The Seattle group Telomyras step into this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. After a self-titled EP, they are issuing their full-length debut Duskfall. Guitarists Jack Schonher and Ephraim Grimm introduce us to their band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Telomyras.
Jack Schonher: Telomyras is a heavy metal band out of Seattle, Washington. Ephraim formed the original lineup through local advertisements and that’s when I met him. We talked about wanting to play in a metal band that focuses on riffs, guitar solos, and most importantly original music. We spent most of the early 2020’s solidifying a lineup and writing music.
What’s the origin of the band name?
Ephraim Grimm: It’s a made up word meaning “magical end” (telo = end, myra = magic). Our first drummer had the initial idea and I just went for broke and tried to jazz it up or at least make it something unique. I personally always think about death, dying, ends, apocalyptic stuff. I figure every ending should be glorious and have a hope that every ending is a new beginning. I guess in Spanish the word is nonsensical, so I find that funny.
Describe the songwriting process for Duskfall.
Jack: We have multiple songwriters in the band and much of the process is putting a riff or rough song idea on a demo and working on it from there. We liked this method because it allowed ideas to develop over time as we worked on it as a whole band. Sammie (Gorham) covered all the lyrics and vocal melodies after the core songs were written instrumentally.
Ephraim: A lot of things are developed from really simple melodies or parts. Most of the songs sound way different from where I started from by the end.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Jack: There was one guitar solo that I re-recorded much later than the rest of the tracks and I am really happy that I did. It is the solo on the title track, and without giving away too much it is probably my favorite solo that I have ever composed for Telomyras.
Ephraim: For me it was tracking my rhythm guitar sections. Jack sometimes plays different parts than me live, so learning his parts more in depth was a good work out for triple tracking.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
Jack: We decided to limit the time in the studio to record this album to save money for other band needs, which also meant after the drums were completed in the studio and the rest was on our own for tracking. This led to a long process of checking every layer that we recorded at home before we sent the raw tracks for mixing and mastering.
Ephraim: Biggest challenge I think was our limited experience tracking ourselves. Drums were all done under the watchful eye of a recording studio and engineer, but guitars, bass and vocals we took a chance and did at home. It could be tough to know when to let a take breathe and when to redo something, but in the end, all stylistic choices we did knowingly.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
Jack: Duskfall is an album that represents the culmination of everything we have been working towards collectively for the past few years. I would say that the album embraces more elements of extreme metal, with longer passages of heavy drums, guitar, and vocals. I am very happy with the sound of the album, creating an aggressive sonic atmosphere for the riffs and melodies to shine.
Ephraim: Its a blending of our influences musically, and each song is a different sort of darkness. Some old hats won’t enjoy the genre blending, but everything is firmly rooted in our collective power/thrash background. An old school metal with some modern sensibilities style, and a tone that is our own.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
Ephraim: A running theme is loss and oppression. We’re struggling in liminal spaces between opposing forces and philosophies. Sammie wrote powerful lyrics worth a read.
What led you to go the independent route for the album release?
Ephraim: We all work for a living and have families and communities we care about. Independence is much more flexible in the grand scheme, but we’re always open to talk if any labels like our stuff.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
Ephraim: This is the first LP I’ve ever made. I am just seeing how far it goes and I’ll adjust goals and expectations after. Our EP took us farther than I ever expected it to, so I’m hoping for at least the same response given the immense effort and toil that went into Duskfall.
What has been your most memorable Telomyras live show?
Jack: We have played many cool shows both in and out of Washington State. My most memorable has to be our appearance at the Blades of Steel Metalfest in Madison Wisconsin. It was our first major fly-gig, and it was a great opportunity to go play there.
Ephraim: Either Blades or The Shredder in Boise. Boise was a really special show in its own right and I loved the people there.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Ephraim: Currently we will be appearing at Soldiers of Steel in August 2026. Much of our time has been spent recently on mixing and mastering, and getting all our social media in order. We will just have to see what opportunities arise outside of all that.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Jack: I enjoy spending time with my Wife skiing and doing other activities in the Seattle area. I also enjoy playing video games like Doom, Elden Ring, and Diablo.
Ephraim: I’ve worked two jobs since 2021 but I enjoy cycling, hiking, and retro gaming. I’ve always been an introvert, but I try to call and message people and ask how they are doing. Checking in on people.
What’s currently in your musical heavy rotation?
Jack: I am always switching things up, but right now I am listening to a lot of Cryptopsy, Lost Horizon, Pestilence, and Chastain. I also have been listening to a lot of John Denver and Dire Straits as the weather has been getting nicer for my drives and walks.
Ephraim: I’m really into epic doom of late. Candlemass, Smoulder, Spirit Adrift. My go-to albums are pretty power metal overall. I’m spinning Grave Digger with their album Excalibur a lot.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Ephraim: Come to Soldiers of Steel! We’re set to share the stage with more than a few heavy hitters in metal.
(interview published May 9, 2026)
Listen To Telomyras – “Witch”
