INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.

I'm Evelyn, the sole force behind Seraphlesh, a one-woman melodic death metal project. I've been making music for about 20 years, but Seraphlesh is my first time releasing anything publicly. I officially founded the project in 2025, though writing dates back to 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself. (Location, artist name, the works!)

I'm based in Seattle, WA, where I work a tech job by day and make music from my humble home studio by night. The name Seraphlesh comes from my fascination with the contradictions we carry as human beings—made of flesh and blood, yet always reaching for something beyond. "Seraph" evokes the divine, and "flesh" represents the profane—Seraphlesh is where those two meet.

What's your musical origin story? (when did you start? What inspired you?)

I've been a rabid metal fan since I was a teenager, and I channeled that passion into learning guitar. I love the intensity and raw emotion of metal. I've always been drawn to artists that can blend the chaotic darkness of extreme metal with lighter moments of vulnerability.

What were the driving forces or pivotal moments that inspired you to pursue music?

Writing music and playing guitar have always been soothing for me. Until recently, that was all I needed. But I started to feel like playing just for myself wasn't enough anymore, like I wasn't really a musician if no one ever heard what I was creating. A couple years ago, I made a promise to myself: put something out there, no matter how vulnerable it feels. Seraphlesh is the result of keeping that promise.

MUSICAL IDENTITY

How would you describe your style of music?

We metalheads love our subgenres, so let's call it "melodic death metal with progressive elements." That said, I don't write with a strict genre in mind. If a song needs a four-on-the-floor disco beat, I'll throw it in. I just follow the music wherever it leads.

How is your personality reflected in your work?

Since I'm the only musician on my recordings, there's no one to rein me in—which is both freeing and a little dangerous. I try to embrace that raw, DIY spirit and let the imperfections add character.

Describe your creative process when you write new music.

I do all of my writing directly in the DAW. It starts by recording an initial spark, usually a guitar riff or melodic phrase. From there, I explore variations until a narrative starts to emerge, then bring in the other instruments to complement that story. Lyrics come last, inspired by the emotional undercurrents I felt during the writing process.

CURRENT WORK

What is the name of your latest releases?

Effigy, my one and only full-length release so far!

What was the inspiration for that release?

I came out as transgender in 2023, and Effigy helped me process that transformation. An effigy is an ephemeral facsimile meant to be destroyed, much like my past identity. There is catharsis in burning that image I used to embody. While only about half the tracks deal directly with gender identity, each one was inspired by a turning point that reshaped who I am.

What challenges or unexpected moments did you encounter during the writing/recording process?

Some songs dive into really personal trauma. Revisiting those memories during the writing process was emotionally intense, but inspiring nonetheless.

PROMOTION & ENGAGEMENT

What strategies do you find most effective for promoting your music?

I'm still figuring that out. The one lesson I've learned is that low effort content rarely gets traction. People can tell when you're just clicking buttons or spamming links and embeds. If you don't care enough to put thought into how you share your music, why should anyone care to listen?

How do you engage with your fans online and offline?

Seraphlesh is a 100% online operation for now. Beyond just music releases, I'm hoping to flesh out (pun intended) my social media presence to give my listeners more insight into my process.

What upcoming promotional activities or releases are you most excited about?

I'm recording a standalone single I hope to release later this year. I'm also in the early stages of planning the follow-up to Effigy. I can't wait to dive back into the writing process fully.

How can folks contact you (socials/email/websites etc.)

https://linktr.ee/seraphlesh