Divine Ascension Interview
Performed in September 2011

Is it just me, or do we at Sonic Cathedral focus so much on European and North American bands that sometimes we forget to look elsewhere for great music? It seems that way – and that’s why we’re lucky to have discovered Divine Ascension. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this sextet plays progressive symphonic metal that doesn’t let the technicality get too crazy or the orchestrations too bombastic. This kind of balance is what drives Divine Ascension’s upcoming debut album, As The Truth Appears. And between the guitar acrobatics, Jennifer Borg’s salient performance on vocals, and the fluid songwriting, this CD has quickly become one of the most impressive female-fronted releases of 2011.

Sonic Cathedral staff writer Sara Letourneau recently chatted with Divine Ascension’s founding guitarist Robb Inglis as well as Jennifer Borg for an interview. They discussed the band’s origins, the Australian metal scene, and what exactly is implied by the title As The Truth Appears. Read on to learn more about female-fronted metal’s most promising act from Down Under!

Ultimate Fate Interview
Performed via Skype in September 2011

Here’s something you don’t find very often: a female-fronted symphonic metal that considers its classic heavy metal roots BEFORE the orchestrations. That’s what Ultimate Fate emphasizes in its music. This sextet from Gothenburg, Sweden has been working on balancing the heavy and melodic sides of symphonic metal to create a dynamic, textured sound. And with the commanding (and non-operatic) voice of Jennie Nord, it’s obvious that Ultimate Fate is not your typical band of this genre. Just take one listen to the band’s three-song EP Beyond the Horizon, and you’ll hear exactly what I mean.

Sonic Cathedral staff writer Sara Letourneau recently talked with Jennie Nord as well as drummer/grunter Ola Olsson. They discussed Beyond the Horizon as well as Ultimate Fate’s origins, working with Andy La Rocque of King Diamond, and how they feel to be part of Gothenburg’s ever-growing metal scene. Read on to learn more!