing his drums with endless rage and intricacy while the song’s background keys give it a truly whimsical vibe. Needless to say, Fabienne’s vocals take the song, which is already majestic, to a whole new level of awesomeness.
Then after the enfolding interlude Énouement we face the most detailed and soul consuming song of the entire album, TON, featuring guests Benjamin Baret of Ne Obliviscaris on a guitar solo and Frank Harper of Caelestra on vocals. It’s an 18-minute Progressive Death Metal beast where Matthew and Jordan slash their guitars nonstop, accompanied by the thunderous beats and fills by Brody, not to mention Matthew delivers sheer awesomeness through his bass. Furthermore, its ethereal passages will bring some peace to our hearts while at the same time they demolish our hopes and dreams once again with their massive wall of extreme sounds, before all comes to an end with The World Be Undone, where its delicate keys and Fabienne’s minimalist vocals bring hope to our darkened hearts.
“The Mother Void is the story of a mother and a son; of mankind and the cosmos; of feeling destined to failure in a world designed to destroy. It is a conceptual record, meant to be digested in whole; the conclusion to a trilogy of albums dedicated to the tension between mortal existence and immortal space. It is our most personal record to date, and its scope is mirrored in size only by the passion that accompanied its creation. We claw from The Mother Void,” commented the duo, who are waiting for you on Facebook and on Instagram with news and more of their amazing music. Don’t forget to also stream their unique creations on Spotify, and to put your hands on such a masterpiece by purchasing it from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. The Mother Void is more than just a metal album; it’s a cosmic journey, and you’re invited to join Matthew and Jordan on this breathtaking mission.
Best moments of the album: Aniara, Red Giant and TON.
Worst moments of the album: None.
Released in 2026 Willowtip Records
Track listing
1. Parturition 1:40
2. The Mother Void 12:54
3. Aniara 17:12
4. Red Giant 11:58
5. Énouement 1:51
6. TON 18:43
7. The World Be Undone 4:54
Band members
Matthew Cerami – vocals, guitars, bass, arrangements
Jordan Navarro – guitars, keyboards, drum arrangements
Guest musicians
Brody Taylor Smith – drums (session)
Fabienne Erni – vocals (session)
Ethan Navarro – vocals (session)
Mark Lazeski – additional synths & SFX (session)
Benjamin Baret – guitar solo on “TON”
Frank Harper – vocals on “TON”
