As you can see above, Justyna Koziczak created a truly stunning piece of artwork for the cover of the debut album by the California-based progressive death metal band Vile Rites. It also reveals the inspirational source of the album’s name — Senescence — and it creates a connection to the album track we’re premiering today — “Senescent“. Here’s the explanation we have from Vile Rites‘ founder and vocalist/guitarist, Alex Miletich:

The inspiration for the title track, “Senescent“, as well as the general theme of the album came from the life cycle of the octopus. For those that might not know, octopuses are born with no parental guidance (that we understand at least) and are forced to wander the waters alone. Once they are mature and find a mate, the female will lay her eggs and stay with them protecting and caring for them until they hatch, starving herself and ultimately dying in the process of creating new life.

Not only is this a profound symbol for the sacrifices that mothers make to create new life, but for the endless cycle of death and rebirth in general. We are born into the world with nothing but a vessel, and we only leave behind the legacy of what we’ve created. Continue reading »