Serpents’ ‘The Monumental Disillusionment’ Is About ‘Journey to Hell’ — Song Premiere

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Andrew Mikhail departure from the deathcore monsters Oceano, who according to some left a void that is still felt in the band today. But Mikhail has moved on, though still clutching to cryptic reasons for leaving the Chicago band ("The universe spoke to me and told me to quit," he said), his brief time in the hardcore outfit Thick as Blood is admitted as more of a needed experiment after a bad break up.

"In my opinion, it's just like when a girl gets out of a long-term relationship. She wants to try as many dicks as she can, until she finds what she likes while sticking to what's 'normal' for her." The guitarist laughed, telling Noisecreep about what led him to Serpents.

Listen to 'The Monumental Disillusionment'

With much pride, we offer the first ever listen of 'The Monumental Disillusionment,' which Mikhail defines as blackened deathcore. "In general, it's a more rough-cut, dramatic and dark sound that we're not used to creating, along with experimenting with keys to bring theatrics and atmosphere to the mix; a proper representation of my journey to hell and back. You can't fake that stuff."

Though still very fresh, Serpents represent not only the end of a perilous search but a new beginning. "With me, I made some new friends. I dabbled with different bands here and there to find what I really liked and what worked for me, even lifestyle-wise," the guitarist admitted. "And within all that experimentation, I could simply never stop writing heavy s--- and had no desire to walk away from the metal/hardcore community. So, here I am! I did my Misfits, Samhain and this would be my Danzig."

Joined by Dusty Boles from Rose Funeral, Serpents have been designed as more of a studio project for the time being. As plans come together slowly -- with touring hopefully in the future -- the first step is the debut EP set for release on Feb. 8.

Coming from an idea the guitarist had while in Oceano, the band focuses its imagery around the Ouroboros, the serpent eating its own tail as a symbol of re-creation.

"Oceano was pretty interested in Masonic imagery and what not, and the Ouroboros is another icon in that whole culture of researching we would do," Mikhail said. "So, based on how excited I was with all the cool ideas I've collected throughout research and discovery, Serpents was born as more a movement than a band.

"But it was still a band, so finding good musicians who understand and honestly enjoy your vision is harder than you think. After a year of on-and-off gigs and in-and-out players, [Boles] approached me leading me to find two guys I really enjoyed working with. And what took a year of searching really came together within few months and couldn't be any more proud ... considering we self-produced this as well."