If you’re looking for some progressive, extreme metal from Philly, then open your eyes to IATT – pronounced EYE-AT – and their special approach to the genre. Like any band or musician, they wonder if it’s good or challenging enough and if the listeners will get it, but that’s the beauty of music: anyone can listen and interpret for themselves. Their newest offering kicks open that door, and bassist/vocalist Jay Briscoe is here for it.

“We sat on it for a little bit, and we were anxious to get it out, but we’re just glad that it’s finally out there, and people are loving it.”

Their album, Etheric Realms of the Night, was released by Black Lion Records and is the most immersive and conceptual work to date. It may only be a scant seven songs, but it brings you on an effortless journey for almost 50 minutes. It seamlessly shines on metal prowess with orchestral beauty, masterfully blending the two into a cohesive piece of work that stretches the limits of what is possible.

“It’s a crazy time because the album is getting more press than we anticipated,” admits Briscoe. “This album took a life of its own; there’s so many different things to unfold from this album. We spent three to four years crafting this album and filming the film; it was lengthy, it was a good chunk of time.”

Thematically, the album goes on a journey following a woman struggling with insomnia. At first, it sounds pretty basic, but you need to take into account Briscoe’s creativity. He works in EMS and has been taught, when charting, to paint that picture. They tackle dreams and nightmares, playfully testing the boundaries between hallucination and reality, and the psychological turmoil that comes with it.

“Since this was a dream concept, things didn’t have to flow as much as you think because dreams are so unpredictable. You do the oddest thing when it comes to the dream realm. We were able to come up with some bizarre ideas.”

Not only is it a single story told in seven movements, but it also accompanies a feature film they created, to be released at the end of July. Through a series of interconnected videos, the story transforms into an expanded vision, fully realizing the narrative behind the music. When the album started coming together, Briscoe realized the potential in front of them.

“We were two to three songs in, and I had decided this was going to be a concept album, and we said, ‘Why don’t we shoot a video or a film for every song?’ And that’s it. Usually, what happens is the concepts and lyrics come in, and once we start creating, we sit down and take the time to see where the songs are taking us. We just painted a picture through the song structures and the themes.”

Two decades later, the band feels good; they’ve been playing a few shows and festivals, reflecting on the longevity of the scene over time, and how lucky they are to still be doing it, while most of the bands they came up with have dissipated. It’s a lesson on how quickly things can change in the industry, but Briscoe knows it’s how you do what you do along the way that matters.

“I’ve learned recently that bands that have actually made it either have been lucky or they’ve been rejected a lot. I think resilience is a big thing. We just have to keep doing what we do. If you’re creating a product that’s not organic or a reflection of yourself, then how can you sell it to someone else? It’s a grind, and you have to love it; you have to put yourself into these songs.”