Amaranthe has been crafting their unique blend of music since their formation in 2008. Their crafty fusion of pop melodies and melodic metal has seen them carve a niche in the stagnant world of music that, at times, seems to puzzle people who feel a need to confine their sound to a specific genre. The band is poised to release their latest creation Massive Addictive onto the world in the next two weeks (Japan 10/15, Europe 10/17, UK 10/20, USA 10/21). I got the chance to speak with vocalist Elize Ryd as the band was packing to leave Sweden and venture to North America for a series of dates with Within Temptation.
Hi Elize, how are you doing today?
Elize Ryd: I’m doing great. How are you?
I’m doing pretty damn good! I’m here in the US – in Virginia. Where are you at today?
I am in a little town in the northern part of Sweden, just a couple of hours from Gothenburg.
Isn’t it amazing how technology can make the world a smaller place?
I know, I just love Skype! It was actually a Swedish guy who invented Skype.
Oh really?
Yeah, you didn’t know that, did you?
I have to admit that I didn’t. See, this interview is already off to a great start and I am learning things that I didn’t know. Let’s see what else you can teach me today.
Ok, I will try (laughs).
Let’s start off by talking about the new album Massive Addictive which comes out here in the US on October 21. Can you compare and/or contrast it to your last album The Nexus?
I would say that it’s more massive and more addictive (laughs).
Well then, I think you named it appropriately.
That’s right! I think the harder parts are a little bit harder and the poppy parts are more poppy.
You are quite the descriptive artist today (laughs).
The contrasts, in general, are bigger now and that’s what we’ve been searching for. You know, to define our sound better and not confuse people with how we want to sound and what we stand for. I think we came through very well with the finished sound on Massive Addictive. We also updated our keyboards and everything just seems like a newer sound. It’s a newer, updated form of Amaranthe.
After you finish an album, how tough is it to pick a first single from it and why did you go with “Drop Dead Cynical?”
It’s a pretty easy answer to that question. The record label was flying down to the studio in Denmark from the United States; can you believe that? We played the whole album for them and this was the song that they remembered the most and they wanted it for the single. Now, when Olof and I wrote that song, we already had that in mind. We also had a second song in mind and the record company agreed with us on that one as well. We hope that the title track will be our second single, but we will have to wait and see.
Amaranthe – Drop Dead Cynical Official Music Video
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Well, I think the fans have responded in a very favorable way, especially by looking at the number of views that it’s gotten on YouTube.
Yes, that’s good to hear because you never know just how the fans will react to it. It always makes us very nervous.
Oh, I bet because this is your new baby that you have created and the last thing you want is for people to think that you have an ugly baby.
Yeah, that’s exactly how I feel; are they going to like my baby or hate my baby (laughs).
Are the tour dates that you are doing in North America with Within Temptation the most extensive run that you’ve had in the US so far?
I definitely think so because the first tour that we went on was more like a tryout. We weren’t sure how many people were going to show up at those shows and we were touring in a very small van without enough beds and it was a rough trip, but the response was amazing. We’re able to go back to the US now because of that great response and the promoters believe in us now and they helped us get this tour with Within Temptation. I love Within Temptation, so I am very, very happy for this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it. I think this one is going to really feel like a tour and it’s also the first time that we’ve been supporting a band of that size as well.
Now, I know that you’re looking forward to coming to the US and Canada, performing for your fans over here, but what specifically are you looking forward to doing while here in the US?
Yes, playing is definitely the highlight and I like coming to the US very much and it feels amazing being there. I do have to confess that I’m 
looking forward to doing some shopping.
Now we’re starting to tap into the truth (laughs).
(Laughs) Yea, now we’re talking! I’m also looking forward to visiting some of your little coffee shops that you have there as well. You know, the tiny, independent ones.
How do the audiences in the US compare to the audiences back home? Is there much of a difference?
Oh my goodness, yes there is. First off, in the US, everyone seems to understand what we’re singing and what we’re singing about, which just makes the connection with the audience much easier. The energy from the American audience is very free and open-minded and we really appreciate that a lot. I’d love to be able to spend more time in the US as well. One of my dreams is to eventually move there sometime, but I’m not sure when.
Who knows, maybe a city will stand out to you while you’re here on tour and you’ll find out where you want to live.
Exactly, I was thinking about that on the other tour. The US is so freaking big, so where would I feel the most at home? There are some places that I’ve noticed that feel more like home than others, but I’m definitely going to be thinking about that more as I am over there.
Your sound is something that many people seem to get hung up on when trying to define it. I don’t know why the US has created so many genres and labels for music, but it seems to have become a disorder of some sorts. If they can’t define your sound, then they sometimes have a hard time packaging you with other bands. Have you ever run across similar problems in your career?
Oh yeah, sometimes it just feels like we’re put somewhere and it doesn’t really fit us that well and the people are very disappointed to see us there because we stand out from the other bands. We also have this very positive vibe which doesn’t always fit in with those hardcore or death metal types of bands. I am very confused as well at times because are we a pop/metal band or a metal/pop band or a death metal/pop band with dance influences. I mean, what the hell, we don’t even have a name for this genre that we’re playing. I am very happy to be a part of this outfit because we wanted to create something different and we wanted to create a change. I grew up with metal music and I may not look like metal music, then again maybe I do, but I do like all types of music. I feel like Amaranthe invites everyone to like our music and I think it’s very inviting and it connects people.
Watch Amaranthe’s 1st Lyric Video Ever – TRINITY!
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I have one last question that was submitted by a fan on-line and they wanted to know if it was tough for you to tour around the world with a bunch of guys?
(Laughs) I would say that it’s pretty annoying because all they ever talk about strip clubs, prostitutes, taking a wank, taking a wank in the shower, drinking beer and all sorts of freaky male talk. Yes, it’s very awful being the only girl in these situations and during these kinds of discussions (laughs). I wish I could just have a girl day where we could talk about makeup, hair, flowers and anything else.
Well, hopefully some female fans will read this and come rescue you for a bit while you’re out on tour. I do believe our time is about up. I thank you for your time and best of luck with the tour! Is there anything else that you’d like to add?
Yes, we’re very much looking forward to coming to the US and we love our fans in the US very much. We hope that we see some new faces in the crowd as well. We also hope that everyone loves the new album as well. I appreciate you reaching out and wanting to talk to us again as well.
AMARANTHE is: Jake E (Vocals), Elize (Vocals), Henrik (Screams), Olof (Guitars and keys), Morten (Drums), Johan (Bass)
Connect With AMARANTHE:
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE
By Johnny Price, Senior Lead RockRevolt Magazine Journalist
Catch Amaranthe on their visit to the US as they open for Within Temptation:
AMARANTHE w/ Within Temptation
9/25: San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
9/26: Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia
9/28: Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater
9/30: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
10/1: Chicago, IL @ Vic Theater
10/2: Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theater
10/3: Toronto, ON @ The Sound Academy
10/5: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
10/7: Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
10/9: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
10/10: New York, NY @ Terminal 5
10/11: Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
10/26: Houston, TX @ House of Blues*
10/27: New Orleans, LA @ Parish at House of Blues*
10/29: Ft. Lauderdale, NJ @ Culture Room*
10/30: St. Petersburg, FL*
10/31: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade*
*No Within Temptation
