ETJM is one of those projects born without artifice, driven solely by a genuine musical connection and a shared creative need. Formed by Eimel Trejo and Joel Marco, two renowned musicians from Barcelona’s metal scene, the duo has gradually shaped an instrumental universe where technique never overshadows emotion, and every composition seems to tell its own story. Following the release of their first songs and their recent signing with Art Gates Records, we spoke with Joel to learn about the origins of the project, their way of understanding music, the creative process behind their compositions, and the plans that are already beginning to shape ETJM’s future.
David Aresté
M.S.: First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us. How are you doing, and how do you feel about everything that’s happening around ETJM at the moment?
J.M.: Thank you for your interest. Honestly, we’re at a very exciting stage. ETJM was born in a very natural way, and little by little it has grown far beyond what we imagined at the beginning. We’re really enjoying the process, with the feeling that the project is starting to find its place and develop its own language.
M.S.: First of all, congratulations on joining Art Gates Records. How did this signing come about, and what does becoming part of their roster mean to you?
J.M.: Thank you very much. Our contact with Art Gates Records came about quite organically. We presented the project to them, they connected with our proposal, and from the very beginning there was great chemistry between us. For us, it means having a team that understands our vision and gives us the freedom to develop it without pressure, which is essential for a project like ETJM.
M.S.: In your introduction, you make it clear that ETJM was born from a deep musical connection. At what point did you realize this project deserved to become something more than just a one-off collaboration?
J.M.: That connection comes from years of playing together and sharing stages in other bands. At one point, we realized we had ideas that needed a space of their own, free from stylistic limitations or commitments. At the time, it wasn’t really a project yet—it was just an idea we talked about often but had never actually brought to life until now. It wasn’t something we deliberately planned; it simply happened at the perfect moment.
M.S.: “Hope” was the first song you composed together and marked the birth of the project. What made that track so special that it became the emotional starting point?
J.M.: “Hope” was special because it was created without any expectations. It was a song Eimel had written some time before and had even used during a few clinics. After seeing how well it worked, he suggested we record it together, with no ambitions beyond that. Once we started working on it, the connection between us was immediate, and before we knew it, that recording had become the spark that ignited the entire project. The structure, the contrasts, and the emotion within the song perfectly matched the idea of starting something new, driven by excitement and complete creative freedom.
M.S.: Instrumental metal is often associated with technical virtuosity, yet your music conveys a strong emotional depth. How do you find that balance between technique and emotion?
J.M.: For us, technique is a tool, not an end in itself. We enjoy exploring complex rhythms and demanding musical ideas, but always in service of the song. If a technical passage doesn’t contribute emotionally or help tell the story, then it has no purpose. We want every element to have meaning and help communicate something.
M.S.: In “New Point,” you speak about letting go and moving forward. Is there a personal story behind this song, or is it more of a reflection of a shared feeling?
J.M.: It has a very personal component, especially for Eimel, although I think anyone can relate to it. The song was born from a moment of pause and uncertainty, one of those setbacks that force you to look inward and rethink things. “New Point” is about that process of transformation: hitting rock bottom, gathering momentum, and rising again stronger than before. It’s both an emotional and musical evolution, and the idea was for that sense of change and growth to be felt throughout the entire piece.
M.S.: “STUFFEDFLOWER” reveals a more intimate and melodic side of the project. Was it your intention to showcase that duality between intensity and contemplation right from the beginning?
J.M.: Yes, absolutely. ETJM isn’t just about energy or speed. We also love space, melody, and atmosphere. Showing that duality from the start felt important because we wanted people to understand that the project has different layers and doesn’t move in just one direction.
M.S.: Regarding your influences, names such as Plini, Animals as Leaders, and Joe Satriani have been mentioned. Do you identify with any particular branch of instrumental metal, or do you prefer to stay completely away from labels?
J.M.: They’re definitely references. We’re heavily drawn to modern metal and progressive music, and we absolutely love the artists you mentioned! But we listen to a bit of everything, and we don’t try to fit into any particular scene. That variety naturally filters into our music. We’d rather focus on developing our own sound and let listeners make whatever connections they want.
M.S.: What has the songwriting and production process between the two of you been like? What does each of you bring to ETJM’s sound?
J.M.: At ETJM, every song starts with Eimel. He brings the initial ideas, the melodies, and the basic structure. From there, I suggest alternative ideas, mostly on the rhythmic side, adjusting tempos according to what each song needs, and then he does the same in return. The connection between us is incredible—we understand each other almost without speaking. I’ve never experienced anything like that with another musician. We can come up with an amazing song in a single afternoon, and fortunately we both have the equipment to record ourselves at home before putting everything together. That’s how we work, each contributing our own way of understanding rhythm, arrangements, and the details that ultimately define the personality of every track. It’s a truly collaborative process.
M.S.: What can we expect from your debut album? Will it continue the path set by these first singles, or are there more stylistic surprises waiting for us?
J.M.: Our plan is to release several EPs that will later be brought together into one album. We want the final record to be consistent with what we’ve already shown, but we also want it to include a few surprises. Some songs are more direct, others are more atmospheric, and a few explore new territory for us. We like to think of the album as a journey rather than just a collection of individual songs.
M.S.: Your music has a very cinematic and atmospheric approach. Have you considered complementing the project with visuals, conceptual videos, or even multidisciplinary collaborations?
J.M.: Yes, it’s something that interests me a great deal. I believe music can have a dialogue with visual art and other artistic disciplines, and I also enjoy exploring new ways of presenting music. In fact, that’s my other profession: I create visual identities for bands, and I’m now expanding into music video production as well. That’s why everything we do comes directly from us, and we always try to make it as coherent as possible. For me, music and the visual aspect go hand in hand—they’re almost as important as the music itself.
M.S.: You’ve already performed in Barcelona and Montpellier. How were those concerts, and what did it feel like to play these songs live in front of audiences in those cities?
J.M.: Bringing these songs to the stage was quite a challenge. These concerts confirmed that we’re ready to give everything we’ve got anywhere in the world. We had an amazing time, people really enjoyed the music, and we couldn’t have left happier. I’m not going to lie—I was nervous. It was something completely new for me, and the music we play pushes us almost to our limits. It’s just the two of us standing in front of the audience, with every eye focused on us… and that combination of adrenaline and emotion is simply incredible… 😊
M.S.: Since you’re both from Barcelona, I’m sure many of us would love to see you at a festival like Be Prog. Do you have any more concerts or festival appearances planned for the near future?
J.M.: We’d absolutely love to play at Be Prog! It’s definitely one of the festivals we have our eyes on, and it would mean a lot to us. Together with Art Gates, we’re already working on playing several festivals and shows across Europe in 2026. In fact, we already have a few dates confirmed, and we’ll be announcing the first details very soon. For now, we’re focused on introducing the project and building it step by step.
M.S.: In such a crowded musical landscape, what do you think ETJM can bring to today’s instrumental metal scene?
J.M.: Our honesty. We’re not trying to reinvent anything—we simply want to make music that truly represents who we are. I believe that sincerity, combined with our blend of emotion and musical exploration, can connect with people who are looking for something genuine.
M.S.: Finally, what would you say to someone who hasn’t listened to ETJM yet but is looking for something different within modern metal?
J.M.: I’d tell them to approach it with an open mind and just let themselves be carried away. ETJM is a project designed to be listened to carefully, but above all to be felt. If it connects with you, that’s wonderful; and if it doesn’t, at least it will have been an honest experience.
M.S.: Looking ahead, what’s next for ETJM during the rest of this year, and what plans do you already have in mind for 2026?
J.M.: We’ve already got some really exciting things confirmed and a few more still to finalize, so we’d better start getting back into shape! There are plenty of concerts on the horizon, and at least for me, performing these songs is physically very demanding… haha! I can’t wait to start announcing everything that’s coming.
M.S.: Thank you very much for your time and for sharing your music and vision with us. Before we say goodbye, would you like to leave a message for our readers?
J.M.: We’d like to thank Metal Symphony and all of your readers for their support and interest. We hope to see you all very soon at one of our live shows and to share this journey with you.
David Aresté
Photos: Karina Báez