On The 666 we interviewed Dianne and Steven from one amazing symphonic metal band, #Xandria !! Let's talk about their new album #Sacrificium !
- Sacrificium is your sixth album, it has the symphonies we like from Xandria, progressions, melodies, metal. People will love it! Why “Sacrificium” ?
Steven: First of all, thank you for the flowers. We are happy you like it! So now what about Sacrificum… The Term Sacrificium describes the Ultimate Sacrifice you are willing to give to achieve a certain goal or for a certain idea. It is inspired by e.g. people who give their own life fighting for their peoples personal freedom, the freedom of speech or the freedom to vote democraticly like it is happening day by day by day by day.
- How was the experience of recording a new studio album with a new line up? Did you feel it like a new start?
Dianne: For the vocal recording Marco and I drove up to Sascha Peath’s ‘Gate Studio’ near Wolfsburg. There we had a vocal recording marathon that lasted 9 days. In those ours we recorded al lead vocals and harmonies. Hard work! But a really cool time where I got to know Marco better, found out what an amazing producer and sweetheart Sascha is and made a lot of good memories that are translated onto “Sacrificium”.
Steven: The funny thing is that I am actually an on stage guy. I really don`t like studio work. I always try to make it as short as possible. Rush in, record, rush out hopefully a day later. But this time Marco & me just spend time drinking beer, eating pizza and along the way we recorded the basstracks… just enjoying ourselves. It was the first time in my life I really enjoyed recording an album. I guess this describes the overall atmosphere we had recording “Sacrificum” . Even though there was a certain pressure to put out an album that is able to top “Neverworlds End”.- The album will come out on 2nd May. What could find the people on this new record?
Steven: The regular edition will feature 12 songs (the limited 13 & instrumental bonuscd) the will continue the path Xandria started to go on “Neverworlds End”. The epic Songs will be more epic, the bombastic ones even more bombastic. It is gonna be melodic, heavy, fast and dramatic… If you like d “Neverworlds End” you will LOVE “Sacrficium”.
- What can you tell us about the vocal work Dianne did on this album?
Steven: Dianne did an amazing, out of this world Job on “Sacrificium”. You always have to keep in mind that she joined at the end of pre-production phase. So she had only a few weeks to prepare the new songs, while she also had to learn all the old stuff for the first live shows that were also already in pipeline. We are still stoked how she managed this shitload of work. This awesome vocal work is only the beginning. I am already excited how the next album will sound vocal wise.
- What's the main difference with your previous work “Neverworld's End”?
Dianne: I think Marco has since “Neverworld’s End” developed as a songwriter and has taken his
compositions to a new level for “Sacrificium”. I say this also as a listener and a fan. I admire the devotion and vision he has for our music and am proud to be a part of “Neverworld’s End” worthy successor!
Steven: I guess you will only find differences in the fine-tuning of the characteristics of Xandria`s nowadays sound. As Dianne already said it is more development that a real change or difference. So the main difference if you will call it like that might Dianne voice. - The song Sacrificium is one of the longest on your career, what can you tell me about it?
Steven: With this song we wanted to combine all the trademarks in one little mini-musical. It is some kind of statement. Especially opening an album with such long track. “This how we sound. This is where the album is going to take you. Welcome to the world of Xandria 2014!”
- I heard “Dreamkeeper” and it's a mid tempo song really powerful!
Dianne: Yes it is! It’s one of the songs on the album that completes the balance, creates a moment of rest and relaxation for the listener. It’s a ‘lean back and enjoy’ song though those who feel like it are more then welcome to sing along to the chorus!
- What can you tell us about the production of the album and the composition process?
- Lyrically speaking, what we will find on Sacrificium?
Steven: When I joined Xandria I was really concerned that I ended up in some “Puff the Magic Dragon” fantasy Combo. I mean that`s OK. Ronnie James Dio is god. If you enjoy something like that, go on, cool. But not for me. So I sat down with Marco, who is responsible for most of the lyrics, to talk about his inspirations and my concerns. He laughed and explained everything to me…Almost all of his lyrics have link to the here and now. All those personal, socially critical or even love stories are wrapped up and well hidden
behind metaphors. Marco is excellent lyricist! Enjoy reading! It`s gonna be worth it, believe me!
- What's your favorite song of the album?
Dianne: Very difficult to answer. I cannot say that there is a song I don’t like, composition wise but also for me as the vocalist. Over the months to come we will perform them live for the first times, in that process I may develop a preference for certain song just because they go so well with the audience, but again: I really like all of them!
Steven: Mean question. It is like having 13 kids and being forced to name your favorite. Pretty unfair ;-) But if I would have to decide…. It would be “Dreamkeeper” which has a special personal meaning for me and maybe “Little Red Relish” because I love its slightly punkish vibe.
- Could you tell us something about the tour, any plan about it?
Dianne: Only one week to go before we release “Sacrificium” and start promoting our album with our May shows for which we will travel through en to Germany, Austria, England and the Czech Republic. Fans can expect to hear our new “Sacrificium” songs, our hits from the ‘Neverworld’s End’ CD as well as some of the older songs: ‘Ravenheart’ will have its 10th anniversary this May, that’s something to celebrate! Next to that I also really look forward to seeing the shows of our support acts and special guests. We have some amazing bands joining us for our tour. Two of them being: ‘Serenity’ and ‘Stream of Passion’ featuring my dear singer friends Clémentine Delauney and Marcela Bovio. Amazing singers who I love to support in their career! - I always like to ask about the music the artist is listening nowadays. Could you share with us three albums that you’ve been spinning lately?
Steven: Hope you won`t be too shocked because it is mostly non-metallic stuff with me… But here we go: Dave Hause – Devour, The Used – Imaginary Enemy, Black Label Society – Order Of The Black Vatican
- Something you would like to say to the fans over the world?
Dianne: Thanks you so much for welcoming me into Xandria! I promise you this album and our upcoming shows won’t let you down!
Steven: Thank you all so much for your love, support and dedication! We really, really honestly appreciate that! See you somewhere out there!
I really appreciate your time, thanks very much!
If you want to hear melodies, power, real symphonic heavy metal, you are searching for this new Xandria's album, SACRIFICIUM, check it out!