Profile
Genre : Post Black Metal, Visual Kei
Origin : Seoul, Korea
Label: nO aUTHORITY
References : DIR EN GREY, Opeth, Shining, Radiohead
Contact: contact@madmansesprit.com
Biography (short)
Emerging from the vibrant underground music scene of Seoul, South Korea, Madmans Esprit is the brainchild of enigmatic artist Kyuho. With a lineup of session musicians, their intense live performances captivate audiences with a dynamic fusion of Depressive Suicidal Black Metal (DSBM), progressive metal, post-rock, ambient, and death metal, infused with classical and folk influences. Their label, "Depressive Suicidal Blackened Pop," encapsulates their avant-garde approach. Kyuho's vocals, ranging from piercing screams to operatic passages, deliver lyrics that delve into the darkest corners of human existence, offering both personal introspection and profound philosophical insights.
Madmans Esprit has released three full length albums :
NACHT / 2014 ATMF
무의식의 의식화 (muuisig-ui uisighwa) / 2018 Gan-shin
나는 나를 통해 우리를 보는 너를 통해 나를 본다 (naneun naleul tonghae ulileul boneun neoleul tonghae naleul bonda) / 2022 nO aUTHORITY / Best Metal and Hardcore Album at Korean Music Awards 2023
Press Pictures
Biography (long)
Madmans Esprit is the solo project of Korean independent artist Kyuho, who is accompanied by a lineup of session musicians for his intense live performances. The band’s sound has been described as a combination of Depressive Suicidal Black Metal (DSBM), progressive metal, post-rock, ambient, and death metal with strong references to classical and folk music. Blending pitch black themes reminiscent of DSBM bands like Shining (Sweden) with the avant-garde influence and aesthetic of Japanese visual kei bands like DIR EN GREY, they label themselves "Depressive Suicidal Blackened Pop". Piercing screams and deep growls are balanced by operatic passages, often showcasing expressive high notes. Some parts are sung in Korean, English or German. Kyuho’s lyrics paint a pessimistic picture of human existence that often appears personal and intimate at first, yet, unfolds to a broader philosophy or political statement.
Madmans Esprit made their mark in 2014 with their debut album "NACHT." This release, blending various black metal subgenres with shoegazing guitar melodies and Korean folk undertones, gained praise from critics and fans alike. In 2018, the band expanded their horizons with their second full-length album "무의식의 의식화 (muuisig-ui uisighwa)," released through Gan-Shin Records, a European home for legendary Japanese bands like DIR EN GREY and MUCC. This marked a departure from their black metal roots, incorporating influences from post punk, indie rock, grind core and classical music. During their first headlining tour across six European countries in spring 2019, they released the EP "glorifying suicide," exploring themes of self-reflection. In this period the band also toured Asia, broadening their international audience. The release of their third full-length album, titled “나는 나를 통해 우리를 보는 너를 통해 나를 본다 (naneun naleul tonghae ulileul boneun neoleul tonghae naleul bonda),“ marked a significant milestone for the band, culminating in their achievement at the 2023 Korean Music Awards, where it won in the Best Metal and Hardcore Album category. This recognition further solidified their position as a leading force in the Korean Metal scene, showcasing their dedication to musical exploration and innovation.
Their recent singles, “Mismatch” and “墜落 (chulag),” serve as testament to their ongoing evolution. As they forge ahead, Madmans Esprit remains fearless in their pursuit of musical expression, leaving an indelible impression on listeners worldwide.
Videos
band history
April, 2011
- EP “I Just Want To Sex With You” Release
October 29th, 2011
- lml Metalfest in Seoul, Korea
October 6th, 2014
- First Full-length “NACHT” Release
Summer-Autumn, 2017
- First EU shows including Berlin, Germany and Stockholm, Sweden
Summer-Autumn, 2018
- Tour 2018 “Eine Alte Dunkelheit” in Korea and Japan
October 1st, 2018
- Second Full-length “무의식의 의식화(muuisig-ui uisighwa)” Release
October 15th, 2018
- Second Full-length “무의식의 의식화(muuisig-ui uisighwa)” Japanese Release
October 21th, 2018
- Downfall Fest 2018 in Seoul, Korea
May 4th, 2019
- EP “glorifying suicide” Release
(Nominated for Best Metal and Hardcore Album at Korean Music Awards 2020)
Spring, 2019
- EU headlining Tour “glorifying suicide” with 10 shows in France, Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland and Belgium
Autumn, 2019
- Asian tour “this night is ours” in Taipei, Tokyo, Busan and tour final one man "Seoul” in Seoul
August 27th, 2022
- Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival (JUMF) 2022 in Jeonju, South Korea
October 22nd, 2022
- Third Full-length “나는 나를 통해 우리를 보는 너를 통해 나를 본다 (naneun naleul tonghae ulileul boneun neoleul tonghae naleul bonda)” Release
(Won Best Metal and Hardcore Album at the Korean Music Awards 2023)
February 11th-15th, 2024
- Madmans Esprit JAPAN TOUR 2024 -CHOP 5days- in Tokyo, Japan
Press References
“…something, I can recommend to every single human being out there. [,,,] An album like Conscientization of Unconsciousness from a previously nearly unknown artist as Madmans Esprit is completely outstanding.” - EN.CORE
„Off-the-wall, riveting, and well worth a listen – especially if you are feeling like you haven’t heard anything new for a while. You won’t be saying that after you’ve listened to Madmans Esprit“ - AveNoctum
„ Madmans Esprit is the work of one highly theatrical but, it has to be said, extremely talented individual (Kyuho) from South Korea, who, on the evidence of Nacht, is pretty good at everything” - Zero Tolerance
“Seoul oder Berlin Hauptsache Metal” 2 Pages Interview – Legacy 95 02/2015
„Full of life (and death), Nacht is a stunning debut that demands attention. - AngryMetalGuy.com
+Read more than 40 reviews from magazines, including Terrorizer, Decibel, Playboy, Sweden Rock, Metal Hammer, Legacy and 100+ reviews from online presses [REFERENCE LIST 2018~] [OLDER REFERENCE LIST]