Finally, Damnation Angels, managed to release their debut album in Europe as well. The CD was firstly released in Japan, and now after almost a year, it’s been released worldwide. I’ve separated this band from the hundreds of other sympho-power metal bands of our time, from the very first listen, for they are gifted and love what they’re doing. The mastermind/songwriter/guitarist, Will Graney, was interviewed by Grand Rock so as to find out the most that we could out of this new & promising band…
Hi Will… As I have already told you “Bringer of Light” is a stunning piece of work! Kudos!
W: Thank you, glad you like it!
First things first… You were formed back in 2006… but you finally self-released an EP called “Shadow Symphony” only three years later. You had probably been working on your musical ideas all these years and trying to make a steady line-up for the band… right?
W: Yeah, basically the first few years we just played gigs and things but we weren’t entirely commited, it was in 2009 when we decided to take things to the next level and to get a good product on the market.
You also didn’t have second thoughts for the production of the EP. You co-operated with the famous Scott Atkins. How’s that? I’m sure it cost you quite a bit… but as long as you were happy with the result… it wouldn’t mind you… I assume huh?
W: Scott Atkins is one of the best in the UK, infact there’s no one better for a band without a huge budget. We didn’t want to make an E.P that wouldn’t stand the test of time and you just can’t cut corners in this industry, you have to work with the best all the time. Scott’s an incredible producer and he really does help to get the best out of everyone involved. We have a brilliant working relationship.
The EP was well received by the fans and the press… but then again there was silence on behalf of the band for almost three years. What happened in the meantime?
W: We did a few UK tours etc but we really didn’t have the label/management backing to do more, we spent the time trying to find a label and negotiating with labels. We got a lot of offers but they just weren’t great.
You also changed your singer… how did this come up? I think that Pellek has a more expressive voice, as I have written in my review as well, and fits your music style better. What do you think?
W: Lewis Starfire sustained an injury to his vocal chords and so we basically had to let him go. We found Pellek via his Dragonforce audition, we instantly thought he had massive potential. In the few years he’s been with us, he’s grown massively as a singer and I do believe he fits our style better.
How did you happen to find a Japanese label first instead of a European one? Are you happy with Massacre records so far?
W: Radtone Japan was just the first to put a decent offer down on the table. I’m very happy with Massacre actually, they’re a great label who’ve put some serious work and time in over the years. It’s great to be part of the label.
So, how did you come up with the title “Bringer of Light”? Is there any story behind it? Are there any connections with the cover artwork as well?
W: Well the concept section of the album, (which runs over 4 tracks) without giving too much away is basically a short story about a man who has to give up everything he loves to become what he needs to be to save the world, which ultimately leads to his demise.
You’ve included three songs (“Bringer of Light”, “Someone Else” & “I Hope”) from the EP to the debut, if I’m right. You have obviously re-written and re-arranged them but why did you feel the need to put them in the debut?
W: They have been re-worked so to speak, the main reason we wanted them on the album is because we still wanted everyone to hear them and the re-worked versions still stood up to the rest of the tracks on the album. I also wanted to tell the short story and without “Someone Else” and “Bringer of Light”, that wouldn’t have been possible.
Please give us a hint about the songs…
W: “Ad Finem”: To the end…
“The Longest Day of My Life”: Tick... tock... tick.... tock…
“Reborn”: Have I been here before?
“I Hope”: Rita Hayworth…
“Acerbus Inceptum (Part. I)”: Darkness...
“Someone Else (Part. II)”: Rooftop metal…
“Bringer of Light (Part. III)”: Justice…
“Shadow Symphony (Part. IV)”: Demise…
“No Leaf Clover”: J.L.K.R.
“Pride (the Warrior’s Way)”: Spirit…
Why did you choose to cover X Japan’s “Kurenai” and put it as a bonus track in the album? Who is the guest singer?
W: We’re big fans and really wanted to give the Japanese fans something special, also something to entice new people into buying the album and hearing us. Yoko Hallalujah is featured on the song, she’s also featured on “Pride”. She help with PelleK singing Kurenai and made sure we prenouned it all right (haha) when we found out she could sing as well we had to put her on the album, she’s very talented. She’s actually works as a busker in London, she’s a great singer. (i.n.: She’s indeed!)
You once again preferred to work with Scott Atkins. Are you totally satisfied with the final outcome? I think that the production is very rich and powerful.
W: We are satisfied, more so with the worldwide release as we didn’t have to rush the mastering etc. I think we’re as happy as we could ever be with it. You always want to improve but sometimes you’ve really got to say “right, we’re done”.
There are some Japanese features in your music… was it something you would have done anyway or is it like an honor to the country which embraced you first?
W: I guess there’s a bit of honor yes, I love the culture there and I find the instruments interesting. I also think it’s something that not many bands have explored, I think we’re one of the first to do it accurately and not just for the sake of it.
I’ve written that: …“you have focused on catchy melodies and striking orchestral themes more”…” in my review. Do you agree with that? Was that the musical direction you wanted to give to Damnation Angels in the first place?
W: Yes, I’d agree in a way, but we didn’t focus specifically on one thing more than another. For instance, we never neglected the guitar riffing it’s just that the orchestration and vocal melodies evoke the emotion intended better.
W: Thank you, glad you like it!
First things first… You were formed back in 2006… but you finally self-released an EP called “Shadow Symphony” only three years later. You had probably been working on your musical ideas all these years and trying to make a steady line-up for the band… right?
W: Yeah, basically the first few years we just played gigs and things but we weren’t entirely commited, it was in 2009 when we decided to take things to the next level and to get a good product on the market.
You also didn’t have second thoughts for the production of the EP. You co-operated with the famous Scott Atkins. How’s that? I’m sure it cost you quite a bit… but as long as you were happy with the result… it wouldn’t mind you… I assume huh?
W: Scott Atkins is one of the best in the UK, infact there’s no one better for a band without a huge budget. We didn’t want to make an E.P that wouldn’t stand the test of time and you just can’t cut corners in this industry, you have to work with the best all the time. Scott’s an incredible producer and he really does help to get the best out of everyone involved. We have a brilliant working relationship.
The EP was well received by the fans and the press… but then again there was silence on behalf of the band for almost three years. What happened in the meantime?
W: We did a few UK tours etc but we really didn’t have the label/management backing to do more, we spent the time trying to find a label and negotiating with labels. We got a lot of offers but they just weren’t great.
You also changed your singer… how did this come up? I think that Pellek has a more expressive voice, as I have written in my review as well, and fits your music style better. What do you think?
W: Lewis Starfire sustained an injury to his vocal chords and so we basically had to let him go. We found Pellek via his Dragonforce audition, we instantly thought he had massive potential. In the few years he’s been with us, he’s grown massively as a singer and I do believe he fits our style better.
How did you happen to find a Japanese label first instead of a European one? Are you happy with Massacre records so far?
W: Radtone Japan was just the first to put a decent offer down on the table. I’m very happy with Massacre actually, they’re a great label who’ve put some serious work and time in over the years. It’s great to be part of the label.
So, how did you come up with the title “Bringer of Light”? Is there any story behind it? Are there any connections with the cover artwork as well?
W: Well the concept section of the album, (which runs over 4 tracks) without giving too much away is basically a short story about a man who has to give up everything he loves to become what he needs to be to save the world, which ultimately leads to his demise.
You’ve included three songs (“Bringer of Light”, “Someone Else” & “I Hope”) from the EP to the debut, if I’m right. You have obviously re-written and re-arranged them but why did you feel the need to put them in the debut?
W: They have been re-worked so to speak, the main reason we wanted them on the album is because we still wanted everyone to hear them and the re-worked versions still stood up to the rest of the tracks on the album. I also wanted to tell the short story and without “Someone Else” and “Bringer of Light”, that wouldn’t have been possible.
Please give us a hint about the songs…
W: “Ad Finem”: To the end…
“The Longest Day of My Life”: Tick... tock... tick.... tock…
“Reborn”: Have I been here before?
“I Hope”: Rita Hayworth…
“Acerbus Inceptum (Part. I)”: Darkness...
“Someone Else (Part. II)”: Rooftop metal…
“Bringer of Light (Part. III)”: Justice…
“Shadow Symphony (Part. IV)”: Demise…
“No Leaf Clover”: J.L.K.R.
“Pride (the Warrior’s Way)”: Spirit…
Why did you choose to cover X Japan’s “Kurenai” and put it as a bonus track in the album? Who is the guest singer?
W: We’re big fans and really wanted to give the Japanese fans something special, also something to entice new people into buying the album and hearing us. Yoko Hallalujah is featured on the song, she’s also featured on “Pride”. She help with PelleK singing Kurenai and made sure we prenouned it all right (haha) when we found out she could sing as well we had to put her on the album, she’s very talented. She’s actually works as a busker in London, she’s a great singer. (i.n.: She’s indeed!)
You once again preferred to work with Scott Atkins. Are you totally satisfied with the final outcome? I think that the production is very rich and powerful.
W: We are satisfied, more so with the worldwide release as we didn’t have to rush the mastering etc. I think we’re as happy as we could ever be with it. You always want to improve but sometimes you’ve really got to say “right, we’re done”.
There are some Japanese features in your music… was it something you would have done anyway or is it like an honor to the country which embraced you first?
W: I guess there’s a bit of honor yes, I love the culture there and I find the instruments interesting. I also think it’s something that not many bands have explored, I think we’re one of the first to do it accurately and not just for the sake of it.
I’ve written that: …“you have focused on catchy melodies and striking orchestral themes more”…” in my review. Do you agree with that? Was that the musical direction you wanted to give to Damnation Angels in the first place?
W: Yes, I’d agree in a way, but we didn’t focus specifically on one thing more than another. For instance, we never neglected the guitar riffing it’s just that the orchestration and vocal melodies evoke the emotion intended better.
The orchestrations are very beautiful and so are the symphonic parts… I bet you would love to record/play with a real orchestra someday. It would have been great. I hope you achieve it in the follow up album, though.
W: Oh yes, certainly but it’s a hard thing to accomplish, we’re definitely looking into it and it’ll happen in the future.
You combine several metal genres in your music such as (Euro) heavy/power metal, symphonic metal, progressive metal, melodic metal… so how would you describe your musical style to someone that has never heard of the band before?
W: I always describe it as “Symphonic heavy metal” because I find that is easier for people to relate to than “Power”. Even though we do have elements of power metal I don’t think you can all out call us Symphonic power metal.
I’m sure that being popular in Japan (big in Japan huh!) is even more significant than in Europe nowadays… isn’t it so?
W: No, I don’t think so, being popular in Europe is just as big a part of it. It’s great being successful there but we want to be like that everywhere.
How do you imagine Damnation Angels’ future from now on??
W: I imagine it to be filled with great albums and lots of massive worldwide tours, but also a lot of hard graft! Nothing comes easy in this business, you’ve gotta work hard for the rewards.
Have you planned to give any live shows in the future? Any confirmed shows yet?
W: We’ve got a UK tour late March and ProgPower USA in September, we’ve just signed a management deal with Intromental and there’s a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure we can get out there and play for all our fans!
Are you afraid that in some point everyone will listen to music through their iPod or in Youtube, Spotify etc. and there will be no other way than to bring down the sound quality and record in your laptops? How can these “new technologies” help music instead of hurting it all the way?
W: It doesn’t bother me as such, it’s inevitable and part of where the industry is heading. Our album was illegally downloaded a hell of a lot and that bothers me, we’re not on a huge label with a huge budget so when people download our work illegally that’s my money gone that could help with tours and new albums. You wouldn’t go into an art gallery and steal the paintings, would you? The positive thing about these new technologies is the fact that more people can hear your music, but it hurts the industry.
And some weird Questions now!! How did you come up with the name Damnation Angels?
W: Back in 2006, I’d been reading up on heaven and hell etc. and the angels bringing on the end so to speak, I just thought it sounded pretty cool and that’s where “Damnation Angels” came from.
Why is rock/metal (any kind) music better than sex… if it is…
W: It’s not... simple!
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
W: The Black Album, just an incredible album!
Forgive & forget… or hold the grudge?
W: Situation dependant.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
W: I’d give them the Black Album.
You have the opportunity to have sex with the porn-star of your choice. Who would it be & why?
W: I don’t know many porn star names... I’d rather it be a film star or something! Does Elisha Cuthbert count? Am I allowed to say that? Haha… (Yeap, why not… so let’s make it a movie star instead…)
Asian hooker vs Stripper girl… What’s your choice & why?
W: N/A haha…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
W: Concrete... north sea… (i.n.: Nice & easy… hehe…)
That’s all for now Will… Thank you very much for this interesting interview... Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
W: No problem, thanks for reading people and also our fans for their support! Take care friends!
W: Oh yes, certainly but it’s a hard thing to accomplish, we’re definitely looking into it and it’ll happen in the future.
You combine several metal genres in your music such as (Euro) heavy/power metal, symphonic metal, progressive metal, melodic metal… so how would you describe your musical style to someone that has never heard of the band before?
W: I always describe it as “Symphonic heavy metal” because I find that is easier for people to relate to than “Power”. Even though we do have elements of power metal I don’t think you can all out call us Symphonic power metal.
I’m sure that being popular in Japan (big in Japan huh!) is even more significant than in Europe nowadays… isn’t it so?
W: No, I don’t think so, being popular in Europe is just as big a part of it. It’s great being successful there but we want to be like that everywhere.
How do you imagine Damnation Angels’ future from now on??
W: I imagine it to be filled with great albums and lots of massive worldwide tours, but also a lot of hard graft! Nothing comes easy in this business, you’ve gotta work hard for the rewards.
Have you planned to give any live shows in the future? Any confirmed shows yet?
W: We’ve got a UK tour late March and ProgPower USA in September, we’ve just signed a management deal with Intromental and there’s a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure we can get out there and play for all our fans!
Are you afraid that in some point everyone will listen to music through their iPod or in Youtube, Spotify etc. and there will be no other way than to bring down the sound quality and record in your laptops? How can these “new technologies” help music instead of hurting it all the way?
W: It doesn’t bother me as such, it’s inevitable and part of where the industry is heading. Our album was illegally downloaded a hell of a lot and that bothers me, we’re not on a huge label with a huge budget so when people download our work illegally that’s my money gone that could help with tours and new albums. You wouldn’t go into an art gallery and steal the paintings, would you? The positive thing about these new technologies is the fact that more people can hear your music, but it hurts the industry.
And some weird Questions now!! How did you come up with the name Damnation Angels?
W: Back in 2006, I’d been reading up on heaven and hell etc. and the angels bringing on the end so to speak, I just thought it sounded pretty cool and that’s where “Damnation Angels” came from.
Why is rock/metal (any kind) music better than sex… if it is…
W: It’s not... simple!
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
W: The Black Album, just an incredible album!
Forgive & forget… or hold the grudge?
W: Situation dependant.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
W: I’d give them the Black Album.
You have the opportunity to have sex with the porn-star of your choice. Who would it be & why?
W: I don’t know many porn star names... I’d rather it be a film star or something! Does Elisha Cuthbert count? Am I allowed to say that? Haha… (Yeap, why not… so let’s make it a movie star instead…)
Asian hooker vs Stripper girl… What’s your choice & why?
W: N/A haha…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
W: Concrete... north sea… (i.n.: Nice & easy… hehe…)
That’s all for now Will… Thank you very much for this interesting interview... Please leave a note to Grande Rock readers… Take care!
W: No problem, thanks for reading people and also our fans for their support! Take care friends!