BIOGRAPHY

Aesma Daeva formed out of the early collaboration of Nick Copernicus (production) and John Prassas (guitars, composition) in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, circa 1998. They worked together on a remix of an original work, "Darkness", for COP International compilation disc Diva-X-Machina II. As their project began taking shape, a second new track "Stay," caught the eye of Adrian Hates (Diary Of Dreams) at Accession records Germany, who published their first full length album: "Here Lies One Whose Name Is Written In Water”.
At this point, Aesma Daeva, the operatic, symphonic, metal band, took official shape. Rebecca Cords performed the operatic vocals, John Prassas composed and performed all guitar parts, and N Copernicus helped with production and sampling.
After the release of their first album, Rebecca Cords departed from the band and Melissa Ferlaak (along with two other female vocalists) began recording with Aesma Daeva for their second album, The Eros of Frigid Beauty, which was released in 2002 on Root of All Evil records. After the release of this album, demand for live music soon compelled John Prassas to find musicians capable of portraying the complex music on-stage. In January 2002, John Prassas asked Earl Root to play guitar, Craig Ohren to offer drum assistance and Melissa Ferlaak to sing for live performances.
Aesma Daeva played Metalfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which established them as an original voice in the world of metal. Such popular metal magazines as Unrestrained!, Terrorizer, and Metal Maniacs deemed Aesma Daeva, "One of the Highlights of Metalfest 2002." Later, in August 2002, Aesma Daeva journeyed to Mexico for Festival Obscuro IV (presented by Dilemma Entertainment) to play along such acts as Tristania, Maldorar, and HIM.
In 2003, John decided it was time for the band to move to a new level. Writing began for a new album to be produced by Grammy award-winning producer Neil Kernon (Nevermore, Hall and Oates, Queensreich). Many setbacks and line up changes happened during this period. In October, 2005, Melissa Ferlaak announced she was leaving to join the Austrian band Visions of Atlantis. Her final show with Aesma Daeva was in December 2005 at the Star Central club in Minnesota. The concert was filmed for the internet DVD Last Rites.
After the Departure of Melissa Ferlaak, the search for a new vocalist began. Within a few months, Lori Lewis proved to be the best compliment to the band. With her knowledge of many different styles of music and her ability to sing different genres, Aesma Daeva has risen to a new level of professionalism and ability.
Aesma Daeva's new album, Dawn of the New Athens, was released in March 2007 followed in the fall by a full U.S. and Candian tour with Therion. This album marks a new era for Aesma Daeva in their quest for high quality, original material.