New album release interview with Sofia Frasz of Exiled Hope. New album Apocrypha comes out April 11, 2025!
What inspired the theme or concept behind this album?
Apocrypha continues the storyline established in the previous Exiled Hope albums, Exiled Hope (2020) and Angel of Greytown (2021), set in a dystopian world steeped in high fantasy, steampunk, and gothic aesthetics. This time, however, the story takes on the perspective of a character who is in the position to become a villain or a hero depending on the choices he makes. The protagonist of Apocrypha is a high-ranking member of the corrupt government (the cult) that took over the city in the first Exiled Hope album, and Apocrypha chronicles his journey to chart his own course in spite of the negative influences around him.
Were there any particular events or emotions that shaped the songwriting?
I started this album in 2021, then took some time off of working on it to refine my skills and focus on covers before resuming work on the album later in 2022. I had hit a wall and needed time to develop my singing, songwriting, and playing further in order to create the music I wanted to create. Apocrypha is the result of a much more intentional, refined, and technical approach to my performances.
Were there any challenges you faced during the recording process?
The main challenge was the sense that I wasn't quite where I wanted to be, as a musician. I was getting close, but throughout the recording process, I felt a few steps behind the skill level that was necessary to bring the songs to life. I wrote and rewrote certain parts over and over again because I was unsatisfied with my own performances. I think the biggest challenge was getting out of my own head and realizing that I can still make great music with my current capabilities.
Which track was the most fun to create, and why?
"Blood of the Ancients" and "Over for You" might be the quintessential Exiled Hope tracks because they showcase the joy I derive from exploring various dynamics with my sound. I loved building the more complicated riffs and vocal lines on these, as well as adding the unconventional interludes within the songs. Though they were challenging to record because they pushed my new skills to their limits, I am undeniably proud of the result. I feel like those songs are a very current and dynamic representation of Exiled Hope.
Did any collaborations influence the sound or direction of this project?
I worked with a professional mix engineer on this album, and he gave me important recording and production tips to get the highest-quality sound that I could get with my equipment. I also worked with 2 guest vocalists who add interesting, and possibly unexpected, new dynamics to "Dreamwalker" and "Altar of Moloch".
Did you experiment with any new techniques, instruments, or styles on this record?
The entire album is an experiment in genre-blending: it blends black metal, power metal, doom metal, folk metal, progressive metal, and gothic metal to create a multifaceted musical expression. Regarding specific techniques, I employed more thrashy guitar riffs and used my higher register much more prominently while singing.
How do you feel this album represents your evolution as an artist?
This album represents everything I couldn't do on the previous albums. It has polished, professional production, and my performances are much tighter and more in tune with how I want to express myself as a musician. Apocrypha is a more holistic, well-rounded, higher-level expression of Exiled Hope.
What do you hope your fans take away from this album?
I hope my fans get a cinematic, soundtrack-esque experience from this album. I wanted it to flow like a film score, or like chapters in a book. The songs are enjoyable on their own, but I want fans to be able to listen to the album all the way through as if they're listening to an audiobook or experiencing a musical arc of suspense.
Have fans influenced the direction of your music or this album in any way?
Fans have influenced my branding; I started out branding my music as blackened power metal, but it delves into so many more genres and has a distinctive gothic touch, so I've turned more to the "gothic metal" label to describe my music.
What can fans expect from your upcoming tour or album release events?
They can expect plenty of behind-the-scenes content and stories about the production of the album and the lore behind the album. Follow me on Instagram and Threads (@legally_metal), and YouTube (@exiledhope) to see this!
Do you have any music videos planned for the album? What can you share about them?
No music videos, but I have a lyric video for every non-instrumental song on the album. Several lyric videos have been released already, with more to come on my YouTube channel. My lyric videos are concise visual representations of the songs, designed to allow the listener to experience the songs in a visual medium alongside the audio.
If you could describe this album in three words, what would they be?
Experimental, cinematic, multi-faceted.
Is there a specific moment during the album’s creation that you’ll always remember?
I'll always remember recording the high note at the start of "Blood of The Ancients". I had workshopped that many times in voice lessons, and it shows how far I've come as a singer, since I was never able to do anything close to that for several years.
Do you have a tour booked or is one being booked to promote the album?
No tours planned.
Anything Else That You'd Like the Fans to Know.
Thank you for your support! Please follow me on the following platforms to receive regular updates on my music:
Instagram/Threads: @legally_metal
YouTube: @exiledhope
Bandcamp: exiledhope.bandcamp.com
Link Album:
Comments