Aesma Daeva is an American symphonic metal group formed in La Crosse, Wisconsin in 1998. The band was founded by John Prassas and Nick Copernicus through the collaboration of their musical projects 162 and Odark:30. Their name is derived from the avestic word for Asmodeo. The group gained recognition after contributing the song “Darkness” (1998) to the compilation Diva-X-Machina II. Their debut album, Here Lies One Whose Name Was Written in Water (1999), was followed by The Eros of Frigid Beauty (2002). The band’s lineup included Tim Klatt, Eden Taylor, and Theresa Hanley. Their music evolved from gothic metal to a symphonic style with neoclassical elements. They performed at the MetalFest in Milwaukee and toured in Europe and Latin America. Their discography includes the albums The New Athens Ethos (2003) and Dawn of the New Athens (2007). Guitarist Earl Root passed away in 2008.
