Fuelled by a mix of governmental dissatisfaction and an unyielding love for metal music, ESODIC emerged from Amman’s underground music scene in 2003 with the release of their demo ‘Coverless Truth’, featuring the hit single ‘Dawn of Victory’. Despite facing regular arrests and harassment due to their countercultural activities and defying the norms, they quickly gained a solid fanbase in Jordan. Though undergoing line-up changes and many challenges, ESODIC participated in the 2005 Global Battle of The Bands in Amman. The band not only made it to the final stage, but they also received the most fan votes from all over the city, coming in second right after another local band. This resulted in strengthening their recognition in the Middle Eastern music scene. Unfortunately, due to political commotion and personal circumstances, the band went their separate ways to different parts of the world but not before releasing a split record with Tampa-based death metal band, Generichrist on Deathstar Records. 

Five years later, drummer Zed Amarin moved to Los Angeles, gathering all ESODIC’s recorded material for mixing and mastering in preparation for their first EP, ‘Mirrors of Disgrace’. Though the members were disbanded, they collectively agreed that it was essential to share their individual and collective experiences of socio-political upheaval and chaos leading up to the Arab Spring with the world. The materials for this EP were written and recorded over a span of 6-8 years, releasing in 2018. In the following year, the band came together again for MetalDays Festival in Slovenia. In the middle of 2020, Zed joined forces with Michael Nolasco on guitars/vocals and Kevin McCombs on bass/vocals to breathe new life into, and carry on, the legacy. Now, in 2024, ESODIC is getting ready to drop their new EP, ‘De Facto De Jure’. This EP dives deep into Jordan's turbulent history and offers some thought-provoking political commentary. It's bound to become another significant milestone in ESODIC's already impressive career, connecting with long-time fans and newcomers who crave music that pushes boundaries and goes beyond the norm.

What is key to highlight about this EP is the lyrics. ‘Consequence’ speaks about the corruption and violence carried out by those in power, shedding light on the impact this has on society, emphasising holding individuals accountable and the effect a never-ending cycle of violence and devastation has on under rule.

‘Dirge’ presents subjects of brutal violence and the misuse of authority, resulting in the victims being ruthlessly discarded and the perpetrators finding pleasure in this.

The lyrics for ‘Reign’ follow a different pattern. It could be from the perspective of the ones in authority spoken about in the previous songs, depicting a figure of immense power who demands absolute obedience, using threats and violence to assert control over others.

The EP title, and the name of the last song, ‘De Facto De Jure’, is a conflicting statement. What's going on in everyday life (de facto) and what should be happening based on the law (de jure). The repetition of "Flawed the logic to rule the state by word of God" and "Despotic the liberator writes the law" emphasises the hypocrisy of those in power who abuse religion. Despite the depicted facade of unity, the reality is one of misery and unrest as a result of the suffering and resistance of the people under the dictator's rule, reiterating de facto de jure.

Before learning about them, I had never listened to a band like ESODIC. With each song, we’re transported to the Middle East with darbuka drums, undertones of riqs, and oud guitars, all native to this region. This is combined with driving guitar riffs, upbeat drum rhythms, all tied together with guttural vocals, which are more commonly found in Western culture. The harmonious clash of these two genres work together to blend the band’s Middle Eastern roots, and their passion for metal. Though ESODICs sound may not be your cup of tea, their song writing is a result of the hardship they’ve gone through in their home country. The lyrics highlighted throughout really make you think about the suffering the people of perhaps not only Jordan, but of other countries under the same circumstances are subjected to. This can help broaden your understanding and honour the resilience and perseverance of the artists in the face of adversity.