ZEPHYRA INTERVIEW - VarietyOfDeathZine
Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Since we got back home from the recordings in Italy, all the focus has been on getting all the things around the album done; Listening to mixes and masters, booklet, promotion etc. On top of that, we´ve been rehearsing the new album to prepare for promotion gigs and touring.
We have done a couple of changes in the line up since december, and the new guys are really doing a great job with the new songs. New blood also gives an extra energy boost!
We have done a couple of changes in the line up since december, and the new guys are really doing a great job with the new songs. New blood also gives an extra energy boost!
How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new recording and also how does it differ from the demo and 2 EP's you had released previously?
We always get to hear that our music is a bit hard to put a tag on, and we find that very complimenting. The main big influences are taken from thrash, power and melodic death. All that mixed together, with a big pinch of growls and pretty rare clean vocals, creates the Zephyra sound.
On our first demo, ’Behave’, we had not found that specific sound we wanted. The first real EP, ’First Blood’, produced by Mathias Lodmalm (who also helped Åsa explore her vocal range) was released in 2012. It contained 4 songs, all of them in the right direction. The EP ’Kämpaglöd’ was self produced and released in February 2013. This was actually the first time that we really felt that we had achieved what we were going for as far as song writing and arrangement goes. The fact is, that it was the songs on ’Kämpaglöd’ that gave us our record deal. Gotta mean something, right? ;)
On our first demo, ’Behave’, we had not found that specific sound we wanted. The first real EP, ’First Blood’, produced by Mathias Lodmalm (who also helped Åsa explore her vocal range) was released in 2012. It contained 4 songs, all of them in the right direction. The EP ’Kämpaglöd’ was self produced and released in February 2013. This was actually the first time that we really felt that we had achieved what we were going for as far as song writing and arrangement goes. The fact is, that it was the songs on ’Kämpaglöd’ that gave us our record deal. Gotta mean something, right? ;)
What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Mental Absolution is a compilation of emotions. All the lyrics are related to self experienced things like burn outs, fear of failure and betrayals. Tony does most of the song writing and also writes the lyrics, along with Åsa. We don´t typically have lyrics about fiction, it´s only one song on the album that can fit in that category. The rest of the songs are based on true self experienced emotions and events. Many songs have been written while being on a vacation or holiday, when you get the time to relax, think back, and the emotions are flowing. The guitar is almost always brought along for a quick spontaneous song writing moment.
What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ’Zephyra'?
This question is wonderful to answer! In the dictionary, Zephyra means ’west wind’. That is beautiful itself, but for us, that wasn´t the purpose of the choice of band name. Åsa and Tony´s dogs name is Zaphira, and back when we started the band, Åsa simply did a modification on Zaphira´s name: Zephyra. We´ve been happy with the name all along, and it has stuck to us since then.
What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Best shows? Gonna have to say that playing at the festival Metaltown, in Gothenburg 2012, was a great experience and a lot of fun. Playing a show at Big Bang Rock Club last year was also great. Superb backstage/dressing room as well!
Our stage performance is kind of intense. Åsa has a lot of energy on stage, and she loves to release all of her theatrical faces up there! :P We always deliver a 100%, since it´s what the audience deserves.
Do you have any touring or show plans for the new release?
Yes indeed! The bookings have started, and we want to bring Zephyra and Mental Absolution to the masses. The plan is to promote the album in- and outside Sweden.
The new album comes out on WormHoleDeath Records, do you feel this label has been very helpful when it comes to getting your music out there heard?
They have been like a fifth member of Zephyra in some sense, all the way from the beginning. When we got the offer from WormHoleDeath last year, we didn´t accept it right away. We thought about it carefully and at the same time we tried to feel what the label was about. We wanted a label that could help us break new ground and reach out to more people world wide.
The commitment and engagement they have showed us during our time together makes us believe that we did a very good choice to sign with them.
The commitment and engagement they have showed us during our time together makes us believe that we did a very good choice to sign with them.
On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the newer music by fans of extreme and melodic metal?
We have only released one song from the album so far as the album is not out yet. The song, ’Undone’, that we made a promotion video for, has gotten some great response world wide.
That song in particular can interest people that like the more progressive and melodic death metal music.
It´s gonna be interesting to see what people think of the album as a whole when it comes out. It´s not like all songs on the album is like Undone, quite the contrary. Undone is only one slice of the Zephyra pie! Wow, that almost sounded poetic, haha!
That song in particular can interest people that like the more progressive and melodic death metal music.
It´s gonna be interesting to see what people think of the album as a whole when it comes out. It´s not like all songs on the album is like Undone, quite the contrary. Undone is only one slice of the Zephyra pie! Wow, that almost sounded poetic, haha!
Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
More is the key word! Our upcoming album Mental Absolution is new for the general public, but for us the songs are already old in a sense. Of course we love the songs and are dying to play them live for everyone, but as far as song writing process goes, we have moved on. New songs are already being written, we have like 4 songs that are in the demo stage. The new songs are similar to the ones in Mental Absolution but they have a more electronic vibe to them. It´s too early the tell how it will sound in the end. It also depends on how Mental Absolution is received, and what lessons we can learn from it.
What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We listen mostly to the same music we always have listened to, with a few newcomers popping in from time to time. It can be anything from Metallica, Blind Guardian, Morgana Lefay, The Agonist, Gamma Ray, to Evergrey, Dark Tranquillty, Kamelot and Nightwish to name a few. All of these bands influence us, some more than others. The main core is that it have to have melodies in it.
Even if it´s bad ass hard stuff, it has to have som kind of hook to it.
Even if it´s bad ass hard stuff, it has to have som kind of hook to it.
What are some of your non musical interests?
Åsa and Tony like to play video games. They are real Battlefield nerds! Other interests among the band members are motorcycles, traveling and decoration.
Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
All of you guys: Be sure to hit our merchshop in the beginning of september. There will be an awesome bundle for pre ordering the new album! Find it at www.zephyra.se
Cheers mates, and as always, thanks for the support!
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