Eleine heavy symphonic metal that is both stylish and magnificent.
Interview conducted on Jan. 21, 2020
by Dan Locke
ELEINE’s music is described as heavy, dark symphonic metal with an oriental touch. While performing on stage, they never fail to deliver a show that captivates the audience by seducing them and striking them with a massive sense of wonder. When people hear ELEINE they also identify the name with an alternative model. Beyond being the lead singer of the band, Madeleine has been on the cover of Scandinavian Tattoo Magazine and models for several large alternative companies. With a combination of modeling and music, ELEINE define themselves as seductive, stylish, and monumental.
Band Members
Madeleine “Eleine” Liljestam – Vocal
Rikard Ekberg – Guitar, vocal
Ludwig Dante – Guitar
Jesper Sunnhagen – Drums
Anton Helgesson – Bass
Dan Locke: How did you get your band’s name?
Madeleine “Eleine” Liljestam: It came from my own name, Madeleine. I removed the first three letters and liked how “ELEINE” sounded.
Do you write your lyrics in Swedish or English?
M: If you’ve listened to it, I bet you’ve heard it’s in English J
Since your band is a heavy symphonic metal can you write charts? And how many instruments do you play?
M: We don’t have any need for sheet music if that’s what you’re thinking of? We write what we think sounds good. Well, I sing and can play and can play some piano.
Vinyl vs. digital? And why?
M: Both! Digital is perfect when hitting the gym or stuff like that. Vinyl is like a great luxury at home, where you actually hear everything you are supposed to hear. I like CDs in my car. I also recently started to collect metal cassettes, but I am going to find myself an OK cassette player. I want on in the stock room when I pack merchandise. It’s alright if it sounds like shit, haha. I believe all those formats working very well together. Spotify and all other digital streaming platforms are a great way to discover new music.
In 2017 you started your own label. Why did you decide to create Algoth Records?
M: We were going to release our second album “Until The End” and we chose to do it as an independent label in collaboration with Sound Pollution as distribution. It went absolutely great, and I am very pleased with it. Now we signed the EP and the next full-length album at Black Lodge Records, which is Sound Pollutions own label. A natural step and it feels great!
How was it performing with Moonspell in Sofia Bulgaria back in 2016?
M: We performed a lot of places together on that tour. I also had the great honor to perform the legendary gothic anthem “Scorpion Flower” with Moonspell a couple of times during that tour and each time it was absolutely fantastic. Rikard, Jesper and I hung out with the guys in Moonspell the other day when they played in Denmark (w/ Rotting Christ) and it was a beautiful reunion.
How was it to be the support act for Arch Enemy?
M: Two words; Epic..and brutal. I loved every moment of it. I would love to see Eleine go on a longer tour with Arch Enemy in the near future.
Since you produce your own videos which would be your top 5 videos?
M: It’s hard to choose! I can meet you halfway and give you the top 3: Enemies, Hell Moon, Break Take Live.
If someone was going to start doing symphonic metal, what equipment would you suggest they start with?
M: Equipment isn’t the important thing. You need to start any genre with passion.
Your upcoming EP comes out this week. What can you tell me about it?
M: It was released November 22nd, yes. The ”All Shall Burn” EP is about being trapped in what may feel like a never-ending bad dream. Being broken, but not beaten. It’s about facing betrayal head-on, knowing that you are going to walk away stronger than before and that you’re not alone.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
M: Touring and composing with Eleine J
Anything in closing you like to say?
M: Thank you for this interview, and thank you to all who read it! A huge thank you to all our fans, old and new, for being who you are. You are so dedicated, true and just simply FANTASTIC
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