Interview: VULNIFICUS
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
Eston: I definitely think I would be doing music in some way or another. I got into music at a very young age, so it's all I know. It was one of those things that I needed to go to sleep as a child. It's always in my mind in one way or another so I think I would have found it regardless. Music is the soundtrack to a lot of our life experiences and a great way to express oneself in a healthy way.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
Eston: Sports, video games, reading and researching. I find that it influences me because I can see human nature play out in real time and understand the history behind it. Both positive and negative. I also like to read and research to gather information to get out whatever message it is I want the listener to have.
How long has your band been around?
Eston: VULNIFICUS was formed in October 2021.
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
Eston: Originally, I'm based out of New York but currently living in Pennsylvania. A lot of the bands are from there are pioneers and influences in death metal overall so it just naturally comes to me when I'm making music. Wilson lives in Indianapolis.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
Eston: Wilson came up with the band name from reading a medical dictionary and I liked how it stood out because it was one word, simple and easy to remember.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
Eston: We have yet to play any shows under VULNIFICUS, but some of my memorable shows are playing with the bands from New York that influenced me in our music. That's something I won't forget.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
Eston: I'm just looking forward to hopefully touching people with the music in a live setting and playing with bands that I like and respect by doing shows and maybe some touring if we can. I don't have any venues in my mind as a favorite, I'm just happy to play where I can.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Eston: Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, Suffocation, or any festival or show with intense bands and brutal fans going wild. New bands can be an influence too.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Eston: Know your worth, before someone dictates your worth to you. For new bands, just work on your craft and be patient. You'll probably get a lot of rejection, or non answers before someone is willing to give you a try, just practice your ass off.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
Eston: Always remain professional and presentation of music goes a long way to attracting listeners. To make it successfully long term, you have to learn the business of music, not the music business.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Eston: My favorite track to play is Coerced Into Compliance. The tracks all mean something to me in some way because I wrote them while vaccine mandates were given out and there was a lot of uncertainty around the world.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most already?
Eston: The Viral Virus. We haven't played any shows as of yet, so nothing has been requested but The Viral Virus is a fun song to play.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Eston: A dream goal of VULNIFICUS would be to play a festival, do a west coast tour or play to our fans in Texas. Most of the bands in Texas coming out now are putting out great music and I'd love to be apart of that
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?.
Eston: Wilson is the mastermind behind the music. I normally have an idea of what type of riffs I like and want and we mesh our vision together. Wilson maps out the drums, then does the rest of the instruments and then I come last. My inspiration for my lyrics is observations of what's going on daily.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Eston: I try to make the listener think further beyond what's going on in the music. My message is just to think for yourself and go at your own pace. Set trends and be different.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
Eston: We try to communicate what we want in a respectful way, but I don't think we've had an disagreements.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Eston: Yes. Our plan is to hopefully reach more people with this brand of metal both in the United States and across the world. We hope to play shows and tour if conditions allow us to. We have a new EP "INVOCATION" due out June 10. You can listen to both singles on our website and grab some merch if you are interested. The website is