Jordanian metal band Esodic will release their new EP De Facto De Jure on May 22. The band wrote the following explanation of everything behind the EP, which you can check out in all its extensive glory below.
In creating De Facto De Jure, our most recent EP, we were deeply influenced by a sense of responsibility to capture the impactful story of Tunisian-born objector Mohamed Bouazizi. His self-immolation, a powerful catalyst for the Arab Spring, served as the inspiration for our band to compose the EP. Dedicated to echoing Bouazizi's struggle for justice, freedom, and societal change, our musical endeavor evolved into a sonic tapestry; weaving emotions and narratives that convey themes of resilience, protest, and the collective yearning for a brighter future.
Expanding beyond Bouazizi's narrative, we delved into the intricate tales of Uday Hussein's oppressive reign in Iraq and his ultimate downfall, as well as Libyan Dictator Muammar Gaddafi's enduring rule and the profound consequences for their respective nations. Additionally, we explored the complex aftermath of the American intervention in Iraq, which resulted in the overthrow of Uday’s notorious father, Saddam Hussein. This intervention inadvertently released Muslim extremists from prisons, directly contributing to the formation of ISIS and the global dissemination of its ideology.
Through our album, our intention was not only to pay homage to individual stories shaping history, but also to explore shared aspirations for liberation and transformation that resonate across diverse struggles for justice and freedom.
About The Artwork
The impact of one individual's courageous act reverberated through the lives of millions for years to come. Such is the profound narrative of Mohamed Bouazizi, whose story has etched a lasting imprint on our consciousness, particularly his pivotal role in igniting the Arab Spring.
Despite the challenge of sourcing an image that captured the moment when Bouazizi set himself on fire in front of the provincial government building in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, our relentless pursuit proved futile. After months of scouring the internet and reaching out to news networks in the region, faced with the impossibility of finding such an image, we turned to the talented artist Rudi Yanto.
With limited resources about the incident, Rudi skillfully constructed a powerful visual representation of this historic moment. The collaborative effort resulted in a striking and evocative depiction that encapsulates the intensity of a singular act shaping the course of history. The artwork for our EP, De Facto De Jure, not only commemorates a significant event but also serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power inherent in individual actions.
About The Title
As we were conceptualizing the track which had a working title of "Gaddafi", we were reading an article about the nefarious dictator that had an interesting line; "Muammar Gaddafi became the de facto leader of Libya on 1 September 1969 after leading a group of young Libyan Army officers against King Idris I in a bloodless coup d'état."
We then researched the term "De Facto" and got this explanation: "De facto and de jure are Latin phrases that are commonly used in legal contexts. De facto means 'from the fact' and refers to what happens in reality or in practice. De jure means 'from the law' and refers to what is actually notated in legal code."
It wasn’t long after reading this that we thought the two terms back to back would make a fitting title, which eventually became the name of our EP.
About "Consequence"
"Consequence" was the first track we wrote for the EP. Given the overall concept and direction we were going with our ideas, we felt compelled to write about the Western world’s intervention in Iraq, the false pretenses that were used to justify this intervention, and the atrocious fallout in the succeeding years caused by the subsequent power vacuum.
Before the American intervention in the Middle East, religious extremism was forcibly curtailed by the dictatorial governments of Saddam Hussein, Hafiz Al Assad, and others. These governments were brutal and oppressive; their iron fist ruled over everyone and effectively disallowed terrorist extremists to have a foothold in society. When these governments were eventually overthrown, organizations like the Islamic State had the freedom to persecute, torture, and kill anyone who didn’t share their beliefs.
Freedom cannot be given to a people whose absolute objective is to destroy those that they deem different. Intolerance cannot be tolerated. Freedom comes at the price of rule, or the price of bloodshed.
About "Dirge" and "Reign"
Immersed in the narratives of Iraq's past, where tales of Uday Hussein's tyranny echoed through the collective consciousness, our creative journey found its muse. The gruesome nature of Uday's daily atrocities, a well-known reality for many, coupled with the profound impact of the film "The Devil's Double,", (a dramatized version of Uday’s actual horrific actions), served as the catalyst for a musical exploration of his tumultuous reign.
The result is a compelling two-part composition: "Dirge" and "Reign," each delving into a distinct facet of Uday Hussein's complex legacy. "Reign" vividly captures the essence of Uday's unparalleled ruthlessness and insatiable appetite for excess. Infamous for his unrestrained brutality, Uday spared no measure of violence and intimidation to assert control. His opulent lifestyle, marked by extravagant parties and luxurious living, stood in stark contrast to the hardships endured by many living in Iraq, etching a dark chapter in its history.
Uday's reign was marked by a trail of atrocities, as he unleashed his erratic and ruthless demeanor on both perceived enemies and those in his inner circle. No one, from distant relatives to personal acquaintances, was immune to his violent tendencies. Shocking accounts reveal his involvement in heinous acts of rape, murder, and torture, sparing not even the Iraqi Olympic athletes and national sports teams who faced arrest and torture for their supposed failures.
Dedicated to Uday's power trip and lack of accountability, the track "Reign" captures the unbridled dominance of this infamous figure. In stark contrast, "Dirge" immerses itself in the grim narrative of Uday's befitting downfall and the demise of his very being. Together, these musical compositions serve as a haunting tribute to a dark chapter in Iraqi history, unraveling the layers of Uday Hussein's complex and malevolent legacy.
About "De Facto De Jure"
Muammar Gaddafi, was a master manipulator who employed cunning tactics to shape narratives in his favor. He was the main inspiration for this song which mainly probes his highly skillful capability for communication, as he expertly wielded propaganda to influence public sentiment. Despite projecting an image of a democratic champion, the truth revealed a four-decades-long autocracy over Libya. Gaddafi's strategic prowess extended to sowing discord among various groups, fostering divisions that he deftly exploited for personal gain. Unrivaled in power and politics, he spared no effort to secure and perpetuate his hold on authority.
The picture Gaddafi painted of himself and the way the people rose up to take him down was a full circle. How he deceitfully came to power, and guarding borders between Europe and Africa that, with his demise, sent many radicals migrating into Europe.
