Death metal and demonic possession go together like chainsaws and severed limbs. Indianapolis death dealers Flesher understand this better than most, and their new video for “Etched in Blood” takes a blood-drenched plunge into the twisted universe of The Evil Dead.
Taken from the band’s Gore on Gore EP, released through Maggot Stomp, “Etched in Blood” delivers a suitably gruesome soundtrack of punishing riffs and old-school death metal brutality. For the accompanying video, Flesher enlisted director and special effects artist Deryk Wehrley to bring their own version of Sam Raimi’s demonic nightmare to life.
“‘Etched In Blood’ was specifically written based on the Evil Dead mythos, so when it came time to start brainstorming ideas for the direction of the video, Deryk had a vision that we were instantly sold on,” explains drummer Dustin Boltjes. “We created our own Evil Dead universe, and we are so stoked on how it was executed. Relentless and brutal. Just like the song itself.”
Wehrley previously worked with Flesher on the werewolf-themed video for “Inciting Mutilation,” handling its practical effects. This time, however, he traded the FX department for the director’s chair.
“From first listen, the track ‘Etched in Blood’ off the Gore on Gore EP had always stood out as a favorite track and I knew that had to be the one,” Wehrley explains. “So I pitched the Evil Dead style video and they were immediately sold.”
Drawing on his experience in independent horror filmmaking, including his work on Deathwoods, Wehrley recruited longtime collaborators Jaren and Corey to give the production a more cinematic, narrative-driven approach.
“The biggest thing for me was just having the opportunity to finally combine my love of heavy metal and horror for this video,” he adds. “I know everyone involved shares that same love and I believe it really shows in the final product.”
Groovy? Absolutely. Just keep that chainsaw handy.
Watch the Decibel premiere of Flesher’s “Etched in Blood” below.
Gore on Gore is available now via Maggot Stomp. Pick up a copy here.
