Jeroenymus

My musical journey began in the 1980s, when my mother, along with some school friends, took us to a fantasy park. There, they had created a haunted castle with all sorts of Anton Pieck-esque themes (a Dutch painter and graphic designer) of fear and suspense, with a comedic undertone here and there, tailored to the world of children—very much like a variation on The Muppet Show. The highlight of the haunted castle was the performance of the Dance of Death with puppets in a replica cemetery: moving tombstones, dancing skeletons, and monks ringing bells in the replica cathedral. The music that accompanied this spectacle was the famous "Danse Macabre" by the Parisian composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The drama and intensity of that composition became the lifelong reference point for everything I seek in music: depth, meaning, and a touch of the imperishable soul that is timeless.

I breathe music. While the guitar became my primary tool for songwriting as a teenager, my true inspiration flows from a realm between worlds. I am an active dreamer, drawing themes from both the physical experience of life and the vivid landscapes of my sleep. Besides the many dreams I have, the various musical styles from the catalog and music history are a source of inspiration for me, ranging from bombastic classical music to heavy metal and compact pop music. My personal collection reflects this refusal to be pigeonholed: it ranges from the dark theatricality of King Diamond and the symphonic power of Nightwish to the sophisticated pop of Hall & Oates and the timeless clarity of Vivaldi and crossover classical/piano pop acts like Petra Berger, Jan Vayne or Jim Brickman.

To me, music is a sovereign act. In an era dominated by predictable (AI) algorithms, I strive for something authentic. This quest for authenticity led to the creation of "Tribulation," a project where my philosophical visions are brought to life by world-class collaborators. The album features the formidable vocal power of Slovenian singer Marko Duplišak (Inmate) and the ethereal lead vocals and complex choir arrangements of Macedonian artist Andrijana Janevska. A unique synchronicity defines this collaboration: Andrijana and I were born on the exact same day, a cosmic coincidence that translated into a profound artistic synergy during the recording process.

Whether I am reimagining classical masterpieces in my home studio or writing original compositions, the goal is always to channel a universal energy. "Tribulation" is the culmination of that journey—a fusion of bombastic classical traditions, heavy metal tension, and philosophical exploration. It is a bridge between the material life we know and the immaterial journey that follows.