Amaranthe – 01-10-2014

Interview with: Amaranthe / Morten Löwe Sörensen
By: Sabine van Gameren

Now Amaranthe has a new album out, we took our chance to send them a few questions about it.

Can you tell us something about the album in general?
“Well, first of all it sounds like Amaranthe, but with a bunch of new elements and a different approach than on our previous two albums. In general its heavier, more massive and more cut to the bone than earlier material. We do have a few fast songs on it as well though.”

Where are the surprises in the album for the long-time fans?
“The songs are not as busy as before, which leaves a little more space for every instrument and vocal to come to their right a bit more. Also, we do have a Little more Electronics in a few songs, which is nothing new, but we use it in a different way this time. I would say that this album is simply better and represents were we are right now but you would have to simply listen and judge by yourself I guess.”

Do you have a stereotypical way of working on an album, or do you change that for whatever feels right at the moment?
“Well, usually its Olof and Elise or Olof and Jake working together on the actual songwriting in their home studios. Thereafter I listen to the stuff many many times to come up with what exactly I wanna play but also leaves it open for changes in the studio. Since we have been quite busy this past year or more, we had to compose many of the songs while being on the road and even several songs had to be written in the studio. We all felt very inspired by this process and didnt´feel any pressure really.

“It all worked out exactly how we wanted it to. so far i can say i’m satisfied when the end result and the overall process and also the actual sound of the album. Working with Jacob Hansen is a pleasure really! He understands how we want it to sound and he is easy to work with.”

If you look at the songs before they were recorded and how they are now. Which song came out most surprising and why?!
“I would say that the songs that was written in the studio surprised me the most. Somehow you would think that you would have to compromise quality within that short time limit, but the quality is up to par with the rest of the songs. a song like “An Ordinary Abnormality” which is the fastest and most intense song we have ever written. I had to go all in with my drumming and just unleash hell! With the song being written in the studio I had to improvise it all, but it was a fun an creative experience. Also a song like “Digital World” came out surprisingly good!”

Where does “MASSIVE ADDICTIVE” (the song) come from?
“I guess the title was just perfect for that song since its the most ‘massive’ song we have ever done, and the chorus is very easy to get addicted to! so it all makes perfect sense!”

You’re currently touring with Within Temptation. How is everyone feeling about the tour?
“yes! So far we have played two shows and they have been absolutely amazing! The crowd response has been phenomenal and the new songs works really good live!”

What do you consider the main differences between a live and recorded Amaranthe
experience?
“The main difference is off course the energy of a live performance that you will never have on an album. When playing live we want to interact with the audience as much as possible. On the album everything is to be heard so clearly that everything can be easily dissected by the most critical listener. Also we pay a lot of attention to every detail in the production, stuff that you might now hear until you´ve listened to it twenty times.”

Can we expect a concert DVD from Amartanthe?
“Yes definitely! Hopefully sometimes in the not too distant future!”

What is the coolest thing you experienced during a gig?
“The coolest experience is any gig when the crowd is responding and into it, singing and whatever crazy stuff they are doing!”

Photo’s by Aoife Drum-Towell

Links:
Amaranthe Facebook