Come April, Symphonic Metal fans will be receiving a new album from the band Angel Nation. The band, fronted by the brilliant Finnish vocalist, Elina Siirala (also Leaves’ Eyes), will release their new album “Antares” on April 8th. And to give us a taste of what’s to come, Angel Nation released a single with a music video for the song “Seraph” about two weeks ago. The single showed us why Elina Siirala is considered by many as one of the best vocalists in Symphonic Metal.
We had the wonderful chance to chat with Elina, asking her about her new music and getting to know her more through our usual nerdy questions. Here’s FemMetal’s interview with the magnificent Elina Siirala!
Hello, Elina. It’s wonderful to chat with you. How are you doing?
Hey Mirk! Likewise! I’m doing very well thanks.
You are about to release a new album, “Antares”, with Angel Nation. How are you feeling about this new album, and what can you tell your fans to expect to hear in it?
It’s an amazing feeling to finally be releasing Antares! It’s been a very long journey and you can hear this also on the album. As always, the songs are reflections of real-life and over three years there was a lot happening in my life! I had this vision of an army of angels (Seraphim), this defiance and determination that was representing the band…and then it got mixed up with all other elements over time. So you can expect to hear a big variety between songs (similar to the two previous albums), a lot of fire, power and also emotion.
That sounds exciting!
There are plenty of musicians that I became a fan of because I started working on FemMetal, but you are one of the musicians whom I started working on FemMetal because I’m a fan of, and there are plenty of people, like me, who have been inspired by you. Do you enjoy being a role model and an inspiration to people, or do you feel it’s a lot of pressure and prefer focusing on your music only?
As a human being, I don’t see myself as a role model, but I’m extremely grateful and flattered if the work I do as an artist and songwriter inspires people. I also love interacting with people online and giving them updates on what’s going on behind the scenes. I’m very easygoing and love humor, so this is always going to be a part of my social media 😀
In order to get to know you better, and to have some fun, also because I’m a nerd, how about we play a nerdy game? I will set up some alternative universes and give you a scenario and a question about it. Are you ready?
Bring it on!
In a universe where you find yourself the queen of a kingdom, what would be the first legislation you’d make?
I would love to see all artists get fair compensation for the work they do and in general more equality in terms of income across the field of professions. The gap between rich and poor is getting bigger and bigger…
Brilliant! In a universe where you can choose a superpower to possess, would you rather have the ability to teleport from one place to another, or the ability to read minds?
Definitely teleporting! I think it would drive you crazy to know everyone’s thoughts
In a universe where you’re the statue of liberty, what object would you be holding instead of a torch?
Just like in the final scene in “Seraph” music video, it would be a microphone 😀
In a universe where people pay for things they buy by making people laugh, not money, how rich would you be considered?
This probably depends on whom you ask haha, but I would definitely be a millionaire
In a universe where the sense of taste and sense of hearing got somehow mixed up in the human body, what food would Angel Nation’s music taste like?
It would be the perfect combo of sweet and sour 😉
In a universe where songs come to life and become humans, which song from “Antares” would be your best friend?
“Where the future lies”…positive, supportive with a forward-looking attitude.
Thank you for playing, Elina! Hope you enjoyed this!
Do you remember the first time you performed in front of a live audience? How did it feel?
I remember the very first time I performed as a singer in a classical concert and before that I performed many times playing and of course during my studies in London. But I’m guessing you mean AngelNation 🙂 It felt unreal, finally performing the songs I wrote in my bedroom with an actual band! And the reaction from the audience was so encouraging… I definitely remember that moment!
Have you ever been treated in a sexist manner? How would you have sexism and what advice would you give to young people who deal with any kind of discrimination?
Yes for sure. There are many reasons for this behavior and none of them is great, but sometimes it stems from insecurity, envy and frustration. It’s always the problem of the person acting this way and I find that it’s best to concentrate on yourself. If I feel like I’m doing my best and continue to develop myself, know my strengths and limits, then any sexist behavior or language won’t affect me.
Thank you for sharing and thank you for the interview, Elina. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It was my pleasure! I’m really looking forward to people hearing Antares and I hope to be playing these songs live very soon!
