Visions Of Atlantis
Mermaid’s Wintertale

20.09.2007

Austrian gothic metalllers Vision Of Atlantis initially didn’t have much chances for a large-scale breakthrough, as they were based in a small country that already had famous band that was quite similar – Edenbridge. They did get a deal with Napalm Records, released a couple of albums and toured quite a lot, but so many other bands are doing it around the planet, and it’s hard to stand out of the crowd. However, a lot of things changed after original singer Nicole Bogner decided to quit Visions of Altantis, and the rest of the guys found an outstanding replacement in Melissa Ferlaak. First, she resides in the U.S., and second, she was raised on absolutely different music, and these two factors combined brought the band in the spotlight of the global metal scene. We couldn’t stay away from such interesting developments and e-mailed a few questions for Melissa, who is the band’s spokesperson nowadays…

First of all, tell us how did it happen that you joined Visions of Atlantis? How did you meet the guys?

Hello and thank you for the interview! I actually didn't know the guys in VoA before joining. I was put in touch with them through Ashmedi (singer of Melechesh) as I was looking for a change from my then-current musical endeavor.

Where do you currently reside? Are you from a musical family? Where did you study vocals?

I still reside in the U.S. (Minnesota - right smack in the middle of the country). My family is somewhat musical - my sister is a singer, but that is about as far as it goes. But I do have an artistic family - my mother is an artist and my brother is a writer. I studied voice by getting my bachelors and masters in music-vocal performance. Definitely I owe a lot to my studies.

Who influenced you mostly if speaking about you as a vocalist? How did your musical preferences form?

Many opera stars such as Renee Fleming and Elizabeth Schwartzkopf. I actually didn't get into metal until I was performing with Aesma Daeva. But metal was an instant love affair.

When and where did your first performance with a metal band take place? Do you remember your feelings then and the reaction of the audience?

My first performance was actually at Milwaukee Metal Fest. Aesma Daeva didn't become a band until we got asked to do a festival in Mexico so that was our warm up gig. The reaction from the audience was unbelievable - I still remember the feeling. It was nothing like I had ever experienced with classical music and again, an instant addiction.

You're also known as a vocalist for Aesma Daeva. It's an American band, so it worked quite in other way than with Visions. Tell us please how you collaborate while recording the “Trinity” album.

We use FTP servers to send files back and forth for pre-production on the album. So they will send over parts, I'll send over parts and we sort of glue it together. Right now we are on tour and will actually do a lot of the pre-production and writing on the road. Should be fun!

Can you say what the difference between American and European bands is? And how different are the audiences?

Hm… well, here in the U.S., there aren't many symphonic metal bands, so it is hard to say. I think over in Europe there is more freedom to experiment and be artistic. The audiences are different in that U.S. audiences are more reserved and harder to get to clap along and really get into the music. But we will do our best!

What do you listen to up to now? Please give your Top-5 favorite albums/artists.

Right now, my top bands are: Madder Mortem, Melechesh, Stolen Babies, After Forever and Epica.

Which concerts do you attend? Which female vocalists of metal bands do you like the most?

I attend a lot of local Minneapolis band concerts. But of course, when there are Euro bands going through Minneapolis, I always make it to those shows too.  

Do you play any instruments except what you are known for?

I dabble with indigenous instruments like the bawu, djembe, etc. I suck at piano – it was really hard through my studies because I had to learn that instrument - but I'm terrible at it. Mario (Plank, vocals) plays many instruments as does Wolf (Koch, guitars). It is great working with such talented guys!

Do you take part in writing songs? What are your favorites from "Trinity"?

I do take part in the writing. I actually wrote the majority of “The Secret” and “Return to You” (vocal lines and lyrics). But Wolf and Mario and Martin (Harb, keyboards) all did the majority of the song writing.

Who decides on the division of vocal parts between Mario and you?

Mario or I will bring lyrics to the table and we sing whatever part we feel fits either the male or female role best. Mario and I have a great working relationship and I love what he writes.

What's the best feedback you've ever had from listeners?

Recently, someone wrote me about the song “Return to You”. This guy had lost his son and that song really resonated with him since it is about me losing my niece. I think the fact that that song touched him in such a personal way is the best thing that music does - I feel very happy about this, even though the reason for that connection is sad.

What's the situation like in the U.S. for the music that Vision of Atlantis play? Can you name some American bands and are playing this type of music and that you consider worthy of attention?

Hm…well, there really aren't many symphonic metal bands getting attention here. Some bands I like that are somewhat in the same realm would be Aesma Daeva, Sirens of Titan and… hm… yeah, not many. (laughs)

You are going to tour with Epica soon in September. What are your expectations from the tour? Will you play only new songs or also the songs from the previous albums?

I'm actually writing you from our very first gig on this tour. We are playing all new songs off “Trinity” and “State of Suspense” and “Lost” from “Cast Away” (2004). I expect the tour will go very well. First because Epica has great music and are a great fit. Secondly because I think our music has a great fun appeal to it. I just want people to rock out and have a good time!

Who designs your stage clothes? What are the main features of your stage image?

I design my stage clothes and my mom makes them actually. Some I have made myself, some parts of them I've bought (I suck at making corsets!). I like looking feminine on stage. I'll never wear pants because I don't move as well in them.

Many fans consider you beautiful and sexy. How can you comment on it?

(laughs) Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it is sweet that people say so, but they don't see me when I wake up in the morning with no makeup and hair a mess! (laughs)

What was the most memorable present you were given by a fan?

There were two things that really stuck out. In Belgium, I got a box of their awesome chocolates because this guy knew I LOOOOOVE chocolate!! The other was actually from Lisa in Xandria. They played Mexico and she gave me a necklace she bought there and she has the same one. Not from a fan, but from a dear friend in the business.

What are your interests outside music? Is there anything you devote a lot of your time to?

I was a figure skater for many years and so I taught skating (recently stopped though because I'm just too busy). I like to sew, read books on philosophy and of course, my job which is running a dance and music education program.  I feel lucky to have two jobs I love.

Would you like to add something to conclude the interview?

Thank you so much for the interview and I hope everyone there digs “Trinity”! We put a
lot of ourselves into that album and I hope people out there find a special place in their heart for it.

Visions of Atlantis on the Internet: http://www.visionsofatlantis.at.tf

Special thanks to Alexei “KIDd” Kuzovlev (Irond Records) for arranging this interview

Anna Babicheva
September 7, 2007
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