Ophelia’s Eye is evolving with a revitalized lineup and sound. In this interview, the band discusses their transformation, new members, and the intense direction they’re heading.
1. Can
you introduce the current lineup of Ophelia’s Eye and share how each member
contributes to the band’s sound?
The current lineup of Ophelia's Eye includes Corinne on guitar and Sandro on bass, both of whom have been with the band for a while. Recently, we welcomed Noah on guitar, Noé on drums, and Jan on vocals. Each of us brings our own influences to the band, as we all listen to a wide range of metal subgenres. This blend of backgrounds helps shape our unique sound, allowing us to experiment with both heavy and melodic elements while staying grounded in modern metal.
2. Ophelia’s Eye went through a transformation earlier this year. Can you
tell us more about the transition process and how the new members influenced
the band’s direction?
The transformation was both exciting and challenging. After going through a turbulent period of change, we welcomed new members, which brought fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the band. Jan, Noé, and Noah introduced new influences and styles, which naturally shifted our direction towards a more modern yet intense sound. Their contributions allowed us to experiment more with a wide range of different vocal styles and complex song structures while still keeping the essence of Ophelia's Eye.
3. What was the audition process like for Jan, Noé, and Noah? Did you
immediately feel the chemistry, or was it something that developed over time?
The
audition process was thorough yet surprisingly smooth. Right from the start, we
could tell that Jan, Noé, and Noah shared our passion and vision for the band.
The chemistry was almost immediate, but it grew stronger as we rehearsed
together, solidifying that they were the perfect fit for Ophelia’s Eye, both
musically and personally. Jan, in particular, stood out quickly—he was the
first vocalist to audition and instantly blew us away with his preparation and
performance. Within a week, we mutually agreed that he was a great match.
Finding a drummer was initially more challenging, as we hadn’t had a permanent
drummer for 1.5 years and were relying on two session drummers during that
time. No drummers reached out for a while, but Jan had previously connected
with Noah and Noé, who were looking to build a band from scratch and had
auditioned Jan for their own project. Since we were missing a drummer and a
second guitarist, and they lacked vocals, guitar, and bass, we saw the
potential for a win-win situation. Their desire to bring their own style to
songwriting aligned perfectly with our vision, creating a strong foundation for
collaboration.
4. How would you describe the new musical direction of Ophelia’s Eye? What
can fans expect from your evolving sound?
Our new musical direction is more dynamic, blending the heavy, aggressive elements of modern metal with melodic undertones and clean vocal passages or even some doubletime parts. Fans can expect a more polished sound that still retains the raw energy we’ve always had. We’re pushing ourselves to explore deeper emotional and societal themes while keeping the intensity that defines Ophelia’s Eye.
5. Your music draws influence from metalcore giants like Bury Tomorrow and
Bleed from Within. How do these influences shape your songwriting and overall
vibe?
Bands like Bury Tomorrow and Bleed from Within but as well many other bands inspire us with their ability to blend heaviness with melody, and that balance is something we aim for in our own songwriting. Their use of dynamic shifts between aggressive and melodic parts has influenced how we structure our songs, and they encourage us to push boundaries while staying true to our unique core sound.
6. You're set to perform at your own Eye See You Festival on November 30th
with the new lineup. What can fans expect from the live show, and how are you
preparing for this performance?
We've just played our very first show in the new constellation and of course we don't want to spoil to much what to expect for all those who will attend shows in the future. However, fans can expect an intense and energetic performance, with plenty of new material that showcases the evolution of our sound. We’re working hard on making the setlist flow in a way that keeps the energy high throughout the show but still allows to take some breath in between... This festival is a big moment for us, and we want to deliver a memorable experience for everyone who attends.
7. You mentioned the 'Eye See You Festival,' which you organize. How
important is it to Ophelia’s Eye to support and collaborate with other bands
through events like this?
Supporting
other bands is essential to us, as the metal scene thrives on collaboration and
community. The Eye See You Festival is our way of giving back to this
community. We aim to create a space where bands—whether newcomers or more
established acts—can come together, share their music, and grow alongside one
another. It’s not just about performing; it’s about fostering a supportive
network both on and off the stage.
At the Eye See You Festival, local newcomer bands have the opportunity to
perform alongside more well-known acts, creating an environment that encourages
connection and growth. We also strive to build an atmosphere backstage that’s
welcoming and supportive, where musicians can genuinely connect.
8. Your upcoming album touches on deep themes like inner conflict and
societal collapse. Can you talk about the message you hope to convey through
tracks like 'Drowning in a Cloud' and 'Burn a Wish'?
Both
Drowning in a Cloud and Burn a Wish delve into profound themes of inner
conflict and the overwhelming nature of societal breakdown.
Drowning in a Cloud reflects the feeling of being trapped in a world where even
those meant to protect us have turned their backs. The song explores the
struggle between the desire for change and the crushing reality of
powerlessness. It portrays the inner turmoil of knowing something is wrong but
feeling incapable of making a real difference, as we find ourselves drowning in
the burdens of our own dreams and fears. The track is a painful cry for
redemption, questioning if we can free ourselves from the suffocating clouds of
despair before we’re consumed by them.
Burn a Wish addresses the weight of personal mistakes and the internal battles
we face as we try to bury our regrets. It speaks to the scars that remain
despite our efforts to move on. The song highlights the moment when hope seems
to slip away, and darkness threatens to engulf us. It captures the realization
of what we’ve sacrificed due to a single mistake, and the lingering emptiness
that follows. Both tracks reflect the emotional weight of these struggles,
offering a raw and honest portrayal of the human condition when faced with
inner conflict and societal collapse.
9. The lyrics in your songs are emotionally charged and reflect the
struggles of modern life. How do you balance personal experiences with broader
societal issues in your songwriting?
Our songwriting often starts with personal experiences but quickly expands into broader societal issues. The two are intertwined—what we feel personally often mirrors larger problems in society. We aim to write lyrics that are relatable on both levels, allowing listeners to connect with the music in a way that’s both personal and universal.
10. Recording five new tracks within months of the lineup change is
impressive! What was the most challenging aspect of this process, and how did
you overcome it?
First of
all, thank you! :)
The first challenge was finding our groove in the songwriting process that
quickly. We had to quickly learn all the songs by heart, which was demanding,
especially with the tight schedule we set for ourselves. On top of that,
mastering the songs to the point where we could perform them perfectly in the
studio and on stage required a lot of focus and dedication. Another key
challenge was building the synergy within the band, especially since we were
still getting to know each other’s styles and approaches.
Despite these challenges, our dedication has been our greatest strength.
Everyone has put in a tremendous amount of effort, and we established a clear
division of roles early on - covering everything from songwriting to technical
aspects like In-Ear systems or managing social media. This clear organization
has been crucial. Moreover, we constantly motivate each other and celebrate
even the small achievements, which keeps our morale high and drives us to
continue pushing forward as a cohesive unit.
11. You’ve already received great feedback from platforms like Metal
Factory. How do positive reviews and fan reactions impact the band's motivation
moving forward?
The
feedback we received so far was based on our previous lineup and sound and
we’re now excited to see how our new style resonates with both the audience and
the media. Of course, positive responses are incredibly motivating. Hearing
that our music connects with listeners gives us the energy to keep pushing
forward and refining our sound. Positive responses are incredibly
motivating—they remind us why we do what we do.
We deeply value our listeners and fans, many of whom have supported us since
the beginning. Their loyalty means the world to us, and we hope to connect with
even more people as new fans discover our music in this next chapter of
Ophelia’s Eye.
12. What does the future hold for Ophelia’s Eye? Are there any upcoming
projects, collaborations, or tours we should be excited about?
We’re
currently working on new material for another EP and planning more live shows.
Fans can expect more festival appearances, and we’re also looking into
potential collaborations with other artists in the scene. There's a lot to be
excited about, and we’re just getting started!
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