Madmans Esprit is a South Korean black metal band, influenced by visual kei[1][2] formed in 2010 in Seoul. Kyuho identifies their style as "Depressive Suicidal Blackened Pop".[3]
Career
Early Years and Formation
Madmans Esprit was formed in 2010 in Seoul, South Korea, by Kyuho, a visionary musician driven by a deep desire for artistic exploration and self-expression. From the outset, Kyuho sought to create a project that would transcend conventional musical boundaries, blending diverse influences into a singular, genre-defying sound.
Deeply inspired by the aesthetic and sonic innovation of Japanese visual kei bands such as Dir En Grey and X Japan, Kyuho also drew upon the introspective lyricism and progressive complexity of artists like Radiohead and Opeth. With these eclectic influences, he aimed to craft music that was not only emotionally resonant but also thematically daring, challenging listeners with its raw intensity and dynamic range.
By combining elements of black metal, post-rock, and visual kei with a theatrical flair, Kyuho laid the foundation for what would become Madmans Esprit's signature style: Depressive Suicidal Blackened Pop.
European Influence
A few years after forming Madmans Esprit, Kyuho moved to Berlin to further develop the project's sound and reach a broader audience. While in Berlin, the band recorded and released two critically acclaimed albums:
Nacht (2014) : The album explored themes of despair, identity, and existential struggles through a blend of harsh black metal elements and softer, melancholic melodies.
무의식 의 의식화 (Conscientization of Unconsciousness): Distributed by Gan Shin Records and released on October 1, 2018.This record further expanded the project's sonic palette, delving deeper into introspective and experimental realms.
Madmans Esprit began to gain recognition in Europe, and in 2017, the band embarked on a successful European tour, bringing their distinctive sound to audiences across the continent.
Hiatus and Military Service
Despite their growing international presence, Kyuho had to put Madmans Esprit on hiatus to fulfill South Korea's mandatory military service requirements. Returning to his hometown, Kyuho continued to refine his artistic vision and remained connected to his fanbase through social media and periodic updates.
Return to Europe in 2024
In 2024, Madmans Esprit announced their long-anticipated return to Europe, marking a new chapter in their career. Fans eagerly await new performances, as well as the possibility of new material that reflects Kyuho's evolving musical and personal journey.
Kyuho is also guitarist of the band "ms. Isohp romatem", established by Juho. In addition, he is fluent in the Korean, Japanese, English and German languages.[5]
