• Hails Illusions of Grandeur! Where is the Siren traveling these days?
◦ Illusions of Grandeur in 2023 will release their 3rd album “The Siren Rises” and continue to tour in Europe and America! I.O.G. hope to go worldwide in 2023-2024. Starting in the UK June 2023.
• First of all, I’d like to ask you a biography of the band and mostly how did you start the band. I was quite surprised to read that you began through a television show. Is that right?
◦ 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 forming 2015. The Siren and CM currently host a TV program on Foqus TV called The Syndicate.
• The band consists of four members. Where all you in metal music when you decided to form the band? What are the main influences for Illusions of Grandeur?
◦ Illusions of Grandeur:
◦ Vocals -Maggie “the Siren” Carlton: Born in Washington, DC, Maggie has been singing and on stage since she was 4 years old. Maggie has a heavy background in theater, as well as being a part of bands and choral productions since grade school. Her influences range from Janis Joplin and Robert Plant to Maria Brink, Jonathan Davis, and Amy Lee.
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◦ Bass-CM “The Arcangel” Carroll: CM is a Philadelphia born touring musician who has been active since the 90’s in metal, rock, and hardcore bands from Los Angeles to New York. CM’s main influences range from Jaco Pastorius, Cliff Burton, Stanley Clarke, Mike Watts, Geddy Lee and mainly “The OX” John Entwistle and John Paul Jones.
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◦ Drums-Ted “Ares the God of War” Domzalski: Ted is a Philadelphia native. Slamming on drums in bands around the Philadelphia scene for years, landing as the God of War in Illusions of Grandeur. Some of Ted’s influences are Lamb of God, Amon Amarth, Chris Adler, and Gene Hoglan.
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◦ Guitars - Julian "Dimios" Yeager: Also Born in Philadelphia, Julian has been active in the NE metal scene since 2005. Julian's main influences range from Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page to Chuck Schuldiner, Marty Friedman, and Jeff Loomis.
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• You have already two albums out there. What do you think are the main differences between them?
◦ Illusions of Grandeur Albums:
◦ Part 1, “The Songs of the Siren”, released by Pavement Entertainment, August 2019 and available on all digital music outlets. Which is the opening of The Siren Saga and tells the story of The Siren and her band of Warriors forming
◦ Part 2 “The Siren”, Released October 2021 on Revulsion of Spirit Records/Universal Music Group
◦ Continues the journey and takes the band into Hades the underworld to rescue the Goddess Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter.
• There are two parts, so I guess they form a concept, am I right? Will there be a third part?
◦ Yes, The Siren Rises will be released later in 2023 the third part of “The Siren Saga” story.
• Who is responsible for music and who writes the lyrics?
◦ The Siren and Bassist Cm write most of the music, the whole band assists with arrangement and additional musical ideas as well.
• I admit that you have a strong production as well, so where did the recordings of The Siren took place?
◦ Illusions of Grandeur work from their private recording studio and York, Pa but have done additional work on the 1st two album at Sunset Sound in Los Angles California and Electric Ladyland in New York City.
• If someone describe you like a female fronted band, I guess that most fans out there may think of bands like Nightwish, Epica etc. But you are a heavy metal band with a modern (and even theatrical) approach and you have a singer that has a strong metal voice, and doesn’t try to sing like a soprano. How would you describe your music?
◦ Illusions of Grandeur is a mix of Metal, progressive rock and modern rock. IOG does not close out any style of music and are always experimenting with our sound and new musical ideas. IOG’s new single MIDNIGHT ( Coming out 6/6/2023) is a dark mix of rock and metal unlike anything we have done before.
• I’ve read that playing live is a very important part of your existence. You have a strong legion of supporters, “The Siren Nation” and you have played many shows across US, some of them with bands like Stryper or OTEP. What can expect someone from a live of yours?
◦ Illusions of Grandeur live show is a theatrical experience with a mix of The Siren Acting out the songs to lights, fire and video.
• Your album hasn’t a physical release until now, am I right? Why that?
◦ All Illusions of Grandeur CD’s are available Worldwide and also directly through the bands website www.iogmusic.com.
• Are there any plans ahead?
◦ Illusions of Grandeur in 2023 will release their 3rd album “The Siren Rises” and continue to tour in Europe and America! I.O.G. hope to go worldwide in 2023-2024.
• Thanks a lot for this interview. I wish you the best. Last words are yours!
Thank you for having us and please support independent music, here are our social media links!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllusionsOG
Band camp: https://illusionsofgrandeur.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iogmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iogband
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCNb-T_hQo8nglq50v02BVmA
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