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!

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!