The ESP Guitar Company

Akercocke was founded by Jason Mendonca and David Gray in 1997, and the band has achieved an international legendary status in the underground scene that encompasses progressive death metal. After a number of influential albums, the band went on an extended hiatus in 2012, only to come roaring back with a surprise reunion in 2016, including the announcement of a forthcoming new album titled Renaissance in Extremis, which will be their first new material released in nine years. Guitarist Jason Mendonca was understandably excited about this, as well as his new relationship as an endorsee of ESP.


Do you remember exactly how and when you discovered ESP?

I’ve been aware of the brand for decades. I don’t know why, exactly. When I did first play an ESP, it was somewhat of a revelation. It was at a local music store. I was super impressed.



Which ESP model are you playing now?

My main guitar is a Horizon which is simply stunning. I also have an M-II which I adore. The EMGs are super fat. It’s an immensely playable guitar.



What’s important to you when you’re looking at a new guitar?

A lot of it is down to build quality, and ESP build quality is second to none. I need a robust instrument that won’t let me down mid-show or mid-tour. 



What kind of sounds are you looking to achieve?

The guitar needs to be very flexible in its capabilities. What I look for is a guitar that can demonstrate extreme diversity in tone. We do use sound in a lot of diverse ways with the music we make. I need an instrument that allows me to paint with all the different colors of the music we make.



You play live a lot and tour with your guitars. We assume reliability is a big thing.

It’s imperative. You can’t have hardware failures. I’ve been lucky enough to own beautiful guitars, but sometimes they don’t fit the purpose. I look for a guitar that is up to the rigors of touring, and lets me perform night after night after night without concern.



Specifically, what about the Horizon turns you on?

I love the feel of the neck, and the width of the fretboard. Also, the accessibility of the cutaway into the higher register. I can always get around quickly if I need to. Oh, and the Floyd, and the set up of the guitar. Chris (Cannella, ESP director of artist relations) asked me what my preferences were in the setup, and I gave him basic requirements. It came out of the case as an absolute joy to play.



How about the M-II?

It just looks so mean! I love the inverted headstock. It’s the first I’ve ever owned. I love the unfinished neck. It’s different from the Horizon; it has its own characteristics and feel. It has a great deal of appeal.



Akercocke has been around for almost twenty years, since 1997.

I know. Can you believe it?



What maintains your interest in the band? Can bands stay into the music for decades?

I guess that’s always been the raison d’être with Akercocke. We always strive to create music that stimulates and interests us as players. That drives us to make each album different, and keep the project developing and evolving. We’ve always looked to seminal bands for inspiration musically, stylistically and ethically. A strong work ethic is really important to drive a project. Bands that stand out and stamp their own identity within their genre.



It’s the way I perceive a band like Killing Joke. What they do is what they do. So in our case, yeah, it’s heavy metal, but at the end of the day, it’s Akercocke.



Who inspired you to play when you first got started as a musician?

Jimi Hendrix. Right off the bat. The reason I picked up a guitar was that a school friend introduced me to Jimi. But there have been many more over the course of time.



Such as?

Dave Murray of Iron Maiden. Geordie from Killing Joke. Piggy from Voivod. When I need a technical fix, Paul Gilbert is always good for that. Oh and of course, Alex Lifeson of Rush. 



Do you continue to actively try and progress and grow as a guitar player? What do you do when you hit a lull in the growth of your skills?

I take a lesson. 



Really?

Yes. I’m a self-taught guitar player, and I’ve been playing since I was 14, and I’m 45 now. It’s been a long time. I’m fortunate to know a really gifted player whose technique I admire who helps me occasionally.



It seems every guitarist hits that plateau where it’s difficult to keep getting better.

I know that plateau feeling so well. One way around it is to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and you do that by going to see and talk to someone who does it better or different than you. It’s a sure fire way to find ways to improve.



Do you look to different genres for inspiration?

Completely. I’m a music lover period. I also love players like Robert Fripp, Allan Holdsworth and Bill Nelson. Another stunning guitarist is Andy McKee, who’s from your side of the pond. He does that incredible rhythmic, tapping thing. He and his peers are otherworldly in their talent and feel for the instrument.



What’s some advice you can offer for the beginning player who’s about to get his or her first real guitar?

You don't have to spend a million dollars on the apex of all guitars. You don’t have to break the bank, or rob a bank. Pick something that’s in your price range. If you spend the time and look around carefully, you will find something that suits your needs. Find something solid and durable, and sometimes that guitar will last a lifetime.

Photos of Jason courtesy of Tina Korhonen.