INTERVIEW : LadyHell (Kristell Lowagie) – Lovelorn

Interview by Si Smith

Flying the flag for Belgian metal are dedicated rockers Lovelorn, fronted by the attractively named Ladyhell (Kristell Lowagie). Melodic and passionate, they are determined to put Belgium in the centre of the map for quality metal. Links to groups such as Eve’s Apple (formed by Lisa Middlehauve) only serve to solidify their rock and metal credentials. Femme Metal cornered singer Ladyhell to probe deeper….

Corpus Christi had composed all the tracks of his concept album “The Road to Consciousness” and he was in search for male and female voices. He contacted me, I listened to the songs, and I said yes, I thought the tracks were great ! Later on, we met at the studio to record the songs, and we had lots of fun. We had the same view and ideas about music, we both had no band at that time and we decided to start Lovelorn.

Eve’s Apple is a community founded by Lisa Middelhauve. The goal is to join together professional female singers, so they can communicate, but also to help newcomers. We also write articles, express our ideas, give some hints, interact with fans. We don’t have a specific role, but we are all working in areas that we like or know better. For example, I’m better at promotion, so I’m trying to help as much as I can in that field.

I learned that I cannot sing the songs composed by others. I really need to sing my own songs. Because I wrote it, they perfectly fit to my voice. I have a voice that fits rock, gothic rock, but certainly not symphonic metal ! Yes, I think I know exactly how it should sound.  In Lovelorn, I just make it sound like me, myself and I, and no one else !

Love rules the world ! It’s a subject that everybody can experience, you can tell 1000 different stories about love ! Love is not only about passion between a man and a woman, it can also be love for a god, for your family, for your friends, for nature…. anything is possible.

Yes I think it helped us, I’m sure some people who listened to the compilation discovered Lovelorn. There are still some people curious about new bands, new projects and who are not brainwashed by commercial radios and TV stations. As a band, we also made friends with other bands on the compilation, yes that compilation was not made for nothing !

I can’t find a good definition for our music style, that’s why I’ve put so many !! ah ah !! If you have any opinion about which style we actually make, be my guest ! We don’t decide, it just comes naturally. I couldn’t really explain the composing process. Corpus Christi is coming with ideas, I put my voice on top then, we make adjustements. Sometimes we decide we want to put some electronic. It’s usually because I want to give a mysterious « atmosphere ».

It’s not important ! It’s just for the fun !! Playing music, going on stage … it’s another part of you, another side of your everyday life, … so why not have other names ?

I can’t remember any other song called “Save Me” but I’m sure it exists, you’re right. Everything has been done and said in music, it’s kinda difficult to not repeat it, and find something new. This song “Save Me” could be different because of the voice, of the atmosphere, and the nice melody…

It sounds different, because I came with the vocal line first, and Christi had to adapt behind it. I also composed all the electronic parts, to make it sound a bit oriental like the title of the song. “Sagarmatha” is sanskrit for “mother of the Earth”. This song is about the damages we’ve done to the Earth and the end of the world.

It depends, it comes from me or from Corpus. We take what’s best ! “Cold” is coming from me. I had that whole singing line since years in my head and I already tried to make it sound nice, but it was not possible, but Corpus made it possible! Thank you !!! During rehearsals, the other members become active for the live parts; they also suggest bass lines, drums, we are very open, the purpose is not our ego, but to make the best song possible.

We are a new band; so I would lie if I’d say we have a clear vision of where we’re going. We are new so we try things, if it works, that’s great, if it doesn’t we leave it behind. We are composing a lot and we are getting more and more certain about what we want to hear and what we don’t, so that’s good. “Something Wrong” has many fans, it’s touching a broader audience and it still fits the EP, so we are more than happy with the result !

Live performances is the next step. We had some and we are still working on getting more. We are lucky and we have booking agencies that are helping us in the process. “Little Princess Euphoria” is great live, we experienced it on stage and every week at rehearsals, we have loads of fun with it !

Yes, we were surprised to be on the list of the nominees, it was unexpected, so we are doing our best to get more chances to go there. People can vote for us here . It would be nice to be part of that fest, i don’t know how big it is, but we will play if we are invited to !

No wise words, just enjoy life !

Links

Twitter * Facebook * Site

Crystal Viper – “The Curse of the Crystal Viper” RE-ISSUE (2012)

Label : AFM Records

Review by Tony Cannella

Originally released in 2007, AFM Records have recently re-issued the debut album “The Curse of Crystal Viper” from Poland’s classic metal heroes Crystal Viper. In addition to the full album, this new version also features five rare bonus tracks that have appeared on tribute albums and hard to find material, so while these songs may not be un-released per-se they are still rare and thus valuable to any Crystal Viper fan. What can be said about “The Curse of Crystal Viper”? I remember the first time I heard it and being blown away by its sheer power and ferocity. It also gave me a feeling of when I got into metal in the first place in the early 80s. Crystal Viper really captures that vibe, but musically they go beyond that. Lead vocalist Marta Gabriel has got a great classic metal vocal style. The somewhat Running Wild like intro “…I See Him!” starts things and segues straight into the Iron Maiden style riffs and guitar harmonies of “Night Prowler”. Some of Crystal Vipers best songs appear on this album: “Shadows on the Horizon”, “Island of the Silver Skull” and “Sleeping Swords” is all considered Crystal Viper classics. Among the ‘bonus’ tracks, you get a covers of the Manilla Road track “Flaming Metal Systems” and Warlock’s “Mr. Gold” as well as alternate versions of “Demons’ Dagger”, “The Last Axeman” and “Sleeping Swords”. This is top-notch classic metal played Crystal Viper style. In Re-visiting their debut, it is easy to see why they have become one of best bands in their genre. Crystal Viper continues to churn out classic metal, but this is where it all began and thus a will always have a special place in my heart.

 Rating – 85/100

Tracklist

1. …I See Him! (Intro)
2. Night Prowler
3. Shadows on the Horizon
4. City of the Damned
5. The Last Axeman
6. Island of the Silver Skull
7. I Am Leather Witch
8. Demons’ Dagger
9. The Fury (Undead)
10. Sleeping Swords
11. Flaming Metal Systems (Manilla Road Cover)
12. Demon’s Dagger (2008 version)
13. The Last Axeman (Polish version)
14. Sleeping Swords (2008 version)
15. Mr. Gold (Warlock Cover)

Line Up

• Marta Gabriel – Vocals, Guitar
• Andy Wave – Guitars
• Tommy Roxx – Bass
• Golem – Drums

Links

MySpace * Facebook * Twitter * Site

Nightqueen – “For the Queen and Metal” (2012)

Label : Massacre Records

Review by Tony Cannella

They say everything old is new again (I’m not sure who “they” are, but somebody said it), and that seems to be the case with a lot of metal bands these days– female and male fronted – adding a definite classic metal style to their sound. One of the latest to do this is Belgium’s Nightqueen who has just released their debut album “For Queen and Metal”. With a title like “For Queen and Metal” you pretty much know what you are going to get, just full-on classic metal. Nightqueen incorporates more keyboards than most bands that play this style of music, but the keyboards are in perfect harmony with the vocals and other musicians, and I suppose this is what sets them apart a bit. First off, the songs on “For Queen and Metal” are melodic and infectious as hell, they just soar and Nightqueen captures that classic melodic 80s sound perfectly. Vocalist Keely Larreina packs all of the power of Doro Pesch and Marta Gabriel while still coming across as different. As the opening intro “Into the Night” (I’m sure this will open their live shows) reaches its crescendo the band launches into “Nightfall”, which is an incomprehensibly awesome way to begin things. “Mystical Night” became a huge favorite of mine and would make a great video track (hint, hint). This is Nightqueen at their melodic best. On this mid-tempo tune Keely sings her heart out and the song is buoyed by a memorable melody and chorus. By this point, I could not wait to see what would come next. I was not disappointed as the opening riff to the title song “For Queen and Metal” kicked in. “Lady Fantasy” is next follows the same musical direction as “Mystical Night”. “Nocturnal Thoughts” is the closest thing to a ballad here; it starts off slow but the song quickly picks up the pace and settles into a nice, effortless mid-tempo groove. The 7-minute “Majesty” has an appealingly dramatic quality to it. The final track “Dark Fairy” is 8 ½ minutes long and opens with some samples of historical figures to contribute to the epic-ness of this track which brings things to a conclusion on a very high note. There is plenty to love about Nightqueen, especially if you yearn for the days of 80s metal, but even if you aren’t necessarily from that era Nightqueen is a special band. “For Queen and Metal” should be able to find its niche among fans of Manowar, Crystal Viper, Accept, Warlock and bands of that style. It is always good when you hear a band like Nightqueen who flies the flag for pure heavy metal. Everything old is new again, and that is fine by me.

Rating – 94/100

Tracklist

1. Into the Night
2. Nightfall
3. Mystical Night
4. For Queen and Metal
5. Lady Fantasy
6. Nocturnal Thoughts
7. Secret of the Blind Man
8. Majesty
9. Rebel to Rebel
10. Screaming for Mercy
11. Dark Fairy

Line Up

• Keely Larreina – Lead Vocals
• Rex Zeco – Guitar
• Alex Rawson – Guitar
• Steven Steele – Bass
• Daniel Kells – Keyboards
• William Blodyn – Drums

Links

MySpace * Facebook * Site

Interview : Marta Gabriel – Crystal Viper (2010)

 Interview by Lindz Riot

Well then, how would you describe your fans? What kind of people are they and how do they make every show so special?

Crystal Viper fans are the best; they always give us the energy while performing live. They are the reason why we play and we appreciate them very, very much!! Thanks to them, we feel that there is a sense in what we do, if you understand that – writing and playing music that we all love is fine but if it wasn’t for those people, we wouldn’t be where we are right now…..?

I have to say though, that metal fans in general are the best, and the most loyal fans in the world! I’m not only a musician, I am as much fan of metal as many of them and for me, it doesn’t matter where you are from, what you look like, how old you are, or anything; metal gathers people together. It doesn’t split people into groups. I love it!

If you could have any guitar, what would it be? Or do you already own it?

Now, that would be; a Jackson guitar, the Randy Rhoads signature but the yellow one!! I don’t own it yet, but I will one day!!

What is your opinion on the Global Metal Movement we see going on in the world today?

Truly, I don’t see any special “metal movement” out there separating anyone. I mean, Traditional Metal has always been here, between the real fans and they embrace everyone as they themselves are embraced. Of course, there are great new bands such as Enforcer, Steel Horse, Portrait, Steelwing and others who are ready to conquer the stages of the world. But many of our “heroes”, like Accept, Raven, Iron Maiden and Saxon produced great new albums last time around, so yeah; Traditional Metal is doing really well, and definitely hasn’t uttered its final words yet!!

As a Metal Fan then, what was your favourite concert that you have ever attended?

The best one that I’ve ever seen was Raven at the Headbanger’s Open Air, this year. These guys Rule! But generally, I’ve seen a lot of amazing shows! I’m a really big fan of metal music, so I go to see my favourite bands performing live as often as possible.

Aside from music, do you have any other goals or aspirations in life?

Really, I can’t imagine doing too many other things that wouldn’t be connected with
music!! I like doing music videos; I mean, actually directing and editing them, so maybe that?

Do you have a unique hobby or talent that you would like to share with the world?

Ha! Ha! I don’t know? Maybe it’s not a talent but I’m sure that there isn’t another person, in the whole known world, that has broken as many beer glasses as I have?? Seriously; just ask my friends! Ha! Ha!

Ha Ha! Amazing! Thanks so much for the interview!!

Thank you too! Heavy Metal greetings!

Links

Marta Gabriel : Facebook

Crystal Viper : MySpace * Facebook * Twitter * Site

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Marta Gabriel – Crystal Viper (2012)

Interview by Tony Cannella

The Polish band Crystal Viper has been proudly flying the flag for traditional heavy metal since 2007 when their debut “The Curse of Crystal Viper” was unleashed. Now the band has released – what is quite possibly – their most ambitious and best album to date called “Crimen Excepta”. Recently vocalist and guitarist Marta Gabriel was kind enough to take some time to answer some questions. Read on…

First off, congratulations on the great new album “Crimen Excepta”. Please tell us a little about it.

Thank you! We are very excited about it, and can’t wait for the release date, when our fans get their hands on it; I know it’s going to be great! It’s our brand new album, totally different to the previous ones and it shows a new face to Crystal Viper!

Can you please tell us a little about the story/concept of the album?

First of all, I need to say that “Crimen Excepta” is a little bit like a movie, where the story is told with music, and not with pictures. It’s a bit different from the standard record. It’s basically a tale about witches and the inquisition, but there is also a deeper meaning here, and that can be interpreted as a story about intolerance and human cruelty. It’s a story about a witch named Sarah and her adopted son William, who becomes an Inquisitor. It’s quite a dramatic and weird story I would say. It was basically inspired by books and movies, such as; “The Name of the Rose” or even “Malleus Malleficarum”, and if you know more about the inquisition in general, you will quickly find out that there is more reality than fiction in it.

You say you feel it differs from previous albums? How exactly?

It is different, very different actually; and I felt that even while playing these new songs during rehearsals. The main reason is, that the story, the main lyrical theme, was written before I started composing music, so it affected the process of writing the music a lot, driving it in a different way. The concept is very dark, brutal, much more mystical, and so is the music that I wrote to go with it. It’s all one piece: music fits to lyrics, and lyrics fit to the music; there are real emotions and real feelings in these songs. Added to that, the album is different again, because our attitude was different this time: everything was actually produced just like in the ’80s. We used Flying V guitars, tube amps, of course real drums – no samples, triggers or anything like that, also no copying – everything that you hear on the album was sung or played.

Crystal Viper has always picked interesting songs from the metal genre to cover. This time you covered a Vader song. How did that come about?

When we were thinking about bonus tracks for the limited edition of the album, we wanted to record a song which would be unusual; a song that people don’t expect us to record. I’m a huge fan of Death and Black Metal; I really like Vader and “Tyrani Piekiel” is my favourite Vader song, so it seemed natural to do that. Actually, we don’t know of any other Heavy Metal band that has recorded a pure Death Metal song, so looks like we were first. By the way, we also recorded one more cover song during this recording session as well; “Night of the Demon” from NWOBHM heroes Demon, and this song landed up on the limited vinyl edition of “Crimen Excepta”!

Are there any artists you would like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

Oh, of course! There are many great and talented artists around, but if I could choose, I would like to record something with, say Glenn Tipton or King Diamond, they are like heroes for me.

For fans who have never heard the band. How would you describe Crystal Viper?

Female fronted, heavy metal band, straight from the hottest parts of metal hell! If you are ready for a metal bomb, come and see us playing live; we take no prisoners.

What has the reaction been from media and fans to the new album?

It’s a little bit too early yet, and there aren’t too many reviews of “Crimen Excepta”; but the ones we have seen, are pretty good so far. Looks like we’ve managed to surprise people, and that we’ve recorded something no one expected. But you know, for me, it’s always so important that our fans like what we do, as they are the ones who are totally true and honest; they are the most important people on earth for us!

What attracted you to classic heavy metal in the first place?

There are many reasons! It has energy, power, sound, atmosphere, wildness, and the possibility of doing something really creative. I simply love Heavy Metal.

Do you have much touring planned in support of “Crimen Excepta”?

We hope to play as many live shows as possible this year. Right now, we have confirmed shows in Spain, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Germany but please keep on checking our website, as we will announce more dates soon. We hope to visit the UK this year as well!

What can fans expect when they come to see you live?

Well, you can expect a powerful show, full of heavy metal energy! As mentioned; we take no prisoners! The stage is like a second home. Every single live show is special, and we are happy when we can play in new places!

It’s hard to believe that your debut album “The Curse of Crystal Viper” came out five years ago. How do you feel the band has changed since then?

For sure, not much! We are still the same guys; we totally love what we do; we still can’t live without music. You should see us rehearsing; every time we are happy, like a bunch of kids who’ve just entered the greatest playground in the world. Instead of toys, we have our guitars, amplifiers, and drums. But, saying that, we certainly have changed as musicians; and each one of us has managed to develop his / her playing skills, whilst I would say I developed my writing skills. We certainly know each other much better, and we’ve learned how to work with each other in a much better fashion.

Do you have a personal favourite album and song from the Crystal Viper catalogue?

Without a doubt, my favourite song is “Crimen Excepta”, I think it’s the best song I’ve ever composed! I’m not being totally ‘original’ here, I know every artist says that the latest album is the best one, but to be totally honest with you, I totally love this “Crimen Excepta” album. The songs are very emotional and powerful; the lyrics have very important meaning, and it’s all something totally new and fresh, full of energy!

Who are some bands that you would like to tour with that you haven’t already?

Again, there are many, many great acts we would love to tour with! I would start with King Diamond, Candlemass, Cannibal Corpse, Judas Priest, Nifelheim, Vader, and of course, legends such as Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath. But, the truth is, we love to tour with any good Metal band; we are always happy when we can play with other cool acts. When we can, we always try to see the bands that share that stage with us. We are huge Metal fans ourselves, so it’s great to do that.

Who are some singers and bands that you admire?

I’ve always been a fan of Tony Martin, David De Feis, Jutta Weinhold, Leather Leone, Dio, Rob Halford, Doro, the list goes on. But, I also like to listen to the heavier bands; I mean death and black metal ones; like, for example, Dissection, Destroyer 666, Immortal, Bathory, Watain and many, many more.

What are your plans for 2012 and beyond?

We are ready to strike; to play in countries that we’ve never been before! We’re planning to do a video clip very soon and I’m slowly getting ready to write the next album as well.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Crystal Viper is fast becoming one of my favourite bands, so this was a pleasure for me. Is there anything you would like to add to wrap this up? The final words are yours.

Thank you for supporting Crystal Viper; I’m glad to hear such great words! Heavy Metal greetings to all the metal maniacs! Remember to keep supporting your favourite bands; keep on buying original albums, and keep on going to live shows – the future of Metal is in your hands! Horns up!

Links

Marta Gabriel : Facebook

Crystal Viper : MySpace * Facebook * Twitter * Site