Eltharia Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Since we work with a press agent, we look after reviews in France and abroad and search for show opportunities with local bands like us, in the country and abroad. It starts pretty good with kind reviews and partnerships with some metal mates!

2.In November you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

10 years passed between Legend of a Forgotten World and Innocent. This new album is for us the symbol of a maturity developed by the band during all those years. It is more aggressive, more violent because it is a mix of the influences of each member of the band, that go from Children of Bodom to Symphony X and even Dream Theater. The first album was quickly recorded and was a succession of riffs. We really wanted to release something but today we don’t have the same expectations and our musical demand evolved.

3.This is the first album to be released in 10 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

Well…Basically the answer is LIFE! Four members had children, real estate projects, new professional opportunities…This takes such a long time but now we are ready to give all we have into Eltharia's music.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

This is not a concept album, but all the lyrics on this album talk about innocent people in different situations. It's a perpetual fight between good and evil, life and death, guilt and innocence. Everybody’s born innocent and we want to show through our lyrics that lies, addiction or diseases cause different reactions, sometimes can make you do or think things you never expected. The human being judge you on your facts, not on what who you really are.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Eltharia'?

It is taken from Elves legends. When we started the band, we were all "power metal dragon knight" oriented and worshiped bands like Rhapsody. That’s what the name alludes to. Even if we have changed our musical style, especially in our way of writing lyrics, we still like this name for all the memories it involves. Memories we still share as far as the four members who founded the band are still here!

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

I think of two particular shows. The first one took place in Paris in 2005, we played for the final step of a metal contest, the crowd was so crazy and the sound good. The second one took place a few months ago, with Vandens Plas. Each time we are on stage, we want to interact we the crowd, give all the best we can, make them take part into the show by singing with them, headbanging, jumping and laughing. We also like a lot to talk with them.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

Well we have some show plans in France, but they’re not so easy to find. We try to work with other bands, like shows trading. We don't have a tour manager but are looking for it. We are also looking for more shows all around the world if people want to move, sing and jump on our music!

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

Nothing for now. The truth is that it is difficult especially for a french power/prog metal band to find a label. We did have a contact in the past with Mascot Records in the Netherlands but nothing more. So if you own a label, read this interview and like our music, we would by glad to be in touch with you :)

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of progressive and power metal?

Well, most of the people who follow us are located in France. But since our album is available on several digital audio distribution platforms (Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, Deezer), we gained a few fans through our Facebook page from all (Japan, Eastern Europe, United States, Sweden, ...). Thanks to accurate statistics on our digital platforms back office, we know that french listeners represent 12,35 % while 80% of the people who buy the album are from abroad. And at this moment, we have a review from Hungary and another one from North America, that are so eulogistic!

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Not easy to tell. We take things as they come but of course we hope we’ll get some opportunities. Opening for renowned bands would be a good start!

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

The influences are wide: we all listen to different kind of metal. If we focus on Innocent, you might find influences from bands like Dreamevil, Nocturnal Rites, Symphony X, Ensiferum, Children of Bodom…and more commonly Iron maiden and Helloween. So as it’s been said before, we all listen to different kinds of metal. For example, Jean-Yves, Laure and Vincent like prog, heavy et power metal bands (Dream theater, Nightwish, …). Pierre and Benjamin also listen to theses bands but like a lot more extreme music like trash or melo-death (Arch Enemy, Ensiferum, Children of Bodom, Equilibrium,…). This why you can hear sometimes growl voices in Innocent. Maybe some blast beat in a near future?

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

What takes most of our time is family and work. Jean-Yves lives with music every day as he works in a music store. Laure is a psychomotillity therapist, Pierre is a nurse, Vincent works as mailman and Benjamin deals with communication and marketing We also all have different activities (we have a boxer, a marathon runner, cinema addicts and video game players.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

We expect a lot from this album. We worked so hard to get this result! For now, reviews are really good, and we really hope people around the world will enjoy it. You're welcome on our Facebook page (facebook.com/Eltharia), feel free to send us messages, we'll answer them gladly! And of course, thank you very much for letting us tell a few words in your magazine.