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Interview IMPERIA
A Talk With HELENA IREN MICHAELSEN
METAL TO INFINITY
(Interview by Patrick de Sloover)
Q: My previous interview with Helena Iren Michaelsen goes back to November 2004, regarding their first output "The Ancient Dance Of Qetesh". A lot of things happened so it"s time to hook up once more and in stead of an interview by phone, we arranged this time a chat by e-mail. How are you doing Helena?
I'm fine, thank you. I'm living in Norway now with my beautiful daughter, Angel.
Q: Do you prefer phoner interviews in stead of typed out questions and answers?
Actually, I prefer face-to-face interviews ;-)
Q: We spoke earlier in my radio show Overdrive on Belgian "Radio Aktief", and that was a very funny and interesting conversation. Can you sort out what happened with the band, what were the highlights since the release of the first album and now?
Yes, it was a funny conversation... I think our main highlight since then would be all the really great feedback we have gotten from our fans and the press. Also, playing Heineken Music Hall was a great experience for us all.
Q: At the end, was it a satisfying release, did you receive the feedback that you expected while making it?
Yes, the feedback and reviews were for the most part great. We were satisfied with the release as well, but "Queen of Light" stands out as a better album though.
Q: The label Ebony Tears broke up shortly after. Did this affect the release, distribution and promotion of "The Ancient Dance Of Qetesh"?
I don't think it had too much effect, but the label we are on now (Massacre) is way bigger and better.
Q: And what about the line up. Did it remain, or did problems occur, which is understandable with such an international line up (there are members from Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Finland and Belgium!)
Since the first release we have two new band members, Jan and Steve. They have both really added something to the band.
Q: Imperia was also present at the Mindview Convention to play an acoustic gig. How did it all turn out, because that was a kind of premiere, isn't it?
I felt it went quite good. We have done a lot of gigs after that though.
Q: Do you like playing in Belgium, or do you prefer the Dutch audience, where you reside since a few years?
It doesn't matter, we like to play anywhere as long as people show up to listen. Although, I must say that you have some pretty good beer in Belgium.
Q: Don't you miss the mighty nature of Norway? Holland is totally diverse, isn't it?
I actually live in Norway now. I moved here a month ago, and yes, the nature is something totally different from Holland - and I love it.
Q: October 2006 was an important date for the band, because you signed with German metal label Massacre Records. Was it hard to find a new partner, and can you give us some info about the deal with Massacre?
We had offers from 3 different labels, and felt that Massacre was the best choice for us. They have a good name in the industry and also good distribution. We have signed with Massacre for 2 CDs.
Q: I guess that their way of working is totally diverse if you compare with the previous label Ebony Tears. Do you have a good feeling with the new label, will they be able to lift the band to the next level?
Absolutely, we have a really good feeling about being on Massacre.
Q: Promotion and advertising will be spread all over Europe and I guess that this is a world wide release or not?
Yes, it is a worldwide release - and we're proud of it.
Q: Where did you record the album this time?
We recorded it at Spacelab Studios in Germany with Oliver Phillips and Christian "Moschus" Moos. It's mastered by Andy Horn at the Red Room, also in Germany.
Q: The front cover artwork is again superb! We see a mixture of Helena and the aureole of a goddess. Having wings on her back also refers to your other band Angel, or is this a coincidence?
First of all, Jan Yrlund made the cover art. He can do more than playing guitars. The light that I'm holding on the cover symbolise new life - since I 6 months ago gave birth to my second child, Angel.
Q: Do you have certain expectations with "Queen Of Light", or do you act like 'we'll see where it brings us, the band is ready and willing, and is open for every offer'.
Pretty much as you put it ;-)
Q: What is the main difference, musical wise, between the first release and ''Queen Of Light''?
Jan, who was not in the band on our first release has done many of the new songs. Also, Audun had more room for his ideas on this one. The guitars are more present now, also downtuned, giving a darker atmosphere when needed. Orchestra are far better on this release, and also the vocals are much more varied with less opera.
Q: I was stunned and surprised that it opens really heavy and maintains that way. It's like you wrote a lot of tracks in a 'pissed off' period. Is that correct?
Yes, some of us had issues...(not with each other).
Q: One of the strongest facts of Imperia is the diversity. You start heavy, keep the train rolling at high speed, but then there is also time for a pause, a sober moment where thoughts can well up. ''Broken Wings'' for example is a great track to slow down a bit!
Thank you, this is the feeling we hoped to give the listener.
Q: What can you tell about the track ''Missing You'', which is a typical instinctive Imperia track...
The song is about missing someone, namely my 12-year-old son who was living in Norway while I was living in Holland. It's also about me missing my mother. Audun also put his innermost feelings into this song, and his daughter is doing the atmospheric voice in the middle part.
Q: Is it correct that you like to write about your personal feelings and emotion?
Yes, most of the songs are about my own experiences the last two years.
Q: I hope that ''Raped By The Devil'' isn't a retrospect of something that you went through?
This song got two meanings. One of them is about a dream I once had, and is of course full of irony.
Q: There will be a Digipack release and a regular release of ''Queen Of Light''. Is it correct that the Digipack will include a registration of the recording process?
Yeees, there's a video there, hehe!
Q: This kind of ''Making Of Documentary'' is very desired by the real fans of the band. Perhaps a few live tracks could appeal to people that don't know the band (yet)? You could convince a new audience and make them curious to come and see the band live?
Maybe we will put some live tracks on our website, but it's not planned for yet.
Q: And what about bonus songs; did you discuss to add some tracks for any kind of special edition, for example the Japanese market?
No.
Q: The release of ''Queen Of Light' is set for March 23rd. Does this include that your other band Angel is less important now, or is it no problem to focus on two bands at the same time?
We're in the writing process for the next Angel album already. It's no problem to combine the two bands.
Q: I guess that the next goal is playing live. Have you booked some show already, or do we have to wait until the album is released and reviewed in the major metal magazines before offers to play come in?
We are booked to play the Tuska festival in Finland in June and the Female Voices in October. There are more shows and even a small US tour coming up. Check our website or MySpace page for the latest updates.
Q: People can always check the Imperia homepage for further detailed information : http://www.helena-michaelsen.com By the way, the homepage is really outstanding and very nice to explore!
Thank you, It's made and maintained by Jan.
Q: Is the internet still the killing factor for musical business. Do you believe that downloading music is the worst a band can get?
It's certainly bad for the business when people steal. I think we need more online stores offering legal downloads, because the Internet is here to stay, and we should take advantage of that.
Q: Internet is also a very handy and strong advertising medium and possibility.. .. .. You can spread and reach the whole world within a few mouse klicks...
Yes.. take for instance our MySpace page, it's a great way of spreading the word.
Q: The first album was dedicated to you mother who is murdered shortly before the first album got released. This time, you could dedicate ''Queen Of Light'' to your daughter, which is born during the recording process. How is Angel Michaelsen doing?
She's doing just fine. She has the greatest smile! Thank you for asking.
Q: Knowing what kind of life that you live, would you advice her to enter the musical business as well, when she's grown up?
Yes, I will support her if that is her choice.
Q: Giving birth to a child affects you in your personal life and might soak off emotions that you never had before. Do you believe that your daughter will affect your lyrics for the next coming albums and songs?
It could, but also other things and happenings could affect the lyrics as well.
Q: Will you be able to tour intense and travel across Europe? In the past I have met Max and Gloria + kids (Soulfly), Dave Lombardo with wife and kids (Slayer), and several other musicians that tour with their whole family. But, of course, that's rather unusual. What do you think?
I don't mind travelling with Angel. It could be a great experience for her too, at least when she grows a little older.
Q: You also planned to organise a gig with 5 female fronted bands. For example Autumn was booked to play at Female Voices. How did it all turn out?
It didn't happen due to lack of time.
Q: At the end of our previous interview, you told me that you wanted to stop smoking. Smoking a package a day will affect your voice and vocal cords. How is it right now, did you persist?
Hmmm, still smoking - but less than before.
Q: We do wish you all the best with the new album, the upcoming gigs and of course great reviews! Is there one last thing that you want to add to finish this conversation?
We would like to thank you and our many fans for the support and for the great feedback we receive. Hope to see you in a venue really soon!!