ECPHASIS

Ecphasis is a Minnesota-based death metal band defined by screeching guitars, groove-driven and melodic bass lines, showstopping drums, and emotionally raw, powerful vocals. Their sound reflects a rare versatility - echoing the innovation of Death and the melody-driven storytelling of Breaking Benjamin.

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Meaning what they say and saying what they mean, Ecphasis does not censor themselves or their music. Writing openly about spiritualism, suicide, and depression, the band confronts the realities many face daily. They shine a light on these struggles without pulling punches - lyrically or musically - challenging both themselves and their listeners to face uncomfortable truths.

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Their sophomore album, Stories of Old was released on February 4th 2026 on all platforms.

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Ecphasis has been featured guests and regular performers on KFAI’s Roar of the Underground, and members of the band have performed at notable venues and festivals including First Avenue and Rockfest. The band has also drawn interest from industry professionals, including managers, festival staff, and tour crews of major arena acts.

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Ecphasis was on the cover of Minneapolis' Tumbling rock magazine in February of 2026.

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Guitarist and vocalist Liam Huehn has been called the “Taylor Swift of death metal” for his prolific songwriting, which began at just 14 years old.

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Darren Nordstrom previously played a leading role in his former band Strifemoon’s two album releases. Together, Nordstrom and Huehn have proven themselves to be ambitious, driven artists with the skills to bring their visions to life.

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Formed in 2018 by Liam Huehn, Ecphasis began as a solo project during his early teen years. With the release of the band’s debut album Anomaly in 2019 - at only 14 years old - Liam established the band’s foundation: an aggressive yet heavily melodic sound.

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Over time, Ecphasis evolved into a full band - playing shows, touring, and giving interviews. In 2025, the band revisited their origins by remaking select tracks from the original album in Anomaly 2025. But beneath that release, something bigger was taking shape.

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Shaped by several years of illness, solitude, and mental health challenges, Ecphasis prepared their most ambitious work to date. Stories of Old marks a clear step forward from previous releases and showcases significant growth across every dimension of the band. Liam’s vocal style expanded from solely screaming to a dynamic blend of singing, screaming, and hybrid techniques, allowing his lyrics to convey emotion in ways that were not previously possible.

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The band’s sound also evolved instrumentally. Darren Nordstrom’s guitar work introduced a new level of aggression and technicality, contrasting Liam’s more melodic and jumpy soloing style with a shred-influenced edge previously unheard in the band’s lead work. Anchored by the rhythmic groove of Will Maccullen and Zac Wright, the music gained an entirely new layer of depth.

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Stories of Old explores themes ranging from war to self-harm - each song telling its own story, unified by the no-punches-pulled mentality that defines Ecphasis.

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As the band looks toward 2026, touring and merchandise are already in active planning. With a focus on building a regional following and establishing their place in the industry, Ecphasis is preparing for its next chapter.

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The next era of Ecphasis may be coming sooner than you think.