Interview with Norman Skinner (Vocalist of Niviane, 2021)

Norman Skinner came to my attention the first time as I listened to Niviane's album "The Druid King". I liked the power of the voice also the songs felt a bit overloaded to me. The powermetal band left my attention but some time later the "The Rutheless Divine" album knocked at my door and the far more straight forward and direct sound brought me back to them.

Around the same time I found out that Norman Skinner also performs in several other band's and projects so I thought it would be great to have a short talk with him. He gave us a very first insight into the upcoming albums of Niviane as well as his Elemantis project. We also go back to the very beginnings and talk about his very first steps into the music (very cool story, I think I never got such a great response before).

Norman Skinner is able to sing on a wide range.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did you start out with singing ?

Norman Skinner: It was actually by complete accident. I had friends that were going to play the high school talent show. They weren't an actual band, just a group of guys jamming for this one show. A couple weeks before the show their singer bailed on them and I just happened to be the guy that was hanging around. I had never sang before and I believe they asked me out of desperation and\or convenience. I was always up for a good adventure so I agreed and was hooked ever since. 

You are active in many bands and projects. How do you manage to keep your voice in good condition ?

The fact I am and always have been involved in multiple projects helps to keep my voice conditioned. I am always singing & recording so it stays nice and strong. 

How do you pick the topics for the lyrics you write ?

It is completely random. I gather inspiration from movies & TV, history & mythology, personal experience & situations\observations of those around me. I never go into writing a song with an idea of what it will be about. I 1st hear the music and discover the mood it sets and go from there. 

How would you describe the evolution of Nivianes sound between the album "The Druid King" and the second output "The ruthless divine" ?

The Druid King was mainly composed of music written by the individual members prior to the band being formed with the exception of 1 or 2 tracks. I took those tracks and put melodies & lyrics to them. The band was still finding our collaborative sound on that album. The Ruthless Divine has a much more cohesive sound which is also more technical and overall heavier. The 1st album was a nice out of the gate effort and production-wise sounded more polished and the new album was more modern sounding.

A new Niviane album is currently in the works. What can the fans expect of the new material ?

Yes, we are working on the details of the last 3 songs before we enter the studio next month to track drums for an untitled 3rd album. Fans can expect more of the same in terms of style. The heaviness is still there as well as the dynamics our fans have grown accustomed to. We did however try to concentrate on the chorus hooks a bit more this time around.

Can you give us any closer idea on how Norman Skinners Elemantis could sound like once it's out ?

The Elemantis project is a very diverse project in terms of sound. It really combines Symphonic Metal w\Traditional & Power Metal. 22 track concept album with a lot of guest musicians & vocalists. The songs range from acoustic ballads to heavy driving tracks and everything in between.

Listen to Norman's performance on a Niviane track called "Crown of Thorns".

Demo Review: Souldrown - Evil Of War (recorded 2000 / released 2016)

Sometimes things happen that seem to have been lost in time... A demo release in the style of early Helloween and Stratovarius but evolved further to a much more complex and diverse style.

Introduction

Souldrown has its origins back in 1993. They began as heavy-power band, mainly influenced by bands like Accept, Helloween, Stratovarius etc. As the years went on, they radically changed the style towars a darker, more complex and progressive direction, mainly influenced by Tool, Dream Theater etc.

Unfortunately, the band never gave themselves the chance to have an official release.

Souldrown recorded some stuff in the late 90's-early 00's, for a demo release, from which some rough mixes have survived. This is what can be heard on the "Evil Of War" demo right here which finally sees the light of day in 2016...

The cover of Souldrown's "Evil Of War" demo, (c) by Souldrown, used with kind permission

Summary

This is a demo with two sides of the story. The first two tracks are clear in the structure, high vocals and dominant bass guitars. Tracks 3-5 are a bit different. Those are much more complex in the structure and sound and it needs some time to get to the point of them. I see some potential in this band since they have not only sticked to the sound of their favorites but dared to evolve it further. I think this kind of music needs some fresh kick and this band could provide it. It would be great to know what this band has on their minds after all these years.

This goes especially for the vocals. The vocalist keep them in a high region but also makes sure to keep them a bit more in the middle peak which makes them enjoyable and keeps the voice authentic. This prevents the tracks from being destroyed by a too loud noise that would make the melodies not identifiable anymore.

In detail Evil of War is clear and round for me. A grooving rhythm pushes throughout the full track duration and makes it a lot of fun to listen to it. The vocals are high and the refrain comes with various layers something not many bands work with. The bass guitar sets apart in the sound straight from the start. Last Hours is my favorite on the tape. A double bass cracker with fine keyboard parts packed in a roundly sounded package. It's typical melodic power metal. It feels more as a story than a song but it's something I like.

Track 3 Talk Hard offers more variations in the rhythm section while the overall speed is set to midtempo. Melody is set on top again but it comes around differently when you look at the style of it. More keyboards to be found in this one. The fastest track on the digital tape is called Dragons Lair. It's the hardest to get by anyway. A complex song structure makes it hard to get a grip on the sound. The vocals form a guiding light through the whole song.

See The Signs closes the release. This one is more complex than the previous track and comes with a high-tempo format. We hear the typical high notes in the vocals that seem to be a trademark of Souldrown. Some vocal effects can be heard, too. Those give the vocal performance some more variation and will hark back. They sound unusual so you'll want to re-listen after a first round.

Player / Purchase Link

The whole tape can be streamed for free here in the player. You can download a digital copy for only one euro on Bandcamp so please give the artist a sign that they should continue.

Contact Data

You can keep in touch with Souldrown via Bandcamp.

Night Legion offer download as little sneak into upcoming album

One of the cool things that comes along with running a blog is that you can discover so many new bands often in their early stages. This time we have been notified of a band that is giving a very early insight into their album production process and we have been picked to share it with all of you as a file free to download!

The new band on the radar is called Night Legion and they perform Power Metal with powerful female vocals. The people behind the sound aren't new to people following this blog. This band features members of Death Dealer and Knightmare as well as of Empires of Eden and Aussie metal royalty Dungeon.

A overlook on the band members of Night Legion, (c) by Night Legion, used with kind permission

How does this band sound like? One of the bands trademarks is the voice of Shannon Tipene. With an uncompromising and aggressive style that echoes Doro’s greatest triumphs, or Ann Wilson’s trademark microphone abuse, Tipene’s voice leaves something behind. You'll remember the high peaks of her voice as well as the anthemic refrain. It's like in the classic days of metal and you'll quickly feel home if you've always enjoyed music of this style. Just check out some excerpts in the clip below or even better head over to this place to pick up a free full song of Night Legion im mp3 Format.


Night Legion has recently begun work on recording their debut, slated for a 2017 release, and is in the early stages of exploring which label will offer the most suitable home for the album. This unconquerable touring animal also has its sights on Japan, Europe and possibly Australia in early to mid-2017.

For the latest band news, visit the official Night Legion website and Facebook page.

Flames Of Fury look for bassist and release new video

A good band always needs proper people to be able to continue on their journey. Sadly from time to time band members have to leave because of various reasons and it's not always easy to find new musicians who fit musically as well as clicking on the human side of things.

The same goes for New York / New Jersey based female fronted melodic power metal band Flames of Fury who are currently on the lookout for a new bass guitar player. Vocalist Angelica Valkyrie has checked in with a statement about the change in the band and the requirements the new four string player should meet:

"We are now actively seeking a permanent bassist to join the band and perform on future tours. Currently Flames of Fury is performing with bassist Mike LePond (Symphony X / Mike LePond's Silent Assassins). We have been so happy and honored to have Mike LePond perform with us onstage as our guest bassist, as he's definitely extremely busy! So now, the band has come to a crossroads, where we really have to have a permanent bassist with us for future touring. So help us get the word out to all potential candidates, as we are counting on securing a worthy replacement to join the band permanently. Interested candidates can contact Flames of Fury directly at: info@flamesoffury.com "

The band Flames Of Fury, (c) by Flames Of Fury, used with kind permission

In the meantime the band is laying down the finishing touches to their debut full length album "Firestarter", which is scheduled for a independent release later in the year. To help skip the waiting time until more news about the release come in the band has set up a lyric video for the fan favorite "I Burn".

Valkyrie says about the video:

"We have wanted to give back to our loyal fans who have been with us from the very beginning, so we went back to our debut EP release and chose the song "I Burn" and immortalized it in a killer new lyric video. This song has been a fan favorite since our humble beginnings. Our desire has always been to create a video for it and now we finally have it. It's crazy, dark and Metal AF!"

Make sure to stay in touch with the band through their homepage or connect with them on Facebook.

Let's speak with...Eternal Voyager (2016)

Eternal Voyager are a truemetal/powermetal band from Minneapolis. Their first album "The Battle Of Eternity" is a great record, a fine discovery for all the fans of bands like Omen, Iced Earth and Hammerfall. If you prefer your music oldschool in both songwriting and production aspects you should give this band a try.

The band Eternal Voyager, (c) by Eternal Voyager, used with kind permission

The band is currently busy recording the second album "Darkened Times" as well as preparing one or two new videos and playing shows. Happily Brian Blake, guitarist and vocalist of Eternal Voyager took the time to answer my questions anyway so have a look on his thoughts about social media, inspiration, digital vs. traditional media, motivation and what strange things may happen when you play a gig...

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did the band come together?
Brian Blake: Well I am the founder of the band so i started, writing songs well over 15 years ago and, there's been alot of line up changes, over the years. But the resent one came about, In the last couple of years and so far is the best. It was always hard, to find the right guys, but now it's happened. I met them through a couple at a local event, and the others through a musician finding site.

Which sources do you use as inspiration for writing new songs?
alot things really, the musical influences I had growing up and till now, life. It's always been about the true spirit of metal for me, staying true to your beliefs and doing what what u really want to.

Do you feel that writing and performing music helps you to push on further with your own personal lifes?
absolutely, it's the biggest inspiration for me, it's my life therapy. If I didn't do it, or don't do music, I turn ont o a person no one wants to be around. It's that important for me.

Social media surely plays a big role in the communcation between a band and their fans. Do you feel that fans contact you more or less personally at gigs these days?
yeah I think it helps alot, some people may disagree, but it's great for then and business part of it, u can talk with people from all over the world, very easy and yes fans can connect with us directly as well.

Do you still prefer releasing music on traditional media like LPs, CDs and the like or do you feel the same satisfaction when putting out music digitally?
we sell both so people can get it in all forms, but i personally love hard copies of albums, i have a huge and ever-growing collection myself, and I could never just own a digital copy. That's not what metal collecting is about, for me. I like to be able to have a tangible copy that I can look at pics and lyrics in. It's not the same with a digital copy. it's also better quality with a real copy.

The cover of "The Battle Of Eternity" album, (c) by Eternal Voyager, used with kind permission

Have you ever experimented with other styles over the years and thought about changing?
no not really, so different styles come out naturally, of course like trash, black, or folk, but we have been and always will be power heavy true metal. I guess that the style if you will. I think it's best to just write how u feel, and this is what come natural for me. I'd never change the core of what we do, it's not who I am, and the fans wouldn't appreciate it.

Did you come along points where you thought about leaving it all behind? If you reached that point: how did you keep the motivation up to move on? 
well of course it's been very tough to keep doing this, and yes there's been some time when u want to give up, because things don't work out and u get frustrated. But I could never walk away, it's who I am, and it's what I need to be creative. I've had moments like alot of people have in this business, where, ask your self why is this so hard, but if it was easy , I don't think a person would appreciate it as much when u have successful things happen. Metal is life!

What was the funniest story that came along your way when you performed live? Or did things happen that you would have never thought of to occur (not only at gigs but maybe anywhere else as well)?
well that is a tough question, because we had a few crazy things happen. Years ago we when we were a young and very different band, we were playing a gig at a club and there was only a small crowd just sitting at tables watching and not really knowing what to think of what we were doing, and all of a sudden this random guy, just come flying in all by himself and starts moshing and slam dancing all around and then just went right out the back door, and left. We all looked eachother and didn't know what to think. But yes many stories, to many to tell. Thanks for your time and stay metal!!!

The band has some shows this summer / early fall. Check this Facebook post for the exact dates and flyer and make sure you won't miss them out. A good show always can give you a heads up and charge you with the power everyone needs to move on with their lives.

Follow Eternal Voyager through their website or Facebook.

Helion Prime release uplifting video for "Life Finds a Way"

"Music is healing." (Author unknown)

I found this quote some time ago on Facebook. I totally belive in this. Why?

If you look and hear videos like this brand new one of the powermetal band Helion Prime I'm sure you can't resist the positive vibes that flow through the music. It's like the melodies can make you fly, as if the vocals of Heather Michele can break through the all and every wall of negativity there is in life.

As for me it's crushing down a lot of bad feelings with it's superb melodies, riffing and rhythm and it has this sort of uplifting effect for me. It takes me away from feeling bad and brings me into a state of power. It pushes me to carry on with all the things in my life. Do you feel the same?

The song is taken of Helion Prime's self titled debut cd which has been independently released on February 15, 2016 and can be ordered as either a physical or digital copy at the band's Bandcamp website. The cover alone has teased me enough to take a closer look upon this release. Make sure to listen to the whole record on the Bandcamp page. A diamond no one should oversee in my eyes.

The cover of the first Helion Prime album. (c) by Helion Prime, used with kind permission

If you decide to pick up a physical copy you'll receive a booklet with lyrics, additional artwork, and credits.

Make sure to follow the band further on through their own website or mark their Facebook page with a like.

Eternal Voyager reveals upcoming album details & tourdates

The power metal band Eternal Voyager came as a fine surprise to me. Their old school attempt on metal music and the way they produce their tracks feels great to me in this often overloaded soundscapes of today.

The band logo of Eternal Voyager, (c) by Eternal Voyager, used with kind permission

The band is currently in the studio to record their second album and let's us sneak inside with the following statement from Vocalist / Guitarist Brian Blake:

"We are well on our way into the recording process of our upcoming new second album titled "Darkened Times", which will be mastered by guitarist / producer Stu "The Hammer" Marshall (Death Dealer / Blasted to Static / Zephaniah / Vanlade / Corners of Sanctuary) at his Frontier studio in Sydney, Australia.

We are hoping to release this monster ripping album during this upcoming summer or at the latest in fall 2016. It just depends on when we can record additional drum tracks, even though we have our own studio now, we are not set for drum recordings as of yet.

We also have plans to shoot one or two music videos during the coming months for the songs "Winds of Fire" and possibly the title track "Darkend Times", so we are currently very busy."

In addition the band is going to do a couple of shows starting already in a few days, here are the exact dates:

Eternal Voyager upcoming shows

4/15/16 - The Hexagon - Minneapolis,Minnesota

4/16/16 - EveryBody's Bar & Grill - Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

5/29/16 - The Hexagon - Minneapolis,Minnesota (supporting Iron Kingdom)

The band from left to right: Mike Durenberger, Jeff Igelsrud, Brian Blake, Micah Devereaux, Kurt Johnson, (c) by Eternal Voyager, used with kind permission

Make sure to follow the next steps of the band by taking a look on their website from time to time or connect with them via Facebook.

If you haven't heard them before here's a track taken from the first album "The Battle Of Eternity" to give you a idea of the band's sound.

We at Metal Underdogs also had the chance to talk to Brian Blake a while ago about the first album and how the band came together. You can find the full interview right here.

Interview with Eternal Voyager (2015)

Introduction

Eternal Voyager came to me as a sort of good surprise. Being someone who grew up with the old classic bands from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal I always loved the old style that these bands represent with their classic songs. Just think of Judas Priest with their Screaming for Vengeance album or Iron Maiden's Piece of mind.

Of course times have changed ever since. It's good to see things evolve - these days productions sound very different, much brighter, heavier and often brutal. But it's always running through my head that I still love the old way of doing records.

Eternal Voyager seems to be the answer to what I am longing for. They keep their traditionell Power Metal in the old fashioned way of songwriting and production. For example there are songs on their album "The Battle of Eternity" that repeat the theme that is presented at the beginning of the track at the very end of it again. I instantly had to think of the old Omen albums again.

Eternal Voyager 2015, (c) by Eternal Voyager used with kind permission

I gave the album some spins and was so curious to find out more about them that I asked the band for a interview. I am glad guitarist and vocalist Brian Blake took the time to answer my questions in a very extended way. Get to know more about how the album came together, the myterious man on the front cover of the album and what they are going to do next.

The Interview

Heavy Metal Underdogs: 
The production on the CD sounds very oldschool. I love this, today's albums are often overproduced in my eyes/ears. I grew up with the old sound so I prefer it. Was the old-school production form something you had clearly on your mind as you went into the studio or how did it all come together?

Brian Blake:
It was a natural thing that happened it wasn’t really planned but it came out that way because of the producer’s style. I too enjoy the old school sound and production to albums. But this time around it was not planned out this way. Of course there are a lot things I would like to change but it captured the songs well enough.

The band underwent a lot of line-up changes and is already around since 1998. How did you manage to keep up the motivation?

It went through a lot of lineup changes for various reasons mostly because many people just didn’t make the cut or ended up with life and musical differences, which is a natural thing that happens. It has never been easy because I have been the original member having to carry the weight of the band through all of it and it was very hard; there were many times that I wanted to give up but I kept going. This new lineup has given me a newfound hope and positive outlook on the future of this band. The album itself finally getting recorded was very motivating and gave me more confidence because prior to that we never had the right people all of those years and I was never successful in getting a good professional recording done.

Did the fans maybe also took part in this by constantly requesting new shows or recordings?

Yes there were a few that followed us somewhat distantly through the years but we made a lot more new fans when the album came out because it was a solid recording . For about 4 years before the making of the album we had a big gap of silence due to lineup complications and member issues.

As for the lyrics of "The Battle of Eternity" - does it have a concept behind it? Is there also a relation to the cover artwork?