Hi there, how are you today?
Greetings! We are absolutely magical, thank you!
Must be hectic getting everything ready for the release of “Heroes of Might and Magic” and touring for the album, eh?
Well, since the album has now been out for a little while, we can testify to the fact that things were indeed hectic, and they have not ceased to be either. We are now hard at work preparing for the upcoming tour, and completing all other chores and quests following the release.
We are still about a week from the release, at what point does it hit you that it’s really getting out there?
As already mentioned, the album was released a while ago; but we’re not sure it has even hit us to this day. We were so immersed in the making of the album, that it has been difficult to detach oneself from the creative mindset and adapt to every day life again. However, it was truly a relief to finally present all our hard work and spell crafting to the mortal world.
“Heroes of Might and Magic” much like your first album “Tales of Ancient Prophecies” is a concept album of magic and fantasy, can you tell us a bit about the story on this one?
Conceptually, we have put a lot of time and effort into unveiling the lore and tales of our realm, The Twilight Kingdoms, and much of what was hitherto held in mystery is finally revealed on Heroes of Mighty Magic. The songs on the album does not really collectively follow a specific timeline or a given storyline, but are rather a collection of tales derived from ancient as well as contemporary legends from The Twilight Kingdoms. So prepare for a magical journey across mythical kingdoms and through arcane prophecies!
Where do you start when it comes to writing a full story album like this? Do you almost have to write a storyboard and go from there?
Maybe both yes and no. Since most of the tales are standalone fragments from the history of The Twilight Kingdoms, we can pretty much tailor and fit the stories to match the songs as they take shape. And since we always compose and arrange the music before we implement any lyrics, the music acts as a sparkling gateway to what the song should portray and express in terms of lyrical themes. So, following the mood of the music, the lyrical theme and tale of a particular song pretty much manifests itself naturally.
Making all the instrumentals, vocals and lyrics work together in a story element must take an astounding amount of time, how do you begin the works on each song and decide what works and what doesn’t?
It takes a long time indeed. But it is an exciting journey, and the sense of fulfillment after completing a demanding arrangement is enormously satisfying. It is a remarkably long research from the first spark of a rudimentary incantation to a finished spell and song. However, the initial writing process is often a rather swift endeavour, believe it or not. What takes time is the meticulously detailed arranging of musical elements, perfecting melodies and lyrics as well as going back and forth with a myriad of ideas, sounds and instrumentations until it all comes together in magical harmony. We are however blessed in this respect, since most of the composing takes place in our own studio The Twilight Forge, where we can spend countless hours experimenting until perfection. In regards to composing; it often begins with a melody or a theme. And we find that working around an orchestra and the piano often yields the most pleasing results, and is the most efficient way to summon different motifs and experiment with different timbres.
What is the recording process like? Having all the normal instrumentals plus the orchestration must take a ton of time to get ready and put together in the studio.
Yes, that is true, it does take aeons. The groundwork of the songs are composed by Lynd and Blackwald, and when the basic structures are all laid out, we begin the thorough work of adding elements and details layer by layer. Live instruments are all added as we go along, and things build up over time. But to be as efficient as possible, and to optimise the results, we always make thorough pre-productions of all live instruments. So when the time comes for all members to actually record the final takes, there is no hesitation as to what is supposed to be played or sung at any given moment or part.
As Twilight Force picks up a following and gets bigger, do you see yourself organising a full production stage show much like Dio use to do and King Diamond continues to do?
Absolutely, the possibilities are endless, and it would be fantastic to be able to offer an absolutely exquisite and magical experience to our followers. Live performances are an integral part of what we are, and we do what we can with the means currently at our disposal to make our performances unforgettable, mirthful and emotional. But we also have many ideas and future plans; so it is an ever-evolving journey indeed. To some day be able to hatch a dragonling or summon an imp on stage would truly be a heartwarming and thrilling experience.
On the note of stage shows, what are the current tour plans? Head around Europe and maybe make it across into America and Canada?
We actually have much touring ahead of us, something which we very much look forward to! The first tour begins in just a couple of weeks; and is a glorious journey across Europe with our esteemed brethren in Sonata Arctica. This will be our second tour with them; they are amazing people and exceptional musicians, so it will certainly be a joyful adventure! We will also go on tour with our revered friends in Sabaton early next year, supporting together with Accept. We are humbled to have been bestowed with this honourable quest, and to go on such a long tour with friends that you have known for such a long time, is truly a privilege. As for travelling to different continents, that is something that only the Book of Time can tell.
Sweden is full of astounding Metal bands, I’m sure you’re friends with plenty of them, what do you aim to do to stand out from the rest of them?
Well, as you say, there certainly are thirteen metal bands a dozen in this winter-ridden realm of ours, and it sure is difficult to differentiate yourself from the crowd, if that is something one wants to do. However, we are not afraid of simply maintaining our set course and do what we enjoy and what the prophecies has foretold. If we were to consciously deviate from our given path to please others or to stand out, chances are we would lose ourselves, the magical core of our music, and the reasons for why we embarked on this journey to begin with. It is our hopes that our music and tales will in time speak for themselves and continue to bring keen ears to accompany us on our voyages through the voids of magicka and time.
How do you build a setlist around concept albums? Do you pick songs that work together as a story from each of the releases?
Good question. That is actually something we have not yet given much thought. The setlist is rather worked out in a more pragmatic and earthly manner. We must consider the dramaturgical flow of the performance, and make sure that the concert retains an emotionally adequate progression. And also, since every performance undeniably takes a slight physical toll on all of us, we have to somewhat form the setlist so that we are able to deliver the best possible performances despite the demanding instrumental and vocal work.
Last but not least, do you have any secret little facts fans may not know about the band?
A true wizard never reveals his secrets. However, there was a rumour in the village tavern that the prophecies of Twilight Force might perhaps be even older than the ancient scrolls indicate…oh well…one shan’t pay heed to the silly gibberish of drunkards…
Thanks you very much for your time, all the best in the release of “Heroes of Might and Magic” and I hope to catch you in Canada sometime soon!
It is us who shall extend our deepest gratitudes to you for your interest in our modest endeavours! Thank you!!
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