In the realm of cinematic metal, few projects are as ambitious—or as haunting—as Homerik’s adaptation of Dante’s Inferno. At the helm of this dark and immersive undertaking is Ken Candelas, the band’s “Mad Composer” and creative mastermind. With a background in broadcast and live sound that includes working alongside artists like Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Wyclef Jean, Candelas brings a wealth of technical expertise and creative vision to this monumental work. His adaptation transforms Dante Alighieri’s timeless tale into a chilling auditory journey, where epic orchestral drama meets the raw intensity of metal, all brought to life through the immersive power of spatial audio, enveloping listeners in a multi-dimensional, sonic descent into the underworld.
Candelas’ journey with Dante’s Inferno began with a dream—a melody inspired by the film As Above, So Below. That dream gave rise to The Infernal Suite, the foundation for Homerik’s musical reimagining of Dante’s descent into hell. To bring the terrifying beauty of this underworld to life, Candelas leaned on cutting-edge tools like Eventide’s Blackhole® Immersive and MicroPitch Immersive plug-ins. These powerful effects enabled him to craft vast, cinematic soundscapes that plunge listeners into the depths of hell, capturing both its horror and its allure with vivid clarity. “I wanted the listener to feel like they’re walking alongside Dante and Virgil,” said Candelas. “Immersive audio lets you shape sound in ways that make everything feel real, but with a surreal edge.”
Blackhole Immersive: The Abyss Comes Alive
Blackhole Immersive isn’t your average reverb—it’s designed to create huge, otherworldly spaces. For Candelas, it was essential to capturing the vast emptiness of Dante’s Hell. When Dante and Virgil enter Limbo, Blackhole Immersive’s cavernous echoes fill the space, creating the sensation of being in an endless void. Candelas uses this plug-in not just to add reverb, but to build an entire world.
“Blackhole Immersive lets me create spaces that surround and swallow the listener,” Candelas explains. “It’s like taking a deep breath in a giant cavern and hearing the air itself respond.”
In Chapter 2, Abandon All Hope, Blackhole Immersive amplifies the sense of dread, layering eerie, sustained echoes that wrap around the listener, pulling them deeper into the void. The plug-in’s flexibility allows Candelas to go from subtle to overwhelming, making each part of Dante’s journey feel distinct.
MicroPitch Immersive: The Sound of the Damned
While Blackhole Immersive handles the big, booming spaces, MicroPitch Immersive brings texture and movement. Candelas uses MicroPitch Immersive on demonic voices and background elements, adding a subtle pitch modulation that makes everything feel just a little… off. It’s this unpredictability that gives Dante’s Inferno an eerie, unsettling edge.
“MicroPitch is my go-to for making things feel alive but twisted. It lets me warp voices and sounds so they’re not quite human but still close enough to send a chill down your spine.”
In Chapter 5, Belly Of The Beast, MicroPitch Immersive and Blackhole Immersive work together to create Cerberus’ growl—a terrifying, low-end rumble that feels like it’s coming from all directions. MicroPitch Immersive adds just enough pitch detuning to make the beast feel truly otherworldly, while Blackhole Immersive creates a cavernous reverb that lets the growl linger.
The Art of Immersive Audio: Practical Techniques
Mixing in Dolby Atmos requires more than just adding effects; it demands careful planning and placement. Candelas emphasizes the importance of keeping things organized in immersive formats. By setting up separate buses for different layers and routing effects like LFE through low-pass filters, he creates a clean, balanced mix where every element has space to breathe.
Candelas’ technique involves blending Blackhole Immersive and MicroPitch Immersive on multiple buses, allowing each sound to evolve naturally in the space. For instance, in Chapter 4, Lecherous Winds, he uses MicroPitch Immersive to create a swirling effect for the voices of the damned. This swirling sound shifts and echoes around the listener, creating a ghostly, disorienting effect.
“It’s all about controlling the environment. With Blackhole Immersive and MicroPitch Immersive, you can make spaces that feel vast but still have clarity. That balance is key.”
Why Immersive Audio Changes the Game
With streaming platforms like Apple Music and Tidal pushing Dolby Atmos, immersive audio is quickly becoming the new standard. Projects like Candelas’ adaptation of Dante’s Inferno show just how powerful this format can be for storytelling, placing listeners right in the middle of the action.
“If you want to create experiences that feel alive, you need plug-ins that give you control over space and movement”
Candelas’ work on Dante’s Inferno is just the beginning. His next project, Deosa, explores dreamscapes and surreal landscapes, which will give him even more opportunities to experiment with immersive audio tools. With these plug-ins, he feels equipped to handle the unique challenges that come with crafting complex, immersive soundscapes.
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