Recently we presented you the new album “Antares” of the English melodic \/ symphonic metal band ANGEL NATION, which will be released on April 8th. Reason enough for singer Elina Siirala (ES), who besides ANGEL NATION has also been singing with Leaves’ Eyes for a few years, to chat about its creation and other things…<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
HF: First of all, congratulations on the successful new album. “Antares” was written during the very difficult time of the pandemic. To what extent did that have an influence on the creation process? Was it just an annoying obstacle that had to be overcome or could you maybe even find something positive in it?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: Thank you! I actually started the writing process already in 2019. I had some big changes in my life and had a long period where I didn’t feel inspired to write music, so that’s why it took a long time to finally get this album done. You can hear the development during the three years, the enthusiasm, the ups and downs and yes…also the pandemic! But it wasn’t such a big obstacle since we were still able to record. It was more about the uncertainty of the future that made it very unpleasant time.<\/em><\/p>\nHF: In the promo it says that the album was inspired by a concept of an army of angels. Can you explain the idea behind it a bit more?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: As I finally gained my inspiration back and felt like I was waking up from this hibernation, I had a very strong visual image in my mind. It was this army of angels (Seraphim) and for me it represented the fire, the passion the persevierence I was experiencing. I was very motivated and excited to be creating new music again. You can hear this influenece especially on Seraph, We are fire and Where the future lies.<\/em><\/p>\nHF: How would you describe the development from your previous album “Aeon” to “Antares”, both musically and in terms of the band itself?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: This album has the same broad variety as Aeon as I love to experiment with different styles and my love for 80’s rock can always be heard for sure. But Antares is heavier and since I wrote it over such a long period of time, it also has a lot of depth for me. It’s like journey, a story that combines the fictive and reality in terms of lyrics.<\/em><\/p>\nMusically the biggest difference was that George was writing the guitars. I think he captured the essence of AngelNation but also brought of course something new into the mix. We also had the pleasure to have Alexander Krull mixing and mastering this album which gave it also the very heavy and rich sound.<\/em><\/p>\nHF: You are mainly responsible for writing the songs. To what extent does the rest of the band have a say? Do you discuss the themes\/lyrics for an album together or do you have the sole say?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: I’ve always written with piano, so I usually write the song, the keys and synths and maybe some very simple guitar and drum ideas. But I like to send the songs as bare as possible to the band and then they can put their own ideas there. We sometimes end up changing some details, structures, chords etc. But the lyrical themes have always been up to me.<\/em><\/p>\nHF: There are many bands that have a similar sound to yours. For those who don’t know you yet, why should rock\/metal fans turn to your band? What do you think sets you apart from the other bands or makes you unique?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: When I started the band it was an outlet for me to write the kind of music I love for my voice. Sometimes the songs have more metal emphasis, sometimes more hard rock, sometimes even gothic and sometimes they are more keyboard and synth driven. I also live epic ballads and I find that all these combinations together with my voice create a unique sound. All in all it’s something I genuinely love: Catchy melodies, musical variety, genuine lyrics. If that reaches and speaks to the fans, then I’m happy they share my passion!<\/em><\/p>\nHF: Which of your songs would you choose as a kind of signature song and why?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: That would defnitely be \u201cLast time together\u201d as it was the song that started the band and has touched a lot of people.
\n<\/em><\/p>\nHF: The band was founded in 2011 under the name “EnkElination”. Why did you change it a few years ago?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: It was a very diffuclt decision but it had become apparent that people couldn’t understand, pronounce or remember the band name. It wasn’t good for trying to get the band out there, so we decided to change it into the English translation (Enkeli is angel in Finnish)<\/em><\/p>\nHF: It’s quite common nowadays to cover a song by another artist. Which song(s) would you like to record with ANGEL NATION?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: I would love to do a version of \u201cIt’s all coming back to me now\u201d by Meat Loaf. I often sing that song for fun. We also played \u201cThe evil that men do\u201d live a few times which was great fun!<\/em><\/p>\nHF: Every musician usually has some idols\/favourites with whom he would like to collaborate. Who would that be for you?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: There are a lot of great artists I would love to collaborate with! As I mentioned, I love the 80’s sound so for example Paul Stanley from Kiss or Eric Adams from Manowar would be a dream to work with. I already got to sing with Noora from Battle Beast, but I would definitely love to collaborate with her more in the future.<\/em><\/p>\nHF: Looking back, what have been the most important stages in your band’s history so far, and what do you still want to achieve before you retire at some point?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: It takes a lot of work to start a band from the scratch and I’ve been blessed to have some incredible people helping me on the way! Without these people I wouldn’t be here today! I think every album has been a milestone and I feel very lucky to have the support from the fans who made Antares possible! I don’t think I have any specific thing I need to achieve, but I hope I can continue to create, sing and perform for a long time!<\/em><\/p>\nHF: Of course, there can’t be an interview without somehow mentioning Leaves’ Eyes. Even though both bands are close to your heart, which one has the highest priority for you?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: I prioritise both bands according what’s needed at that time. Of course I’m much busier with Leaves’ Eyes in terms of playing tours, but there’s always time for both bands. It just requires planning and scheduling. AngelNation is of course a band I grounded and I mainly write the music and lyrics, so my role is different. But in Leaves’ Eyes I get to take the role of a story teller, dive into these sagas and it reminds me a bit of the times I was perorming operas on stage. Both roles are equally thrilling and I love having all these diffreent experiences, trying new things and developing myself as an artist.<\/em>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nHF: Assuming the world doesn’t get further out of kilter, what are your plans for the coming months?<\/strong><\/p>\nES: We have a release show coming up in London 13th May which I’m very much looking forward to! Other plans are being made and the songwriting is also continuing!<\/em><\/p>\nHF: Thank you for taking the time and all the best for the future.<\/strong><\/p>\nES: My pleasure! Thank you so much and all the best!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Interview:<\/strong> Klaus Saalfeld<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"English Version below Vor kurzem haben wir euch das neue Album “Antares” der englischen Melodic \/ Symphonic Metal Band ANGEL NATION vorgestellt (Review HIER), welches\u2026 weiterlesen!<\/a><\/p>\n