EPK – JUDICATOR – I Am The Void (2023)

EPK – JUDICATOR – I Am The Void (2023)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.com]

“‘I am the Void’ will scratch the itch of two different kinds of Judicator fans. Those who like the new direction of Judicator will enjoy the title track, while those who prefer our older “Cordisco-era” catalog will like “The Curse of Feanor.” There’s something in this EP for everyone.” – Judicator

For fans of Blind Guardian, Scanner, Iron Savior, Helion Prime

EP Title: I Am The Void
Release Date: December 8, 2023
Label: Self-Release

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“The Majesty of Decay is simply one of the best power metal albums released in the last few years, and potentially, my favorite Judicator yet.” – Angry Metal Guy

“This album is guaranteed that fans of Judicator will be talking about it for years to come. There are those which will utterly hate this album as a release that has gone too far in one direction. However, this is a gamble which has paid off and ‘The Majesty of Decay’ is not only arguably one of the best albums released this year, but also debatably the best album that Judicator have ever released.” – Metal Digest

“[Judicator is] unmatched when it comes to delivering an illuminating experience that is both energized and heartfelt.” — GBHBL

“Judicator is something new, but still something excellent. And we sing along, with open shirts and fists pointing to the sky.” — Devilution

EP Title: I Am The Void
Release Date: December 8, 2023
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. I Am The Void (9:01)
2. The Curse of Feanor (5:51)
EP Length: 14:51

EP Recording Credits:
Performed by Judicator (2022)
John Yelland (Vocals)
John Dolan (Bass)
Balmore Lemus (Guitar)
Jordy Elcess (Drums)
Guest musicians:
Alexander Bosson (Drums)
Francisco Pérez (Keyboards, orchestration)
Track 1: Music and lyrics by John Yelland and Austin Bentley
Track 2: Lyrics by Hansi Kürsch / Music by Andre Olbrich, Hansi Kürsch, Thomas Stauch, and Marcus Siepen)
Produced by John Yelland
Mixed by Carlos Alvarez at Dirty Viking Audio
Mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima at Tower Studio
EP artwork by Marc Whisnant
Member of ASCAP

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About The Single Artwork

The artwork was created by Marc Whisnant, who created the artwork for other Judi albums like ‘The Last Emperor’ and ‘The Majesty of Decay.’

Marc collaborated with me on the artwork concept. The only guidance I gave him was that I wanted a sick, green color palette and something reminiscent of this scene from this scene in Annihilation.

About the EP (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

This EP takes listeners through a roller coaster of emotions. “I am the Void” travels through isolation, courage, and triumph, and then “The Curse of Feanor” finishes out the EP like a thunderous cavalry charge.

Lyrically, “I am the Void” explores something all artists have felt at one time or another — a gravitational pull towards giving up, throwing in the towel. If you’ve lost that magic spark that made something special, how can you recover it? Is it even possible?

The song journeys through despondency, guilt, and shame, and plows through the fire, emerging like a phoenix reborn. The song takes you from “all is lost” to “I can do it.”

Finally, the EP concludes with a cover of Blind Guardian’s “The Curse of Feanor.” Our Patreon supporters voted on this cover song last year, and we are making it available to the public now. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of “I am the Void.” It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.

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Func Facts -Story Angles:

1. All of Judicator’s albums are concept albums. The two primary themes explored are (a) history and (b) cancer and death.

2. Judicator was founded by John Yelland and Alicia Cordisco, who met at a Blind Guardian concert in 2010. They became friends, and two years later they formed Judicator.

3. ‘Mandy’ is a Barry Manilow cover that infuses the atmosphere and tone of Panos Cosmatos’ 2018 film of the same name.

4. Judi singer John Yelland has worked with Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian) twice — once on Disforia’s song “The Dying Firmament” and again on Judicator’s song “Spiritual Treason.”

5. John Yelland: I’ve turned lots of heads at Judicator shows because I use fake blood to give my ears the appearance of bleeding. It’s not uncommon for me to get stopped shortly before and after performances by concerned people asking if I’m okay. I have to explain it’s just a stage gimmick. Oddly enough I’ve actually gotten more flak for performing barefoot on a couple of occasions!

Left to right: Chad Anderson (Guitar), John Yelland (Vocals), Dayton Andersen (Guitar), Dalton Jolley (Drums), John Dolan (Bass)

Photo Credit – Demii Photography

Hailing from Salt Lake City, USA, Judicator is a denim and leather-clad power metal act that will blow your hair back and excite your loins with its fervent riffs, wailing solos, and powerful vocals. Since their inception many years ago they have released six albums already and an EP “I Am The Void” is on the horizon. The EP features two heart-pounding tracks over 15 minutes that pack a punch. The song “The Curse of Feanor,” is a Blind Guardian cover as the band explains:

“Regarding “The Curse of Feanor,” this is a song that our Patreon supporters voted on. The cover has been available to them for some time now, and we chose to release it to the public alongside “I am the Void.”. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of “I am the Void.” It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.”

In 2010, John Yelland and Alicia Cordisco met at a Blind Guardian concert. The two developed a friendship and formed Judicator two years later. Prior to Cordisco’s departure from the band, Yelland would write all the lyrics and Cordisco would write all the music.

Since 2022’s ‘The Majesty of Decay,’ however, Yelland has become the band’s primary songwriter and lyricist. Mostly focused on historical topics, Judicator takes a look at everything from Napoleon Bonaparte to the renowned Byzantine general Belisarius. They don’t shy away from heavy topics though, exemplified by the rollercoaster title track on this EP.

Judicator brings raw energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Through their performances, the band conjures imagery of both ancient battles and inner turmoil. They are recommended for fans of Scanner, Iron Savior, and Helion Prime.

Watch and listen to Judicator’s video cover of Blind Guardian’s “The Curse of Feanor” at

“I Am The Void” is due out on December 8th, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://judicatormetal.bandcamp.com/

Discography:
2012 — King of Rome — Album
2012 — Heroes and Villains — Single
2013 — Wenn Kronen zerschmettert sind — Single
2013 — Sleepy Plessow — Album
2014 — Coping Mechanism — EP
2015 — At the Expense of Humanity — Album
2018 — The Last Emperor — Album
2020 — Let There be Nothing — Album
2022 — The Majesty of Decay — Album
2023 – Mandy (Barry Manilow Cover) – Single
2023 – I Am The Void – EP

Shared Stage with:
Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Immortal Guardian, Paladin,  Lords of the Trident , Crimson Shadows, Helion Prime, Theocracy

Tours and Festivals:
2019 — Western Crusade tour 2016 — American West (Utah, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon)
2019 — Mad With Power — Madison, WI
2019 — Hyperspace Metal Festival — Vancouver, British Columbia
2023 — Hyperspace Metal Festival — Vancouver, British Columbia