Photo credit: Eichelberger Photography 2016

When doing my due diligence on Ecclesiast, I saw that a friend who typically follows bands on the poppier side of things follows the band’s facebook page. Right away this tells me that this metal group is probably a bit more accessible than average – so I’ll listen for this in the song. In fact, I haven’t listened yet, as I type this. So I’ll come back to you after the jump.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEof-TojLP0[/youtube]

You know, as soon as I finished typing the above I had a feeling my guess about this band being accessible would be wrong. This is brutal. This is no deathcore band or straight up hardcore but this is definitely more aggressive than I expected. They must put on a heck of a live show. This write up is becoming oddly stream-of-consciousness in feel. Perhaps I should switch to YouTube reaction videos. Hmm.

Anyway, it’s definitely appropriate that a Sancrosanct Records band would play on the generator stage that their label sponsors at Audiofeed. This is where you will find Ecclesiast, amongst several of the other bands we had the pleasure of interviewing.

Who would play your ideal festival and where would it be?

Demon Hunter, War of Ages, Bury Your Dead, Rival Choir, Silent Planet, and Oh Sleeper.

What is your favorite music released this year thus far? What are you looking forward to?

Without putting any single artist in a box, each of the band members collectively could agree that Facedown Records, as well as Solid State Records has some artists that have been putting out some really solid tunes. We’re looking forward to the seemingly returning ‘organic’ sound. The visceral and almost raw feel that bands, such as Gideon bring to the table.

What summer movie are you most looking forward to?

Suicide Squad looks pretty good.

Assume I know NOTHING about your band. In one sentence, why should I listen to you?

Being very upfront and ‘in your face’, Ecclesiast brings a visceral message in the name of the Lord.

Who on the Audiofeed lineup are you most stoked about this year and why?

We are so stoked to see 68′ play Audiofeed Fest this year, because their music is so aggressive and passionate.

If your band had a mission statement, what would it say?

Ecclesiast encourages all to stand up, fight for what they believe in, and pursue whatever dreams they may have, be it small, or large, no task is too heavy to handle. We are Ecclesiast. We are the heart and soul of ministry through compassion, love, and a willingness to perform for the glory of God.

What band from your area do more people need to hear? That most Audiofeed attendees (and beyond) would not have heard of.

Reconcera, while being at AudioFeed this year for the first time, be sure to check them out. They pack quite the punch.

What song do you hear and you immediate think “Summer!”?

Northlane’s “Quantum Flux.”

What is something you’ve been learning on your life or faith journey lately?

For me, personally, learning to love the Lord, and encourage others to do so as well, being more helpful and trying my best to do whatever I can to go out of the way and bring anyone who’s down, right back up again. A simple act of kindness and a friendly smile can go a long way, open up new avenues, and lead to a lifetime friendship with one another, building eachother up in love and faith in God’s name.

(All interview questions answered by Tyler Cobillas- Guitarist/Clean Vocalist of Ecclesiast)