Melissa: I had come to a point with my current band at the time (Aesma Daeva) where I didn't feel we were progressing in the same direction. I was talking to Ashmedi of the band Melechesh who I had played with before in Toronto and with whom I have a great friendship. He is an A&R Manager as well and after telling him about my current situation, he suggested I send him my information to forward along. The next day, much to my surprise, Thomas from Napalm's A&R contacted me about Visions of Atlantis' want for a change of their singer. It was an instant connection. I very much liked what they were doing and the direction they were headed.

Melissa: Their sound is more like doom metal with elements of opera (we re-orchestrated a few Mozart arias for the band), symphonic, experimental classical and some Greek modes. It sounds a bit hectic on paper, but somehow these elements fit like a glove together!

I am still friends with the majority of my band mates and just recently went to their first concert with their new singer, who is fabulous and a nice girl. I will love those guys regardless.

Melissa: I have a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory. Much of my studies were focused on operatic vocal training and experimental classical theoretical training. I was also the singer for Aesma Daeva for four years. I have a deep interest in ethnomusicology and hope someday to get my Doctorate in this study.

Melissa: Ethnomusicology is basically the study of ethnic music within a culture. This can range from African to Appalachian music and from the smallest tribe in Uganda to a whole continent like Asia. My dream would be to take a few years and delve deep into the untouched regions of the Amazon and literally discover a culture and how they integrate music and dance into their way of life, then write a book about it. Sound crazy? Ha ha!

Melissa: I think I speak for all when I say that we were amazed at how well we all came together for our first official meet up in February. It had honestly felt like we had been working together for years! There is definitely a deep respect for each other, yet also a deep friendship. Introductions were not difficult. They speak impeccable English which made it much easier for me….I just have to work on my German more! Musically speaking, especially with the addition of three new members who come from various backgrounds like Thrash (guitarist Wolfgang Koch), Black (keyboardist Martin Harb), and Experimental (myself) Metal, and the continuing members with their sound, there has been an interesting mix coming out of the songs that we are currently working on. I think the best of all the genres are being added to the songs to create a heavier sound than previously with VoA...sort of a bridge between metal genres.

Melissa: Yes, definitely. I'll spare you the details but it involves stretching, then a thorough vocal warm-up and finally a meditation and sort of a sending of energy to my band mates, the stage and audience.

Melissa: It was amazing. Though our first concert in Stuttgart, we were late to because our van broke down and we literally got there 5 minutes before we were to take the stage. So that added a bit of unnecessary excitement to a virgin show! Throughout the rest of tour, things really came together and we had such a blast both onstage and talking to people after. Probably the most exciting of the concerts was the last one in Leoben, Austria because a lot of the guys' friends were there and the crowd was the most energetic out of all. It was also cool at each show seeing people singing along and a few couples making out. Hey, at least they were moved!

Melissa: Did you know that Chicken Spam uses mechanically-separated chicken parts? Never mind.

I don't think there has been anything particularly unique besides the usual sleep-deprived, in-a-bus-for-too-long silliness that just about every band encounters.

Melissa: Too many bands in this genre to list, but at the top would be After Forever, Within Temptation, Leaves' Eyes, Lacrimosa and we would share the stage with Xandria and Lyriel again any time. I bet playing on a Korpiklaani show would be wicked fun too!

Melissa: A shorter answer would be what are the similarities. The main differences are, of course, the energy, the stage moves/theatrics and improvisations when performing live. At least for me, the studio and live require the same intensity and emotion, but vocal delivery is a bit more controlled and precise in the studio.

Melissa: We are recording final takes of the vocals & keyboards throughout May at Radwerk 14 Studio in Austria and the instruments will also be recorded in Austria. The mix is set for June 2006 at Finnvox studios Finland with a well renowned producer! After production, we expect it to be released around September/October 2006.

Melissa: Something different, yet complimentary to the previous Visions of Atlantis albums. As I had stated, each of us have integrated our own stylistic elements while creating, which has added a deeper and heavier feeling to the music. The element Water is still present in the lyrics but is more metaphorical and in the background. Overall, we are very excited for this release! We hope both fans and critics of VoA will be appeased by the final product.

Melissa: We are planning a CD release tour in Autumn 2006; dates are still being finalized, but definitely something to watch for. As far as the USA, there are many factors that will depend on, but certainly is something else we are planning on around the end of 2006/early 2007. Personally, I want to bring my band here because the US is where people know me and where a big curiosity lies. The interest is definitely there, so we shall see.

Melissa: I think that does cover everything. Thank you again for everything. Perhaps we will meet up sometime in the future.