Power of
Metal.dk – The album was released in 2008 in the US (through Nightmare Records),
but we have to wait till the end of February here in Europe – how come?
Andromeda –
We changed labels so unfortunately the release date got pushed back until
everything was solved. The reason we didn’t wait with the US release is because
we wanted out when we played there during the fall. Actually it was released in
both Japan and France at the same time as the US as well.
Power of
Metal.dk – what kind of expectations do you have for ‘The Immunity Zone’?
Andromeda –
We hope to gain a bigger audience with every release. And so far we have gotten
a great reception for this album so we can only hope that it gets more people
interested in the band. We try to climb the ladder step by step so to speak.
Power of
Metal.dk – If you had to chose one song you feel represents Andromeda today,
which song would you choose and why? Personally I would pick “Recognizing Fate”.
Andromeda –
I just discussed that with some of the band members the other week. It’s very
hard to put up one song to represent us. Since we have some very complex and
insane songs while others are much easier to get into, it’s the blend and
variety that makes us who we are. So it’s hard to pick one song to represent us.
“Recognizing Fate” isn’t a very easy song to understand right away. When we
presented the track listing for our management their initial response was that
it was a bad choice as an opener for the album since it’s such a challenging
track for the listener. But a week later they called back to say; “You were
right, it’s a great opener!”. It’s one of my favourite tracks, so I think I
would agree that it represents us pretty well right now.
Power of Metal.dk – What is the
biggest difference between ‘Chimera’ and ‘The Immunity Zone’`?
Andromeda –
The new one is darker and heavier. But I think they go pretty much hand in hand.
They are like siblings to me.
Power of Metal.dk – How did you
come up with the title for the album?
Andromeda –
It was Martin Hedin, our keyboard player, who also wrote several lyrics about
how western civilization alienates the less fortunate ones. Too many people shut
their eyes and ears to what is happening around us. So, we live in the immunity
zone where we choose not to see how big parts of the world is going to hell just
so that we can eat at McDonald's and wear really nice clothes. We are not U2 or
anything, but these are scary subjects that we think a lot about.
Power of
Metal.dk - Who has produced and mixed the album? How does the final result
compare to the idea you had going into the studio?
Andromeda –
Martin produced, as usual. He has produced three albums now and it’s hard to
think of us recording in another way. It’s always interesting to hear the final
result. I think it came out great, even better than I expected. We usually do
pretty detailed demos of the songs, but it’s a totally different thing when you
get all the pieces together.
Power of
Metal.dk - Tell us a bit about artwork…
Andromeda –
The cover is actually an original oil painting done by Martins sister. From the
start we had planned on using a photo we found, but we weren't 100% satisfied.
So, knowing that she is a great painter, Martin asked his sister who did a great
job.
Power of
Metal.dk - Andromeda – any special story behind your name?
Andromeda –
Now we know that there was a band in the sixties that released one album under
the name Andromeda. We didn’t know that at the time. This ten years ago now, and
Internet wasn’t what it is today. So we were oblivious to that. Anyway, it was
Johan's choice and he has told me that he wanted it to start with the letter A
so that it came up first when looking through the albums in the record store.
Pretty clever haha... How often do you go all the way to Z before you are bored?
Power of Metal.dk –
Any touring plans – any festivals booked?
Andromeda –
I don’t know much, but there are people working on it. We are itching to come
out and play! It is always a lot of fun when we go on tour. We are five very
different personalities that match perfectly, and when we hang out together we
always have a great time.
Power of
Metal.dk – Name the five musical pieces that you want to bring with you when we
send you to hell or heaven!
Andromeda –
Difficult question, there is such vast amounts of great music. But I wouldn’t go
to either place without a great mix of different kinds of music, otherwise I
would be bored. So I’d say “In Abesntia” - Porcupine Tree, “Déjà Voodoo” - Gov´t
Mule, “Post” - Björk, “Alive!” - Kiss, “Symphony No 5” - Dvorak.
Power of
Metal.dk - Thank you very much for answering my questions. Do you have any last
rants for our readers?
Andromeda –
Hope you take the time to listen through our new album! Until we see you on
tour, take care!
