1. To kick things off Tell our audience about your new release?
Chantry of Sacrifice is our 2nd album and will be released octobre 2. It’s a Heavy metal concept album taking you through a dramatic sci-fi journey filled with plenty of ballsy riffs, soaring vocals, big choruses and kickass shredding leads! If you’re into bands like Savatage, Judas Priest, Queensrÿche etc , expect a good kick in the ass 😉
2. Do you feel the pressure to release standalone singles instead of full length concept albums?
Actually we do it both. We released our first single on YouTube for the record named CHILDREN OF THE RUINS , and it’s a good introduction to the vibe of the album. We release the new one September 16 so by the time people read this interview it will probably already be available! That being said, we still believe in the strength within full albums, this one being a full concept , we really worked and ambiances and details to take the listener through the whole journey and we accompany the narrative of the record with an audio book that we are just finishing. It will be divided in several chapters.
3. If you had to describe the sound of your Band to someone who hasn’t heard you yet: What would you say?
Powerful, melodic and intricate. Think of the early wave of Progressive heavy metal : Bands like Savatage, Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, Fates Warning mixed with heavier and slightly more modern elements , and of course the good old classics like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, Yngwie Malmsteen, Megadeth or Jason Becker for the more technical aspects. We believe in pushing the boundaries of musicality without sacrificing the emotional aspects and the catchiness of classic heavy metal.
4. How has the songwriting evolved with the band over the years? What does that process look like for you lately?
Max and myself were mainly inspired by this NWOTHM wave as it is known these days , bands like Riot City, Eternal Champion, Striker… It gave us confidence in starting something together. At the time we didn’t think much, we both wanted to start quickly and not think much , just rock. Our main influences were a bit more traditional heavy metal bands like Manowar, Judas Priest and some of the early American power bands. Over time, we kind of moved into a more elaborate style that sounds a lot more like ourselves. We still bear similarities with our influences of course but we grew a lot on Chantry of Sacrifice! Heavier , darker yet melodically way more controlled. More technical on one side yet catchier on the other, especially through bigger choruses. As a singer I also had more opportunities to show different aspects of my capacities and range and dig deeper into the emotional side of my voice
5. What was the hardest track on your latest release to record, and why?
On my part : As opposed to the first album where everything was done in a rush with barely any second take , we took our time to deliver the best takes possible! So the sessions were longer but I wouldn’t say that one particular song was harder than another. But for sure, the latest track “Sleeping in the Void” was insanely long to record! There are so many different tracks, especially those Gregorian chants where I laid many octaves, harmonies and layering… That was almost a composition by itself! Haha For the other guys, I am almost 100% positive that the most challenging one was “Insurgent Outcry”… Listen to that one, even just the intro has killer sweeping lines on both guitar and 6 string bass! The drumming on that one is insane as well, and the middle section has that J.S Bach coming back in some zombie form if you will, pure madness… That song is not far removed from the very technical Death Metal stuff, something not too far removed from a mixture between Nevermore, Symphony X and Necrophagist. We have a playthrough video of the intro to the song on our YouTube channel, it’s worth a check if you want to check one of the aspects of what you’ll find on this album
6. What are some of the recurring themes or messages you find yourself exploring in your lyrics?
Heroic values, bravery and strength in spite of dreadful situations. The whole struggle of the different emotions we humans go through when life and survival is at stake, doubts and faith,the paradoxes and contradictions in one’s convictions. In this case the whole story is seen through the eyes of the band’s mascot “Hÿldr” who is both strong and benevolent in nature but goes through a lot of situations deeply shaking her convictions which for me is interesting as it reveals her softer side and vulnerability. That sense of drama is way more interesting to me than your cliche heroic themes, and allows for more connection between the listener and the main character
7. What is one song you’ve written that you feel captures the absolute core identity of the band?
For the 1st album I would say “Steelbirds”. For this one , it’s harder to say, the album being more diverse in vibes! Our first single “Children of the Ruins” might be a good introduction though and contains mainly elements of what constitutes the Crystal Throne style.
8. Do you find your energy translates better in an intimate club style venue or a massive festival setting?
We haven’t been on massive stages so far, I’ll have to tell you when we’ll headline Wacken open Air !Haha I’d say that it is easier to present ourselves on bigger stages because we invest in bigger stage production elements such as big smokes machines with lights, lazer, costumes etc and it allows us to move more! But the proximity to the public that smaller clubs provide is cool too
9. Who are the unsung heroes of your musical development? Who inspired you to pick up your instrument in the first place?
Damn, way too many! For me as a vocalist, people like Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, Geoff Tate, Midnight from Crimson Glory, Ray Alder, John Arch, Matt Barlow, Jon Oliva, Glenn Hugues, Tony Martin, Mark Boals, Klaus Meine and many others! I know that both our guitarists Max And John are found of Yngwie Malmsteen, John Sykes, Marty Friedman and Jason Becker, Michael Romeo, Mathias Eklundh, those kinds of players Our bassist Jeff really loves players like Alex Webster from cannibal corpse or Steve Digiorgio among others. I couldn’t tell you who the big influences are for our drummer , Will besides Phil Collins but he has quite a wide array of technical capacities which is essential to our style, from classic heavy metal beats to more contemporary approches
10. If you could sit down and collaborate with any Artist or Band right now, who would be at the top of your list and Why?
Personally , Rusty Cooley on the guitar, Ann Wilson on vocals, Steve Digiorgio on bass and Gene Hoglan on the drums. I could go on forever, but let’s just keep that dream team! Once again , hard to talk for my comrades but I am sure Max would love to collaborate with Mathias Eklundh, John with Klaus Meine or anyone in the Scorpions , Jeff maybe with a band like Origins, Pestilence or Necrophagist. As for Will, I don’t even dare talking in his name haha
11. How would you describe the evolution of your sound from your early demos to this current release ?
Our first demo was a song called “Crimson Dawn” and had a very Manowar kinda riffing, very warrior-like. The songs on our new album are definitely more developed in style , identify, musicality and chops… And the production is light years away of even the first album! Way bigger , stronger on the lower end and yet very clear all throughout!
12. Are there any endorsements or gear brands you’re currently working with that you’d like to shout out?
If anything, we are looking for it at the moment, so if anybody is interested in collaborating with us, don’t hesitate to send us an email!
13. What does your tour calendar look like? Any big shows or festivals we should be made aware of?
We will be on tour in October! Dates are as follows: 10/21:Germany – Koln, MTC Booking 10/22:Germany – Oberhausen 10/23:Germany – Frankfurt, Black Haze bar 10/24: Switzerland – Olten, Heavy Sound Bar 10/25: France – Lyon, Rock ‘n Eat 10/29:Belgium – Modave, Les 2 Ours 11/28: France – Paris, Nouveau Casino ( Release party )
14. With the digital streaming landscape making it harder for artists, what do you feel is the best way for fans to truly support bands right now?
But physical! CDs, Vynil, T-shirts… Merch. And GO TO THE SHOWS! No technology will ever replace the rush of energy you get from a good old loud heavy metal gig with friends and human interactions
15.Who came up with the name for the band ?
I did
16. What is your YouTube and LinkTree or Online Link ?
Our Bandcamp : https://crystalthrone.bandcamp.com/ , YouTube : https://youtube.com/@crystalthroneofficial , Instagram : Instagram.com/crystalthronetrve
16. What is your YouTube and LinkTree or Online Link ?
Our Bandcamp: YouTube: Instagram:
