Angtoria is the new project from Sarah Jezebel Deva, known for her vocal work with bands such as Therion, Cradle of Filth and Mortiis, Chris Rehn (Abyssos) and Tommy Rehn (Moahni Moahna). Having released a demo sent exclusively to record labels and members of the media, Angtoria has been creating a buzz in the metal world with their stunning brand of symphonic metal.

Chris: The world is getting smaller and smaller due to broadband connections that allow you to send very big files over the internet very quickly and it's getting easier and cheaper to travel, so distance is not a problem at all these days. But of course, it's obviously nicer to live in the same place to be able to get to meet in person a lot more frequently. We communicate over the phone and through email and meet as often as required, depending on what we're doing. Traveling to England from Sweden or vice versa is not that expensive and doesn't take long, so it's not a problem.

Tommy: Thanks. A big part of the Angtoria sound lies in the composition and the arrangements of the orchestral instruments together with the metal guitars and drums. We spent quite a lot of time working on those parts. We are also lucky to have our own studio, Virtual Symphony, where we do both composing and recording. I have built this studio gradually for some years now, so it is a bit difficult to say how much money I have spent. The studio is currently being moved to a new location which is being completely rebuilt to fit the needs of a professional recording studio. When the work with the new studio is done, it will be fully equipped with a control room with a new console and separate sound proof recording room. Our intention is to record the debut album there.

Chris: We recorded the demo with the only intent being to use it to promote ourselves to record labels and the media in search of a record deal. Releasing a product to the public by selling it for money puts everything in a whole other perspective and means a lot more attention and money has to be drawn to the production and the actual cover/casing.

Chris: We knew right from the start that we would have difficulties finding a record label interested in investing in a pure orchestral project. Finding a record label interested in and able to invest in basically anything is extremely difficult these days due to the massive decreases in record sales the last few years.

Tommy: We are actually in discussions with a decent mid-sized label at the moment. Fortress have worked really fast and to our satisfaction thus far. The label we're discussing with seems to be a perfect start for Angtoria.

Chris: We're currently in the process of recording a pre-production on the rest of the songs that will be included on our debut album, and everything is going great. How long it takes for us to be able to start recording the album properly is basically only up to the schedule of the label we sign to and when they plan for us to start recording.

Chris: The five tracks on our demo will be re-recorded and included on the album along with more tracks.

Chris: Yes, we have a working title for the album, but I'm sorry to say that I can't reveal what it is at this stage.

Chris: Sarah has been working as a backing vocalist for many years now and even though she enjoys doing that, there comes a time when everyone wants to do something for themselves.

Tommy: Very good question, actually… we should have done this earlier, I think, 'cause we work really well together both musically and professionally. The main reason for us not working together was that we had our own projects that took most of our time, Abyssos (Chris) and Moahni Moahna (me) since '97. I have also been working with a theatre company writing Theatre/Musical music as well as working in the studio. It was when Sarah and Chris did the first orchestral demo in my studio that I got interested in the project and started to write together with Chris.