Continuing the mythos: Seven Lions pushes his core sound to monumental heights [Interview]

Seven Lions peels back the curtain on his next album, Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars, revealing the vision driving his sound.

Right before taking the stage for his highly anticipated sunset performance at EDC Orlando, Seven Lions sat down with Exron for an intimate conversation about his second studio album, Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars, and the creative direction shaping this next chapter. Even moments before stepping into the spotlight, Jeff Montalvo carried a calm confidence and grounded presence, an energy that clearly translates into his work.

His new album, arriving December 12th via Ophelia Records, marks a definitive return to the core essence of Seven Lions. Unlike his last record, Beyond the Veil, an expansive and exploratory project centered around themes of death and the unknown, this new chapter feels more like a homecoming. “It feels much more down the middle, straight Seven Lions,” he shared, noting that the album leans heavily into the classic DNA of his sound. It also represents a deeply personal milestone: a completely collaboration-free body of work.

“I am stuck in my way of wanting to make long five minute songs where not any section is repeatable,” he told us with a laugh, reflecting on his dedication to crafting full, evolving arrangements rather than chasing fleeting trends or viral moments. That approach remains at the heart of his cinematic and emotive identity as an artist.

The album also carries an undercurrent of metal influence, a direction he has been incorporating more boldly into his sets, inspired by his love for bands like Opeth, Ensiferum, and Cradle of Filth. These influences are a newer element he is weaving into Asleep in the Garden of Infernal Stars, adding fresh texture to the melodic foundation he is known for.

Looking ahead, he also teased new ideas for the next evolution of the Chronicles event series, aiming to transform it into a fully immersive festival experience. While many artists might simply curate a lineup, Seven Lions views Chronicles as something far more intentional. He emphasized that he does not want the next edition to be “just another lineup,” but an experience where fans dress up, step into the world he has created, and fully immerse themselves in the environment. Previous talks included a potential collaboration with the Texas Renaissance Festival, but the biggest challenge remains finding the right venue.

Check out the full interview below for more insight into Seven Lions and what is ahead in this next chapter.

About The Author

Jaci Soukhathivong

An Atlanta gal chasing her love for electronic dance music. I’ve been with Exron since 2018 and have the privilege of contributing to the culture alongside other badass women whom I now call my friends. My introduction to the scene was first influenced by trap music, but my discography has since expanded to touch a bit of everything. Some of my favorite artists are Zeds Dead, Cloonee, Nghtmre, Flume, Infekt, Sosa, Bleu Clair, Subtronics, but the list goes on forever.

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