1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Well since the recording of Bringer Of Light and signing with Massacre Records we took some time to tie up some loose ends such as finding a good manager as well as promotion and re-mastering the album ready for the release on Feb 22nd. In more recent time we have been making preparations to begin rehearsal for our upcoming UK tour in March/April and brewing possible world tours. As always there's new material in the works too.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous recordings?
Will: The main difference between Shadow Symphony and Bringer Of Light production wise is the weight of the mix. We made a very deliberate attempt to try and steer away from the generic power metal/symphonic standard and style of production which is a little thin for our taste. So to counter that we made sure to have a very big drum and guitar sound to match the orchestra and also made sure one did not bury the other. We also wanted a very clear loud, dare I say it almost "poppy" vocal mix to make sure they were very clear in the mix. I think we did a pretty good job. Musically the album is far more advanced and expressive than anything we've done before and I think we found our own sound too.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores
Will: We explore a lot of things ranging from the human spirit to war related things like for instance Pride (The Warrior's way) to what we leave behind when we die, Shadow Symphony. Some times I'm influenced by past events or even films or books but most of the songs are original fictional stories so to speak.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Will: It came from reading and being interested in Illuminati conspiracy, the whole demons and angels apocalyptic theme.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?
I would like to think our stage performance is very intense and energetic with a very bombastic rock feel as we all love bands such as Bon Jovi, Metallica and Maiden etc that mixed with a passionate theatrical feel. Every show is a good show, highlighting one is difficult but I'd say one we did in 2010 in London comes to mind, it was PelleK's second show with us and we headlined the Purple Turtle in Camden, it was a great night.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Will: Well as mentioned we have a two week UK tour coming up in March/April and we are currently working on booking a US tour for September around the time we play Progpower USA. We are also hoping to add European tour dates and summer festivals between now and the year end.
7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic metal?
Will: The feedback has been exceptional, we've had very positive reviews from fans and reviewers alike. When we released the Pride (The Warrior's Way) promo video
last March is exploded with views and comments from all over the world. The feedback has been incredible really and with the album just released it's been topping charts on Amazon etc so it's all going very well.
8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Will: We have new material in the works and without giving to much away we are going to be moving further away from what is seen as traditional symphonic and power metal. Taking a simpler song writing approach to maximize sound but without compromising that Damnation Angels epic style of sound.
9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Will: We're influenced by a wide array of bands from different genres etc I never take influence directly from specific bands but I'm mainly influenced by film score music
and traditional heavy metal. The last few albums I've had in heavy rotation are Anthrax - worship music, Wintersun -time 1, the first four W.a.s.p albums and Metallica - the black album.
10. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Will: Me and my brother John Graney (the drummer) are big into our weight lifting, mma and I'm also a big football fan, Up the Owls and all that! I know everyone in the band enjoys their gaming too. Music has consumed most of my life at the moment, working on various projects etc that I don't actually have much free time, but I can't complain about that can I!
11. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Just to thank you guys for taking the time to ask the questions and the fans for reading them. Also just to generally thank our fans for their constant support and stay posted for future tours and music. See you all on soon!
Well since the recording of Bringer Of Light and signing with Massacre Records we took some time to tie up some loose ends such as finding a good manager as well as promotion and re-mastering the album ready for the release on Feb 22nd. In more recent time we have been making preparations to begin rehearsal for our upcoming UK tour in March/April and brewing possible world tours. As always there's new material in the works too.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous recordings?
Will: The main difference between Shadow Symphony and Bringer Of Light production wise is the weight of the mix. We made a very deliberate attempt to try and steer away from the generic power metal/symphonic standard and style of production which is a little thin for our taste. So to counter that we made sure to have a very big drum and guitar sound to match the orchestra and also made sure one did not bury the other. We also wanted a very clear loud, dare I say it almost "poppy" vocal mix to make sure they were very clear in the mix. I think we did a pretty good job. Musically the album is far more advanced and expressive than anything we've done before and I think we found our own sound too.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores
Will: We explore a lot of things ranging from the human spirit to war related things like for instance Pride (The Warrior's way) to what we leave behind when we die, Shadow Symphony. Some times I'm influenced by past events or even films or books but most of the songs are original fictional stories so to speak.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Will: It came from reading and being interested in Illuminati conspiracy, the whole demons and angels apocalyptic theme.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?
I would like to think our stage performance is very intense and energetic with a very bombastic rock feel as we all love bands such as Bon Jovi, Metallica and Maiden etc that mixed with a passionate theatrical feel. Every show is a good show, highlighting one is difficult but I'd say one we did in 2010 in London comes to mind, it was PelleK's second show with us and we headlined the Purple Turtle in Camden, it was a great night.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Will: Well as mentioned we have a two week UK tour coming up in March/April and we are currently working on booking a US tour for September around the time we play Progpower USA. We are also hoping to add European tour dates and summer festivals between now and the year end.
7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic metal?
Will: The feedback has been exceptional, we've had very positive reviews from fans and reviewers alike. When we released the Pride (The Warrior's Way) promo video
last March is exploded with views and comments from all over the world. The feedback has been incredible really and with the album just released it's been topping charts on Amazon etc so it's all going very well.
8. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Will: We have new material in the works and without giving to much away we are going to be moving further away from what is seen as traditional symphonic and power metal. Taking a simpler song writing approach to maximize sound but without compromising that Damnation Angels epic style of sound.
9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Will: We're influenced by a wide array of bands from different genres etc I never take influence directly from specific bands but I'm mainly influenced by film score music
and traditional heavy metal. The last few albums I've had in heavy rotation are Anthrax - worship music, Wintersun -time 1, the first four W.a.s.p albums and Metallica - the black album.
10. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Will: Me and my brother John Graney (the drummer) are big into our weight lifting, mma and I'm also a big football fan, Up the Owls and all that! I know everyone in the band enjoys their gaming too. Music has consumed most of my life at the moment, working on various projects etc that I don't actually have much free time, but I can't complain about that can I!
11. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Just to thank you guys for taking the time to ask the questions and the fans for reading them. Also just to generally thank our fans for their constant support and stay posted for future tours and music. See you all on soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment