ILLUSIONS OF GRANDEUR – interview

by eternalterror
Posted on 20-01-2024

Introduce your band, and describe your latest release:

Illusions of Grandeur “I.O.G.”, is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band based in York, PA. I.O.G. has been touring in both the United States as well as across the UK, Germany, France, and the Ukraine since 2015. I.O.G. have made appearances at various festivals including Sav Fest, Dewey Beach Music Festival and Witney Music Festival. I.O.G. has shared the stage with artists as varied as DOPE, Motograter, September Mourning, New Year’s Day, Puddle of Mudd, Stryper, República, Stitched up Heart and Otep.

I.O.G. ‘s Live show The Siren Saga is a story of the journeys, perils, and triumphs of the Siren and her warriors. The story mixes facts and fiction combining Greek and Norse Mythology, Sirens, Gods, Archangels. Illusions of Grandeur’s fierce and energetic live show has gained them a legion of fans dubbed “The Siren Nation” who follow them worldwide, at live shows, and on social media. IOG’s latest album is “the Siren” the 2^nd part in The Siren Saga 3-part trilogy

What’s the hardest part about being a band in this day and age?

Well, the music industry in general is a difficult, now add social media and ever-growing reality that any music a band releases is technically “Free” due to streaming services like Spotify.

We do this because of our love of music and performing and our fans.

Tell us about your latest release, why should we check it out?

Illusions of Grandeur’s latest album “The Siren” was recorded mainly in their private studio, Valley Road Recording in Lancaster, PA. Vocal overdubs and additional tracking were done at multiple studios across the United States such as Sunset Sound and Western Audio in Los Angles and Silk studios in New Orleans, LA. Additionally the tracks Falling, and Demons were Co-produced by David Ivory at Ivory Sound Studios. The final mixing and mastering were done at Valley Road Recording.

It was an amazing and varied experience as a majority of the writing took place before the 2020 pandemic and the record was made during the lock down. This time allowed the band to experiment with different wring styles and sounds.

How does a song typically come together for you?

Illusions of Grandeurs main music writer is Bassist CM Carroll with lyrics and melodies provided by The Siren. The entire band participates in the arranging and recording process and each member, as songs are produced add elements into it to create the overall song and sound. IOG is continuously writing, normally demoing 30-35 songs per album then finding the songs that carry the story and sound of the record.

How would you describe your sound to an unfamiliar reader?
Illusions of Grandeur’s sound and theatrical appearance would best be summed up as a cross between, KISS, David Bowie, In This Moment and Avatar. Metal with elements of hard rock.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your band?

Where would you really like to tour that you haven’t done so yet, and why?

We are really looking to tour in Japan in 2024-2025, we love touring in America and Europe, but hitting Japan is a definite bucket list for IOG

How would you say that the sound of your band has progressed over the years?

The idea of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys. IOG’s love of both history and Greek/Norse Mythology felt that this was the best medium way to create a world for “The Siren Saga.” IOG feels that when listening to music or seeing a live show you should be able to immerse yourself in that moment and take a journey of your own with the band. Illusions of Grandeur’s sound has progressed through his process on each album and tour.

How excited are you for 2023, and what can fans expect from you?

Illusions of Grandeur’s The Siren Tour continues through the remainder of 2023 into 2024. IOG are currently while tour producing their 3rd album the next story in The Siren Saga “The Siren Rises” which the band looks to have out in 2024-2025.

Come see The Siren Saga Live and check out our latest single and video “Midnight”: https://youtu.be/vLNdfUGkbQM