Interviews

Track - Attack

The Gathering - "In Motion #1"
Tarja: Sounds like Anneke van Giersbergen. It really is her? Must be an old song. Her fantastic voice seems very young in this one. Anneke is one of my favourite female singers.
Sharon: The Gathering! I like "In Motion" very much. That song is so melancholic. Mandylion is amongst my favourite albums from our fellow countrymen. The Band had it's breakthrough with this album in the Netherlands.

Tristania - "Shadowman"
Tarja: A nice start with the violin. Very interesting. Seems like the lady usually sings higher. Tristania? They've been a support act for Nightwish. They sound a lot different live. I like it.
Sharon: It starts like another song by The Gathering. They must have influenced this band. Very good song structure. Atmospheric and dreamy. I like the vocals but they're a bit too much in the background. Tristania? Unfortunately I don't know them.

After Forever - "Monolith of doubt"
Tarja: I've heard this riff before. Floor Jansen! This must be After Forever. Their music is very complex. This song is from Decipher! Floor is getting better and better. I'd like to hear more from her voice and less grunts, please!
Sharon: After Forever! Our drummer produced this album. We've been together with them on stage a lot. A good band, although it's not quite my style. Floor has an amazing technique.

Lacuna Coil - "Heaven's a lie"
Tarja: Sounds pretty much like Within Temptation. It's not? Damn! I should recognize this band. Her voice is very unique and striking - very deep. Lacuna Coil? I'd buy it immediately.
Sharon: Are this Lacuna Coil? I know them from a sampler we were on, too. I haven't heard many songs of them but they're impressive.

Lumsk - "Allvis"
Tarja: A very nordic voice. Sweet and tender. Aha, Norwegians. Lumsk? Don't know what that's supposed to mean but it's a really interesting band. Considering that I usually don't like folkore very much.
Sharon: Obviously something scandinavian. Beautiful voice, good technique. I really love it. Lumsk? Never heard of them but they're great. Very "folky"!

Autumn - "Gallery of reality"
Tarja: Great introduction! I like it very much. Louder, please! She's got a beautiful voive. And i also like the melody and guitars. Autumn? There are really a lot of great bands coming from the Netherlands. I have to buy it!
Sharon: I don't know them. The production could be a bit more powerful. But the song structure really is excellent. Somehow, this deep voice sounds familiar. Of course! Autumn! Brilliant song! Finally I get to know the album version.

Leaves' Eyes - "New Found Land"
Tarja: Liv! Why don't I have that album yet? I like it that she's finally able to sing without restriction. She's got such a beautiful voice - it never really showed to advantage when she was in Theatre of Tragedy.
Sharon: Liv Kristine. Her voice is beautiful. Must be Leaves' Eyes. Sounds awesome; very atmospheric. That album belongs into my collection.

Epica - "Cry for the moon"
Tarja: Movie metal. Sounds like the Gladiator soundtrack. I see a battlefield full of bodies before my eyes. Hey! That singer enters my territory, haha. Epica? They're talented.
Sharon: Nightwish? I'm not quite sure. Or is it Epica? There are similarities. No wonder Tarja feels attracted. Epica are not my cup of tea but they've got much potential.
Gate - "Du Som Er Ung"

Tarja: Oh gosh. Sweden?I don't know. Norwegians? The language sounds funny and even more shaggy than finnish. I don't see a structure in this song. But her voice has got personality. Folk-style is very hard to sing.
Sharon: It rocks. Where are they from? Norway? I don't know them. It sounds different to the other songs before. I like it. The singer has a great voice. Can I have that record?

Loreena McKennit - "All souls Night (live)"
Tarja: Loreena. I've got several of her albums and I'd like to see her show once. A wonderful composition with great instuments. Her voice is a part of the whole thing. Excellent!
Sharon: Bryan Adams? He had a similar song. The singer sounds a bit like Kate Bush or Tori Amos. Loreena McKennit? Sounds good but in the long run her albums are a bit too soft for my taste. I need something hard for a change.