Written Interview: Lanvall of Edenbridge (Symphonic Metal)

Edenbridge is a Symphonic band that has been swooning fans for 19 years. With their signature blend of Symphonics, Power Metal, and Prog; the band continues to innovate with their 9th album, the Great Momentum, which is available now through Steamhammer/SPV. Just yesterday I got to ask Edenbridge mastermind, Lanvall, a few questions that I've had on my mind.


That Drummer Guy- Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview.
Lanvall- Thank you for the interview!

TDG- The new album from Edenbridge, The Great Momentum is available now through Steamhammer/SPV. Since it’s been out for a couple weeks now, how has the album reception been so far?
L- The album just charted in the most important markets of the world. Germany, Switzerland, Uk and USA. The feeling is wonderful. I am totally happy with the new album, as I really believe it is our best production up to date. The whole album development process was great. From the first demos to the real drums, the real vocals, the orchestra and then the mix and mastering. Every little steps that tops the previous ones.
TDG- How did The Great Momentum come to be? How did the writing process start?
L- Right after our last studio album “The Bonding” I wanted to do something different musically. In 2010 Sabine and I played a short acoustic showcase in Hanoi (Vietnam), just piano and vocals. This was really inspiring, so we founded VOICIANO, the acoustic project. Only acoustic instruments were allowed to use, so no drums, electric guitars and keyboards. I recorded most of the piano parts live without clicktracks and then everything followed. In 2014 we released our first album “Everflow”. After that I had the idea to do a History DVD about the first 15 years of our career. In the end I sat over 1 year in the cutting room and out came a 9 hours documentary on 6 DVD´s called “A Decade And A Half...The History So far”. In Spring 2015 I immediately started writing the new studio album “the Great Momentum” which also took me one year in the writing and arranging process. And apart from that I have been composing for a big Austrian TV documentary since 2014 called “Above Austria”, where Austria is shown from the helicopter perspective. This is a project that is planned till 2020! So you see, I didn't get bored in all those years between our 2 studio albums. It took me one year of writing and arranging. In June we recorded the drums and after that I spent the whole summer of recording in my own studio. That all was a very relaxing process this time and made a lot of fun. After a 3 weeks holidays break, I went to England to Karl Groom (Threshold) for the mix, which was a great process again. It is the 5th album we have been done together now and the collaboration is always awesome. Finally Mika Jussila put the final touches on the album on mastering in Finnvox.


TDG- Did the recording process go smooth this time around?
L- Recordings were awesome. We allowed ourselves a longer period for the recordings not to get to any major stress. Johannes, our new drummer recorded his parts in just 9 hours, which was unbelievable. I cannot think of any other recordings where we had so much fun as on this album.
TDG- Are there any particular songs that stick out to you on The Great Momentum?
L- They are all like children to me of course. But the long track “The Greatest Gift Of All” is maybe the most important one, cause it always takes so much time to create something like this.. From the smoothest, mellowest parts to the orchestral blast beat inferno, you find nearly everything in those 12 minutes.

TDG- The band has had it’s fair share of epics over the years. How did The Greatest Gift Of All come to be the latest epic?
L- I had the intro riff in the drawer for a long, long time. Finally it came to life now, also the verses and the chorus. Then I got stuck. I knew this cannot be the end of the song and it had to continue. Then the orchestral part came into my mind and then everything went quite fast. One part inspired me to the next one. A fantastic journey.
TDG- When it comes to your own recorded moments with Edenbridge, did you add any new gear or sounds to the album?

L- Yes, we did. This time we also used a different rhythm guitar sound, which means another amp, which supports our seven string guitars a lot better. When you have a huge orchestra, huge choirs, they are all fighting against each other in terms of frequencies. Therefore all is a lot clearer and heavier. Sabine also sounds extremely powerful on the new one. Just have a listen to the verses of “Return to Grace”, simply amazing!
TDG- Now that album is out with great reception, what is next for the band?
L- We just returned from The 70.000 tons of metal festival, which was the adventure of a lifetime and simply overwhelming. What a great festival! Meeting old friends and bands we haven't seen for years and with whom we toured years ago like Angra, Axxis and Saltatio Mortis. Hopefully we can add some more shows this year. There is one exclusive UK show for August planned. The rest remains to be seen, but I don't want to wait too long to start collecting ideas for the next album.
TDG- When you are not focused on Edenbridge, how do you like to spend your free time?
L- In winter I am addicted to skiing. It´s simply great to get your batteries loaded in the fresh mountain air and focusing on your drive and swings. I love the mountains in summer too of course, when hiking. But the music and management of the band is taking a lot of my time.
TDG- Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview. I am thoroughly enjoying The Great Momentum; quite possibly my favorite Edenbridge album to date. Before we are done, is there anything else you would like to mention that I haven’t brought up yet?
L- Thanks to our fans for the great support.


Edenbridge- The Great Momentum is available NOW through Steamhammer/SPV

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