IMPERIA Guitarist:

IMPERIA Guitarist: "I Believe We Have A Lot Of Different Elements In Our Music..."

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Boasting the versatile, multi-dimensional voice of Helena Iren Michaelsen, IMPERIA has given birth to Queen Of Light.

While often put in the “atmospheric metal” realm, Imperia truly defies simple categorization. Its keyboard-laden music lends itself to a sense of grandiosity, while the guitars anchor the group’s music into a strong rock/metal base.

“I believe we have a lot of different elements in our music and that makes it hard to categorize,” said guitarist Jan “Örkki” Yrlund. “Quite often bands with female singers are described as ‘gothic metal’ but I don't believe that does any justice. In our music we do have fast and slow songs, atmospheric songs, but also fast up-tempo songs. The most recognizable part is the voice of Helena, which is truly remarkable. She can do everything from high soprano voice to deep grunts.”

During the recording of the album Michaelsen gave birth to a daughter, giving the title of the album a deeper meaning. “For Helena the album title has a symbolic meaning and refers to the birth of her daughter Angel,” said Yrlund. “Helena was pregnant while we were doing the first vocal parts, and later when finishing her parts she had already given birth. She wanted to record a piece of the crying of her daughter as well, so you can hear her on the intro to the song ‘Queen Of Light'.”

Spread out through Europe - Michaelsen and keyboardist Audun Gronnestad in Norway, Yrlund in Finland, guitarist John Stam in Holland, drummer Steve Wolz in Germany, and bassist Gerry Verstreken in Belgium - the group does it's songwriting in home studios.

“We send a lot of files around through the internet,” Yrlund said. “When we have decided which songs we will record, we get together and head for the studio. The songs on the latest album are written by me and our keyboard wizard Audun but everybody’s role is equally important in the recording process.”

Queen Of Light is available through Locomotive Music.