Last night I posted the CD reviews I had worked on for Sonic Cathedral over this (hellish) summer.  Now, onto the interviews!  And I’ve got some real treats for you.  😉

Diabulus in Musica

First is the Spanish band Diabulus in Musica.  This was a first for me to simultaneously work on a review and an interview for a band.  It was a challenge, but hey, I wasn’t going to complain.  Diabulus in Musica is one of the best up-and-coming bands in symphonic metal, and their album “Secrets” is one of my favorites so far in 2010.  Click here to read my interview with Zuberoa and Gorka of Diabulus in Musica.

Floor Jansen of ReVamp

Next up is one of the biggest names and voices in female-fronted metal: Floor Jansen!  This charismatic front-woman whose powerful voice shifts from melodic to operatic with the snap of a finger helped the Dutch symphonic power metal band After Forever become one of the most popular and influential of its kind. However, after 12 years and five albums, After Forever broke up in early 2009 after taking a one-year hiatus. So, when would we be blessed with the opportunity to hear Floor perform in a band again? Not too long. Just a year-and-a-half after After Forever’s split, Floor has returned with a new band: ReVamp.  Click here to read my interview with Floor Jansen of ReVamp.

Modified - 2010 line-up

Then, after reviewing Modified’s self-released debut EP “Cruel Temptation,” I had the chance to interview two members of Modified: singer/lyricist Tricia Stanley, and guitarist Anthony Xander. We talked about the EP, Modified’s live shows, and how each member felt when they first heard their songs on the radio.  Click here to read my interview with Modified.

The Mariana Hollow (photo courtesy of James Laidlaw)

And last, but certainly not least, is the band responsible for my FAVORITE album so far this year.  The Mariana Hollow, out of the UK, released their debut album “Coma Heart” via Plastic Head back in July.  I missed the honor of reviewing “Coma Heart,” and after listening to the songs on TMH’s Myspace page I thought, “Well, if I can’t review the band, I can interview them instead.”  And boy am I glad I did.  Oh, did I mention how truly unique TMH’s sound is?  It’s alternative metal with progressive influences, highlighted by intricate and versatile guitarwork and Rebecca Spinks’ engaging vocals. Sounds interesting? Then maybe you ought to learn more about this band by reading my interview with them.