Interviews About Albums: Tempus Aeternum - Fear Is The Mind-Killer (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Australian Melodic Death Metal band Tempus Aeternum to ask questions about their album, "Fear Is The Mind-Killer".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

This is my debut EP release under the name Tempus Aeternum, and it marks the culmination of five years of writing, recording, and refining my sound. The journey began around 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With more time on my hands, I dove into home recording, initially experimenting with synth-based music influenced by the Berlin school and modern synthwave. By 2022, my musical direction began to shift. I found myself gravitating toward heavier riffs and regularly jamming guitar-based material. That momentum really took off after I got my hands on an ENGL Fireball and a Peavey 6505+, two amps that helped define the sound I was after. Before long, I had amassed so many recordings that i figured it was time to put out a debut EP release while I continue developing and polishing songs for a follow-up LP.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

The title of the EP has a layered meaning. The original inspiration and lyrical themes on the title track came from a line in Frank Herbert’s Dune, but I chose it more for its philosophical weight than the direct reference. At its core, the title reflects the idea that fear can be a paralyzing force. Something that stifles personal growth and holds us back from evolving as human beings. It’s a theme that I touch on throughout the EP, and it relates to the idea of confronting our inner demons and moving forward.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Tempus Aeternum is currently a solo project. So all the songs are composed, performed, and produced by me, Wayne Nichols.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

That’s a tough question, but if I had to choose, I’d say The Changing Tide. Musically, it represents a turning point for me. It came together surprisingly quickly, one of those rare moments where everything just clicked. And I managed to capture a raw, intense energy that builds into something almost cathartic. It’s fast and brutal, but there’s also melody and depth underlying the aggression. Lyrically, it's dealing with themes of growth and evolution. It’s about embracing change, shedding old layers, and growing into something stronger.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

I think one of the great things about music is that it can mean different things to different people. There are a few personal themes central to the songs, but my hope is that listeners will find their own meaning in the music and lyrics.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Feel it emerging from deep within

A time of change, a time of reflection on what has been

Shed the shackles, remove the chains of the past

Leave the cage behind, the memories remain but will not last

Taken from the song - The Changing Tide

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Musically ,I'm inspired by my love and appreciation of classic thrash and death metal bands from the 80s and 90s.

Bands like Carcass, Morbid Angel, Deicide, Bolt Thrower, Slayer, and Sepultura have all had an influence on my sound.

Personally, Im really grateful to the people who've supported me through the years. My girlfriend, Mosessa, is a constant source of inspiration and encouragement.

And I also want to thank all my friends and family for their support and honest feedback.

8. Something to add?

Just that I'm very grateful to everyone who listens and connects with the music.

You can listen to the EP for free at https://tempusaeternum.bandcamp.com/album/fear-is-the-mind-killer-ep and the EP will be out on digital platforms on 6/6/25 via Earache Distribution.

I’m already deep into completing new material for the follow-up LP, so stay tuned... I hope to have more to share in the near future.