The Italian band, Evenoire, has been on Sonic Cathedral’s watch-list ever since the release of their 2008 self-released EP, I will stay. In the intervening years, the band has found a home with the fine folks at Scarlet Records, honed their craft, and taken their time in weaving together stories and legends to create their full-length debut, Vitriol. It is hard to fit Evenoire neatly into just one genre. Certainly, there are plenty of symphonic elements, but also progressive, folk and Medieval, along with dashes of the Far East. Whatever genre one chooses to label Evenoire’s music, it is good stuff!

Sonic Cathedral’s Robin Stryker caught up with vocalist, Elisa “Lisy” Stefanoni during a sun-drenched weekend get-away to chat about Vitriol, alchemy, Italian folklore, collaborating with Gaby Koss (Nota Profana, ex-Haggard), and much more. Dive in to learn more!

Lyriel - Leverage CD Release Party
March 23, 2012 - Kubana Live Club
Siegburg Gerrmany

Performed via Phone in February 2012

There aren’t many albums that appeal equally to my inner metalhead and my inner history geek, but hoo boy, Eluveitie’s Helvetios certainly hit the sweet spot! It is cerebral folk metal for people who enjoy giving their brains a vigorous swirl while headbanging, as well as for anyone who enjoys rollickingly good music. Helvetios tells the story of the Gaulish Wars from the standpoint of the Helvetian tribe, who were ruthlessly suppressed by Julius Caesar’s vastly superior Roman forces. The album is not a blow-by-blow retelling; rather, it captures the hopes, betrayal, struggle and despair of the Helvetians. (Check out Eluveitie’s notes on the album’s historical background for more information about the events that inspired Helvetios.)

Sonic Cathedral’s Robin Stryker sat down with Anna Murphy, the female vox and hurdy-gurdy player for Eluveitie, for a behind-the-scenes look at Helvetios, the inspirational properties of gin, growing up in a touring metal band, and much more. Dive in!

Having released their debut album in 2008, Finnish symphonic metallers, Amberian Dawn, are still relative newcomers in the metal scene. But, my oh my, have they been busy! (Four full-length albums, three European tours, festival appearances, and their entire discography available on Rock Band … it’s exhausting just to think of the band’s whirlwind schedule.) Lucky fans in Europe can already buy Amberian Dawn’s newest album, Circus Black, while North American fans will have to be patient a little longer.

Sonic Cathedral’s Robin Stryker chatted with founder/composer Tuomas Seppälä about the making of Circus Black, his cranial radio station, flaming trousers, and much more. Dive in for all the details!

To celebrate Pi Day, it seems only fitting to pen the tale of Pythia (pronounced pie-thee-ya), so here goes. Once upon a time in a land far away (unless you live in Corwall, then it’s pretty close), there was a bee-yoo-tiful princess named Emily who lived in a castle. After a childhood surrounded by art, music and Victorian gothic literature, Emily joined a band of errant knights on their sacred musical quest. Armed with classical training and various pointy weapons, the intrepid band embarked upon the first leg of their quest in 2009 with Beyond the Veiled Embrace. Now battled-hardened, Pythia return with The Serpent’s Curse, a weapon forged to slay the dragon of musical mediocrity. Mission accomplished … hooray! The end.
 

Sonic Cathedral’s Robin Stryker sat down with Pythia’s vocalist, Emily Alice Ovenden, for a freewheeling chat about The Serpent’s Curse, bollocks, legendary monsters and Pythia’s plans for world domination. Dive in to learn what Emily had to say about these topics and much more! And don’t forget to check out the video for their Pythia’s new track, “Betray My Heart.”

We at Sonic Cathedral have been keeping our eyes and ears open for The Mariana Hollow for a while. First came their 2009 debut album, Coma Heart, which whet our musical appetites with the band’s blend of alternative metal, progressive elements and structures, dynamic twin guitars, and a female voice that’s simultaneously gritty and graceful. Two-and-a-half years later (a.k.a. now, in 2012), The Mariana Hollow have finally released their second album, Velvet Black Sky. This time, the songs are tighter, the volume louder, and the coupling of dark moods and introspective lyrics even more effective. And not only are The Mariana Hollow proud of this record, they’re itching to get out in their native London, United Kingdom to play it live.

Before Velvet Black Sky’s release on February 13, Sonic Cathedral staff writer Sara Letourneau had the chance to catch up with five members of The Mariana Hollow: vocalist Rebecca “Spinky” Spinks, guitarists Richie Walden and Danny Russell, bassist Scott Chesworth, and drummer Adam Lawton Stanley. Each member provided in-depth insights into the making of and inspirations behind Velvet Black Sky. Throw in hints of future touring plans, stories of missing snares and “hairy” gigs, and fears about falling through a barn floor, and you’ve got a glimpse into one of the UK’s most promising bands that’s both enriching and entertaining!