Visions Of Atlantis

( Giugno 2007 )

Ironic and concise. She’s the new voice of Austrian, symphonic metal band, Vision Of Atlantis; Melissa Ferlaak. And in between questions, stands out a matter about the unglamorous life of the rockstars..

Hi, how are you? Nice interview you…before starting can you introduce the members?

Hi! Doing good and thanks for the interview! Well, I’m Melissa (the girl), then there is Mario (the boy singer), Wolf K (the string section), Mike (the bass section), Tom (Percussion) and Martin (all things keys).

: Is it possible to label Vision of Atlantis, as a melodic / symphonic power / gothic metal?

Yup, that would be possible as well as correct.

Well, let’s start talking about the new brand album “Trinity”. First of all, why you chosen this title; is it a concept album or not?

Throughout many, if not all, major belief systems the number three has held significant value. The most obvious, which inundates us is that of the Christian representation. Another obvious is that of the three faces of the Goddess within Pagan cultures. HOWEVER, this album is not a Christian album nor is it a Pagan album NOR is it that of any specific religion. Perfect balance, perfect unity is that held within the number three. Finally throughout the history of Visions of Atlantis, have we found this perfection within our group. Yes, it is the third album, yes there have been three member changes, but the real significance lies in that of the balance this band now holds. This album is representative of the band

The album is called “Trinity”, so choose three adjectives to describe the album

Heavy, human/real, matur

How was the work (songwriting, composing process...) behind “Trinity”?

Wolf has been the primary one to influence the style differences you will hear now with Trinity.  I joined up after most of the new songs had been at least partially written.  And they were already quite different.  Then Martin was brought on after me who brought in yet another nice songwriting element. So I think with the evolution changes from the existing members together with the addition of the new members, we were able to create what you can hear now in VoA.

Our method was different in that the guys would send over files via an FTP site. I would then record my parts on top and send it back. It went like this for many months before actually sitting down and churning out the final recordings

You’ll start the North America’s tour on september, supporting Epica...

This is correct. It will be great to play my home country again and Epica are great musicians.

You also played with great band as Xandria, and Endenbridge, Elis, Lacuna Coil, Katatonia...

Katatonia? I don’t think VoA has ever played with Lacuna Coil either…I have with my past band though. But yet, we are great friends with Xandria and Edenbridge now after playing some lovely tours with them.

In the wide territory of metal, which place, you think you occupy

Symphonic Metal. Firmly placed.

Behind your back you have two albums “Eternal endless infinity” and “Cast away” (personally I really enjoyed the second one), but you have a great success. What’s your secret??? ;-

We sold our souls to the devil. Haha, kidding! Just having great music in our minds and putting all our efforts into it.  That is what truly makes something successful, is if you believe in it and just go for it.

What’s your thought about people that illegally download music

Haha, have you read my blog. It isn’t that I blame people. Honestly, people think all musicians make millions of dollars thanks to shit like MTV. Through the organization I work for, VoA and Epica are going to be part of an education program called Backstage Pass: The Business of a Rock Band. This is a month long, online program that will educate people of the music business and what it really is like being in this business and the sacrifices we have had to make. It is a free program and will be available starting September 10th at www.mnshubert.org/backstagepass.   We will certainly address downloading and really show you all how unglamorous this life is! Haha!

What about future projects?

We have already started working on music for the next album. Also we hope to do more touring after the US tour…but nothing confirmed yet.

Who are Vision of Atlantis, when they’re not playing or working on a new album

Ha ha, well, working our ‘real’ jobs, spending time with friends and family and living like anyone else. Some of the guys have other bands they play in, I am getting ready for some classical recitals this summer. 

Well the interview is finish, I thank you for your accessibility, and I wish you good luck, for the new album, for the tour, and I wish that VoA could back as soon as possible in Italy for some tour date. Anyway, do you want to say something to THE MURDER INN letters and to your fans?

Thank you all so much for your support and gosh of course we wish to make it to Italy! It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and you are all such wonderful people. Never been an Italian person I didn’t like. J Enjoy Trinity and come say hi on our forum! Hugs

By Bloody Marha.