Crystal Throne are soon releasing their sophomore album, and Myth of Rock is excited, since “Chantry of Sacrifice” is a great progressive heavy/power metal record! The album’s melodies and dynamics will take you by surprise, and if you like bands such as Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, Symphony X, etc., you will love this new release! As you can understand, we got in contact with Crystal Throne, and vocalist Terry DeFire gave us his interesting answers. Support this highly aspiring French band and read what we discussed in this interview!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
First of all, congratulations on the new single! How has the response to “Children of The Ruins” been so far? Why did you choose “Children of The Ruins” as the first single from the new album?
Reactions have been really good so far. “Children of the Ruins” is the first song of the album and helps set the tone for the whole story so we thought it was a good choice of an introduction for the public.
Your upcoming new album, “Chantry of Sacrifice”, is a concept one. Why did you decide to release a concept album now? What’s the concept story about? What inspired this concept? Was it difficult to write a full science fiction concept album?
It surely was a bold choice so early in the band’s career but we were inspired, so why not? The story takes the listener in an apocalyptic future, in the year 5051 where the earth is gone and Hÿldr, who is both the hero of the story and the mascot of the band has to travel through time for the sake of humanity. Max (our guitar player) came with the whole scenario and I elaborated on the emotional side of the story, I know he likes some sci-fi video games so some of his inspiration might come from there. Difficult, not really. Max and myself were inspired and the ideas came pretty easily.
How do you balance storytelling with writing memorable songs?
You got to find a way to make it not too descriptive and write mainly from a first-person perspective. At least that is how I do it. Also, I took some time in my writing, trying to incorporate a poetic approach to the story and yet make sure words kind of rhyme all the while being careful with my melodies and hooks.
How has Crystal Throne evolved since your debut album?
We matured a lot and found ourselves a whole lot more between the 2 releases. We pushed the boundaries of both musical technicality and melody. This album was thought out a whole lot more than the first one and it shows greatly. The production is also a huge step up. We also moved away a little bit from the straight forward heroic themes to still keep that spirit but with a sense of drama on this concept album.
Which bands had the biggest influence on the sound of Crystal Throne?
There are many from Fates Warning to Savatage, Queensrÿche, Yngwie Malmsteen, Symphony X, Saxon, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Crimson Glory and many others.
The album combines classic heavy metal with power metal and progressive metal elements. How would you describe your sound with your own words?
I think you did a good job! Haha! Hard to put a tag to our music but your description is fine as we take influences from all of those styles.
Which song on the album surprised you the most, while composing or recording it?
I think that the last one “Sleeping in the Void” is the most “out there”, it is very different from anything we did prior to this one. A very dark, slow and theatrical song that will probably surprise everyone. But there are many surprises in this album and Max has expanded his songwriting way beyond the limits of traditional heavy metal.
Tell us about the songwriting process. Does everyone contribute ideas?
First, Max writes the instrumentals, then I come with the vocal melodies, harmonies and lyrics. Then John writes his own solos too later.
When and where was the new album recorded? Who did the production, the mixing and mastering?
We recorded it at home. Max took the needed time for that over stretched periods of time sometime between 2022 and 2023 if I remember correctly. We then both isolated ourselves in a countryside house where I did my vocal demos in 6 days and we then re-recorded them clean in a treated room. Then everything was sent to the mixing/mastering to Flavien Morel.
Is this new album self-released? If yes, why is that?
It is. Nowadays a lot of bands work this way so why wait for a label that never comes with a good offer?
Let’s talk about the album cover! Who designed it? How is it connected with the album’s concept?
It was done by Zsofia Dankova who worked for many other bands such as Powerwolf, Michael Schenker etc. The artwork depicts our mascot Hÿldr who also happens to be the main protagonist of the story in Chantry of Sacrifice. She was also on the cover of the first album. You can see the effect of a time paradox in action, as the album is centered around time traveling and the whole sci-fi atmosphere is well depicted in Szofia’s great work here, full of small details… We love what she did for us!
Your live shows are known for their futuristic visuals, lasers and smoke effects. How important is the visual side of Crystal Throne?
Very important! As much as possible, we want to give a great spectacle to the audience. For us, just playing and standing there is really not enough. If you come to see us, expect a full sonic AND VISUAL experience!
If “Chantry of Sacrifice” became a movie, who would you love to direct it?
Oh… Great question! Maybe Denis Villeneuve who did Blade Runner 2049 but that’s a bit unrealistic, haha!
What does power/progressive heavy metal mean to you today?
The freedom to write intricate yet very emotional songs without limitations on our creativity. Obviously the powerful, epic delivery of heavy metal and some darker, moodier elements, dynamics and some virtuosity stuck between catchier big choruses. At least that is how WE do it.
How difficult is it for a power/progressive metal band to stand out in today’s music scene?
It’s not necessarily the style that makes you stick out, but how intensely you deliver it, how good your songs truly are. Yet at the same time, metal is always a niche thing anyway. Especially for us in a country like France, so it is an actual challenge but that’s the music we feel in our hearts so…
Is there a dream festival or tour that you would love to be part of?
Oh yeah, many actually! Any of the big names such as Wacken, Alcatraz, Graspop, etc. but also for example opening for a band like Savatage, Queensrÿche or even Saxon… Hey who knows what the future holds! Haha!
If you could collaborate with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and why?
So many… John Sykes, Chuck Schuldiner, Uli John Roth, Midnight from Crimson Glory, Ann Wilson, Rusty Cooley, Simon Phillips, Steve DiGiorgio, Jeff Loomis, Michael Romeo, Akira Takasaki, Andy Laroque, Jeff Waters and many more!
What message would you like listeners to take away after hearing the album from beginning to end?
Well, if you’ve enjoyed the album, come to see us live, you won’t be disappointed! Subscribe to our newsletter if you don’t want to miss out on our tour dates as social medias make it difficult with posts visibility. Hope to meet all of you, so don’t hesitate to say hello and have a drink with the band.
What can fans expect from Crystal Throne in the months following the album’s release? Do you have any plans to tour outside France?
Absolutely! Here are the coming dates so far:
Germany:
21/10 Koln – MTC Booking
22/10 Oberhausen
23/10 Frankfurt – Black Haze bar
Switzerland:
24/10 Olten – Heavy Sound Bar
France:
25/10 Lyon Rock ‘n Eat
Belgium:
29/10 Modave – Les Deux Ours
France:
28/11 Paris – Nouveau Casino (Release Party)
Finally, do you have a message for the readers of Myth of Rock?
Thanks for having taken the time to read this interview, and thanks a lot for all the people that already support us!
You can check our music and by all our stuff on Bandcamp:
https://crystalthrone.bandcamp.com/
And you can subscribe to our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/crystalthronetrve
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@crystalthroneofficial
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/crystalthronetrve
Thanks to Myth of Rock also, let the metal flow and support your favorite up and coming bands because as much as we love our good old classics, time takes its toll and they won’t be there forever, and the scene needs new heavy metal bands to grow to the top! Cheers and keep the faith!
