ethereal kingdoms review Archives

August 10, 2020August 10, 2020

“What a voice!” – live at Byhaven, Pumpehuset

Ethereal Kingdoms live christian haystack rasmussen guitarist

★★★★★★★★☆☆ for our first live show since the lockdown from MODGIFT! We joined our MIGHTY MUSIC label mates WAYWARD DAWN and CHRONICLE for our very first open-air experience.
A wonderful night with new faces, old friends and so much pent up energy to be released

Ethereal Kingdoms live byhaven guest vocalist Darnell boddie and Sofia schmidt by nikolaj bransholm — Special guest vocalist Darnell Boddie lifted our arrangements with his characteristic countertenor vocals. He’s been a part of The Kingdom Choir, our own vocal ensemble, since its formation in 2019.
Portrait by Nikolaj Bransholm

Mighty Music presents…

Our record label Mighty Music presented this open air showcase night, that according to Modgift was a

“Great great evening, that brings renewed hope for the ‘return’ of live music”

The reviewer continues with the following remarks:

Sofia Schmidt’s performance fronting Ethereal Kingdoms, really lifts the level of the band.

When she enters the stage, she (…) is a vocalist of absolute format. What a voice she has.

Not only Sofia’s voice and performance, but the songs of our 2019 debut album Hollow Mirror made an impression on this metal journalist:

(…) they can write some very catchy music in this band.
(…) their album from last year have really grown on me and after this night, the same goes for the live performance.

Ethereal KingdomsWayward DawnChronicle(Livekoncert)Byhaven Pumpehuset 30.07.2020Anmeldt af @Andreas…
Slået op af Modgift i Søndag den 2. august 2020

Thank you MODGIFT for this lovely account of a wonderful evening at BYHAVEN.

We cannot wait to be back on stage with our next shows at NÆSTVED METALFEST and XAON/SUNLESS DAWN/ETHEREAL KINGDOMS/LAMENTARI

Follow our next shows on our website or on our social media accounts.

January 16, 2020April 2, 2020

‘An excellent debut’ – Devilution review

Hollow Mirror is a 2019 favourite, making it onto multiple best metal album 2019 lists

★★★★☆ from DEVILUTION in this review of HOLLOW MIRROR!
Well-known in the Danish metal scene for their sharp ears and even sharper pens, we are thrilled with the lovely words from journalist Henrik Hjellerup Bro in this review of our debut album.

“SOFIA SCHMIDT‘s voice easily spans several octaves and not only is her clean vocal in peak form, she’s also handling the album’s growls. Truly a woman with an excellent organ”

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Royal Metal Fest. Sofia Schmidt with bleeding heart special effect. — From our performance at Royal Metal Fest 2019 Portrait by Jakob Dinesen // Devilution

“ETHEREAL KINGDOMS is a symphonic metal band, but it’s a bit more than that. A significant amount of black metal sneaks its way into the songs.”

Especially ‘ENDINGS’ was highlighted as an example of this, with massive blasts and the duality of Sofia’s growls and clean vocals.

Endings – a story of blind of hope and bitter consequence.
Mighty Music 2019 – Video by Scott Rudd

“The inspiration from NIGHTWISH is present, but opposed to the swedes, ETHEREAL KINGDOMS is carried by guitar, bass and drums rather than long keyboard sequences”

The comparison to the Finnish symphonic legends was also noticed by METAL A DAY’s Mads Pristed in another review.
Devilution’s Henrik Bro continues:

“HOLLOW MIRROR is an excellent full-length debut from ETHEREAL KINGDOMS. This reviewer totally overlooked that in 2019. It could have made its way to the top 5 Danish releases of the year”

DEVILUTION journalist Henrik Kjellerup Bro highlighted BEGINNINGS, ENDINGS and APPARITION from our collection of ghost stories.
What are your favorites on HOLLOW MIRROR?

November 22, 2019November 22, 2019

“Close your eyes and listen” – Metal’art Hollow Mirror review

Ethereal Kingdoms live Wintersun Support Gimle 2019 Christian Rasmussen

4,5 of 5 stars from Metal’art in this review of Hollow Mirror.
Journalist Morbid Domi dared to look at our debut album and states:

“In their mirror, I saw the beauty and the capacity to lay one day a true masterpiece in this very noble style. Close your eyes and listen …”
“The 9 titles composing the work are totally captivating. Their metal is generous in both the refined orchestrations and guitar riffings of Christian Rasmussen. More than in groups yet known worldwide, we find passages very aggressive thanks to the excellent drumming of Jon Elmquist.“

“Apparition” is already in a level higher than the “Enter” of Within Temptation.”

“The entire album listens without transitions, never tired. “
Morbid Domi, The Metal Art

Thank you so very much!

Other French metal media have taken interest in our 9 ghost stories, such as Metallian, who honored us with our very first foreign print magazine front page feature and a full-page interview.

Enter the world of Hollow Mirror on your streaming service of choice
Get your copy of our debut album on vinyl and CD from the official Target webshop!

November 4, 2019January 20, 2020

“Not an ordinary piece of work” – Aardschok magazine review

Aardschok magazine november 2019 Ethereal Kingdoms review hollow mirror

"___
Sofia Schmidt and Christian Rasmussen
Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun 15th anniversary support
August 30th 2019, Gimle, Roskilde
Portrait by Skoett Photography — Sofia Schmidt and Christian Rasmussen
Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun 15th anniversary support
August 30th 2019, Gimle, Roskilde
Portrait by Skoett Photography

Renowed dutch heavy metal journal Aardschok magazine dived into our debut album in their November 2019 issue.
Hollow Mirror was awarded 85 of 100 score in this review by journalist Laura Waalboer! Thank you!

What did she experience?
What stories did she encounter?
Laura in particular took note to of our song Distance:

“Opener “Distance” starts with a melodic orchestration (…), soon you know, this is not going to be an ordinary piece of work”

“No song is just an up-tempo, a ballad or a melodic song. Each track contains clean vocals, growls, narration, mysterious sounds, opera vocals, guitar solos, whipping drums and everything else in the musical range of symphonic metal. (…) in every song all the singing styles, various arrangements and all the instruments are tumbling over each other.”
“What a courage, what a creativity!”
“Hollow Mirror (…) is a 45-minute fairy tale story with a lead role for singer Sofia Schmidt. She is in possession of a warm, dark voice that, during the clean vocals, resembles Helena Michaelsen, who can also sound an opera tesk, and she also takes care of the growls.”
Laura Waalboer, Aardschok november 2019 issue

Ethereal Kingdoms hollow mirror review aardschok magazine 2019 mighty music

https://www.facebook.com/officialaardschok

Thank you so much Aaardschock magazine!
Other metal journalists have shared their experience of Hollow Mirror:

“In league with the big bands” – heavymetal.dk – 8 of 10
“You’re in for an experience” – Metalized – 10/10
“Brings together the opposites” – Classic Rock Magazine
“A perfect balance of brightness and darkness” – Metal Temple – 8 of 10
“Beauty interrupted by brutality” – Calles Rock Corner – 6 of 6

October 29, 2019November 20, 2019

“Brings together the opposites” – Classic Rock Magazine review

Classic Rock Magazine Germany entered the Hollow Mirror soundscape.

On Hollow Mirror, we bring to life 9 ghost stories, set in our theatrical metal soundscape. We explore contrasts, construct beautiful scenery and tear it apart. Spectral voices of massive choirs, numerous guest musicians and classical soloists – our first album was a massive undertaking for us! How does that all come together?

Journalist Matthias Mineur shared his thoughts in the Prog-metal section of the October issue.

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror review in Classic Rock Magazine by Matthias Mineur.

“From sugar sweet to gallbitter, from lascivious to hectic, from symphonic to death metal (…) Hollow Mirror brings together the opposites.(…)”
“(…)contrast between the bell-clear soprano and the heavy bark-varying vocals of their frontwoman Sofia Schmidt (…)”
Matthias Mineur, Classic Rock Magazine

Classic rock magazine October 2019 ethereal kingdoms review

Thank you so much, Classic Rock Magazine!

Other printed rock- and metal magazines have also explored Hollow Mirror.
Germany’s Legacy magazine have featured us for both an interview and a review. The same goes for French Metallian, who honored us with a full-page interview feature and a 5 of 6 stars rating for Hollow Mirror.

Scandinavia’s oldest metal magazine Metalized reached out to us for an interview and granted Hollow Mirror a 10 of 10 star review!

Enter the Hollow Mirror dreamscape on your streaming service of choice.
Do you prefer your music the physical way?
CD and Vinyl editions of Hollow Mirror are available at the official target webshop!

October 28, 2019November 20, 2019

“Elegance that keeps the listener pivoting” – Hollow Mirror Dead Rhetoric review

Ethereal Kingdoms live Sofia Schmidt breaking violin live at Royal Metal Fest Jacob Dinesen Devilution

What happens when you combine massive choirs, heartfelt screams, shattered violins, nostalgic melodies, classical soloists and thundering blastbeats?
What happens when you bring nine ghost stories to life set in a theatrical metal sound-stage?

Journalist Matt Coe entered the Hollow Mirror soundscape and awarded our debut album an 8,5 of 10 rating from Dead Rhetoric!

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Royal Metal Fest 2019. Sofia Schmidt shattering a violin at the stage floor. Symphonic metal theatrical performance. Portrait by Jacob Dinesen of Devilution. — “Hope is an illusion we feed ourselves”
Shattering the potential for beauty.
Ethereal Kingdoms live at Royal Metal Fest 2019
Portrait by Jacob Dinesen of Devilution

“(…) in the case of this quartet, they are willing to incorporate gothic and dark/extreme elements against an elegance that keeps the listener pivoting throughout these nine tracks.”

“(…) the music supporting the singing in a seamless fashion, the extra orchestration and woodwind/classical accents providing the extra cherry layer on top of the proceedings.”
Matt Coe, Dead Rhetoric.com

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun anniversary support show. Guitarist Christian Rasmussen performing on stage at gimle with guitar.
Portrait by Skoett Photography. — “I reflect in broken glass”
Christian Rasmussen at Wintersun 15th anniversary support show 2019
Portrait by Skoett Photography

“Guitarist Christian Rasmussen can go from crunchier rhythms to clean passages that convince you of the man’s stellar abilities”
“(…)the group cover “My Kantele” from Amorphis, adding their dual clean/growl slant and giving the song the credit it deserves for being a set list/band favorite since it’s release in 1996.”

“Ethereal Kingdoms (…) do their best to blend their love of gothic, folk, and darker/extreme metal on top of things. Because of this Hollow Mirror will reflect adequately for most who love the diverse approach and attention to catchy melodies/harmonies throughout.”
Matt Coe, Dead Rhetoric.com

Ethereal Kingdoms – Hollow Mirror (Mighty Music)

“You’re in for an experience” – Metalized
“A surprising record” – Metallian
“A darker take on symphonic metal” – Über Rock

October 27, 2019January 17, 2020

“In league with the big bands” – Hollow Mirror review

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun support show at Gimle. Sofia Schmidt performing My Kantele by Amorphis in front of crowd.

★★★★★★★★☆☆ from Heavymetal.dk for Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror!
One of Denmark’s longest running metal webzines awarded Hollow Mirror a score of 8 of 10 stars in this review.
Journalist Carsten Bach entered the Hollow Mirror dreamscape.
He was thrilled by the storytelling and drew clear parallels to our inspirations from Amorphis, Nightwish and so forth.

He said:

“You don’t need more than a few seconds of listening to place Ethereal Kingdoms in league with the big bands”

“(…) You get the sense, that you will witness a story and not just 9 separate songs.”

“Vocalist Sofia Schmidt clearly demonstrates, that she’s not to be dismissed as a docile pretty voice, for her guttural roars and ear-shattering screams are truly powerful”
Carsten Bach, Heavymetal.dk

★★★★★★★★★☆Thank you so much!
Heaymetal.dk was also present when we unleashed some of the songs from Hollow Mirror for the first time live.
This happened at Royal Metal Fest April 6th 2019 at our theatrical special show:
“I witnessed something unique” – ★★★★★★★★★☆ – Heavymetal.dk

We also spoke with heavymetal.dk before our show at Copenhagen Metal Fest, where we in this interview talk about our inspirations, dreams and what’s on our guilty pleasure playlists!

Explore Hollow Mirror at your streaming service of choice or at your local record store!

Ethereal Kingdoms – Hollow Mirror – Full album playlist

Other metal journalists from all over the world have entered the Hollow Mirror dreamscape as well.

“Dragged out of the comfort zone” – Legacy magazine
“Elegance that keeps the listener pivoting” – Dead Rhetoric
“You’re in for an experience” – Metalized

October 21, 2019November 20, 2019

“A darker take on symphonic metal” – Review of Hollow Mirror

Ethereal Kingdoms live wintersun support by Jannie Ravn Madsen. Sofia Schmidt vocalist with bloody heart special effect.

Journalist Tim Bolitho-Jones of Über Rock entered Hollow Mirror and found it to be “an impressive piece of work” in this review:

“a darker take on traditional symphonic metal (…) a more horror-inflected vibe and feels grimly oppressive.”

“It’s also notable for the frankly fantastic vocals of singer Sofia Schmidt. Aside from her impressive orchestral range, she also handles the low register death growls and switches between styles in an instant.”

“The likes of ‘Beginnings’ and ‘Ashes Within’ are huge, cinematic slices of Gothic melodrama.”
Tim Bolitho Jones – Über Rock

Ethereal Kingdoms – ‘Hollow Mirror’ (Mighty Music)

Hollow Mirror is our collection of 9 ghost stories and tales of personal tragedy. Our most massive undertaking to date, our debut album was created with the help of numerous guest artists such as icelandic folk musician Sigurbodi, award winning singer-songwriter Amalie Skriver on violin and guest vocals, numerous classical soloists, voice actor Simon Larsen and many more.

We have worked closely with artist Anna Holm to create the visual backdrop for Hollow Mirror by creating unique illustrations for each of the 9 songs.

Enter Hollow Mirror on your streaming service of choice
Vinyl and CD with 12-page illustrated art booklet available at the official Target webshop

October 13, 2019October 13, 2019

Hollow Mirror out now

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror debut album cover.

We are thrilled to unveil Hollow Mirror.
A collection of 9 ghost stories rendered in a massive soundscape.

Featuring numerous guest musicians, this debut album is the largest undertaking in our career so far.

Our debut album is out now wordwide on vinyl, CD and digital via Mighty Music.

Enter Hollow Mirror on your streaming service of choice:

Journalists from around the world have already entered the theatrical metal experience.
This is their testimonials:

“You’re in for an experience” – 10 of 10 – Metalized
“Like going on a journey” – 5 of 5 – Raven Rock Site
“Almost near perfection” – 4 of 5 – Metal A Day
“Beauty interrupted by brutality” – 6 of 6 – Calles Rock Corner
“A perfect balance of brightness and darkness” – 8 of 10 – Metal Temple
“Each composition is a kingdom of its own” – 15 of 15 – Fireworks
“Dragged out of the comfort zone” – Legacy
“A complete range of voices” – 82 of 100 – Musica.be

October 13, 2019January 16, 2020

“A surprising record” – Review of Hollow Mirror

Journalist Axel Meuriche of French metal magazine Metallian entered Hollow Mirror. He awarded our debut album a grand 5 of 6 stars in this review!
Not only did Metallian feature this review in their September/October issue, they awarded us with a wonderful full page interview feature where we talk about our inspirations, the concepts of Hollow Mirror and how we fuse theatre and metal.

Axel wrote the following about Hollow Mirror:

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror review in Metallian. Symphonic metal mighty music 2019

“Hollow Mirror is a surprising record, that any fan of symphonic metal will be able to adopt easily.”

“The dexterity is always at the service of the melody, especially on “Endings” and the little pop side of the style is never too far with “Heartchamber” and “Silent Dance” …

“(…) rich pieces, sublimated by ever indigestible orchestrations that brilliantly accompany the lyrical flights and cries of the beautiful singer, Sofia Schmidt.”

Thank you so much Metallian!

Other media have shared their thoughts about Hollow Mirror as well:
“You’re in for an experience” – 10 of 10 – Metalized
“Beauty interrupted by brutality” – 6 of 6 – Calles Rock Corner
“Like going on a journey” – 5 of 5 – Raven Rock Site
“Each composition is a kingdom of its own” – 12 of 15 – Fireworks Magazine
“A perfect balance of brightness and darkness” – 8 of 10 – Metal Temple

October 10, 2019November 20, 2019

“Not just another symphonic metal band”

Ethereal Kingdoms live review metaladay.dk. Sofia Schmidt with bloody heart special effect at Copenhagen Metal Fest 2019

Hard Rock Info entered the Hollow Mirror soundscape and shared a few thoughts about what they experienced.

Our 9 ghost stories were received thusly:

” (…)if you’re a fan of symphonic and melodic metal, and have nothing against a few surprises, then you should at least give this band a try (…)”
“Their music is a little theatrical/cinematic actually, and full of ghost stories. Metal, soprano, growl and harsh vocals are mixed with choirs and a lot of different instruments and different twists and turns. “

“So, this is obviously a very ambitious project, and absolutely not just another symphonic metal band.”
Hard Rock Info

Hollow Mirror is out on 11th of October 2019 via Mighty Music.
Vinyl, CD and digital are available.

We’re incredibly exited to share this with the world. This is our first album, our first physical copies of our music made available to the public.

You’re invited into the Hollow Mirror experience.
Enter. Join us.
Share your thoughts with us on social media.

Other metalheads and metal journalists have experienced the following:

“You’re in for an experience” – 10 of 10 –Metalized
“Almost near perfection” – 4 of 5 -Metal A Day
“Beauty interrupted by brutality” – 6 of 6 – Calles Rock Corner
“Each composition is a kingdom of its own” – Fireworks
“Dragged out of the comfort zone”– 12 of 15 – Legacy magazine

“A perfect balance of darkness and brightness” – 8 of 10 – Metal Temple

October 7, 2019November 20, 2019

“Each composition is a kingdom of its own” – Fireworks magazine

82 of 100 points and a top-5 playlist mention for Hollow Mirror in Fireworks Rock & Metal magazine!

Front page of Fireworks Rock & Metal issue no 88 October-December 2019 — Fireworks Rock & Metal issue no 88 October-December 2019

Journalist Bruce EJ Atkinson of renowned Fireworks Rock & Metal Magazine entered the Hollow Mirror soundscape.
He awarded us a grand 82/100 points score. Amongst our compositions, he highlighted ‘Distance’, ‘Beginnings’ and our cover of ‘My Kantele’ by our melodeath heroes in Amorphis.

Mr. Atkinson thought the following of Hollow Mirror:

“(…) comprises nine beautifully executed musical journeys (…) the music in each creation is so descriptive and so is the vocal delivery of Schmidt; in case you are wondering …. Yes, those growls are hers – all hers!”

“Each composition is an epic and and each is a kingdoms of its own; they are full of complicated arrangements that are raw and emotional yet finely textured”

“This is a type of performance that seldom works and yet these four musicians make it work all the time.”

“(…) A virtual tempest that showcases the high talents of each member.”

Hollow Mirror review
Hollow Mirror review

We even made it to the top 5 playlist recommendation from Bruce EJ Atkinson!

Thank you so much Fireworks Rock & Metal!

Other metal media have shared their thoughts on Hollow Mirror. Explore the archive in our reviews section.
10 of 10 – “You’re in for an experience!” – Metalized
6 of 6 – “Beauty interrupted by brutality” – Calle’s Rock Corner
4 of 5 – “Almost near perfection” – Metal A Day
8 of 10 – “A perfect balance of brightness and darkness” – Metal Temple

Hollow Mirror is out on October 11th 2019 via Mighty Music
Pre-add to your streaming service or pre-order Vinyl or CD copy via our official shop.

We celebrate the release of our debut album with a special acoustic performance at Zeppelin Rock Bar with special guests and surprises.

October 4, 2019November 20, 2019

“You’re in for an experience” – Review of Hollow Mirror

Ethereal Kingdoms Metalized front page October/November 2019 124th issue. 10 of 10 star Hollow Mirror review and interview feature.

★★★★★★★★★★ from Metalized!
The ‘Hollow Mirror’ album reviews keep coming in and we’re so honored by how well our stories and songs have been received by those who listen.
Journalist Hell(e) of Metalized explored the sounds of our debut album and shared her thoughts in the 124th issue of Metalized:

“(…) with a quality nearing that of Nightwish, you’re in for an experience!”

“It’s music that is to be experienced both in your living room and on stage”

“Well worth the money if you enjoy symphonic metal with beautiful, beautiful female vocals”

Thank you so much Metalized!

We are featured in the issue no. 124 (oct/nov 2019), not only with this lovely album review for ‘Hollow Mirror’, but also with an interview by Hell(e).

We talk about our creative process, our record deal with Mighty Music, inspirations, hopes and dreams for the future and how it works when we’re on the road with big names such as Finntroll, Forever Still and Wintersun.

In this magazine, we’re in the great company of Mayhem, Cult of Luna, Baest, Michael Monroe, Soren Andersen, Denner’s Inferno and many many other metal and rock heroes.

Metalized is the longest running rock and metal magazine in Scandinavia, and have published countless interviews with every heavy metal and rock legend imaginable. It goes back to 1987 and is an esteemed and important actor in the metal and rock journalism scene in the nordic countries.

More Hollow Mirror album review:

This is not the only album review we have received from Hollow Mirror. Other metal media have shared their thoughts as well:

“Beauty interrupted by brutality” – 6 of 6 skulls – Calle’s Rock Corner
“A complete range of voices” – 82 of 100 score – Musica.be
“A perfect balance of brightness and darkness” – 8 of 10 stars – Metal Temple
“A very deserving debut” – 7,7 of 10 stars – Lords of Metal

October 3, 2019November 20, 2019

“Almost near perfection” – Review of Hollow Mirror

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun Support Sofia Schmidt vocalist at Gimle

★★★★☆ in this Hollow Mirror review from Metal A Day!

Music journalist Mads Pristed entered the Hollow Mirror soundscape.
He’s a big fan of acts like Nightwish, Epica, After Forever and Within Temptation, so his expectations were high for our first symphonic metal opus.

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun 15th anniversary support. Vocalist Sofia Schmidt with torn out heart in a performance of Heartchamber. — Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun 15th anniversary support.
Portrait by Skoett Photography

“The singles “Heartchamber” and “Distance” give a good feeling of the soundscape of the album, but it’s on “Beginnings” and “Endings“, that they truly shine. The connection and harmony of the two songs are almost near perfection.”

“Ethereal Kingdoms has an international sound, they are authentic and last but not least believeable, so they have the potential to make it really big. That’s why they get four big stars. “

Ethereal Kingdoms’ æteriske ærlighed

Thank you so much Metal A Day!

Ethereal Kingdoms live at wintersun 15th anniversary support show at gimle. Sofia Schmidt kneeling on stage with microphone pointing towards guitarist Christian Rasmussen. — Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun 15th anniversary support show.
Portrait by Skoett Photography

This Hollow Mirror review is not our first feature in this renowned Danish metal webzine.

Metal A Day founder and journalist Anders Lundtang has shared his thoughts on the theatrical metal experience on Copenhagen Metal Fest and Nordic Noise.
Mads Pristed, author of this album review was also present at our grandiose show at Wintersun’s first visit to Denmark at their 15th anniversary tour. A night with storytelling, special guests Amalie Skriver, Sigurbodi Gretarsson, The Kingdom Choir and special effects.

Pre-add Hollow Mirror to your streaming service of choice and be among the first to hear the stories or pre-order CD or vinyl through the official shop!

September 30, 2019November 20, 2019

‘A very deserving debut’ – Review of Hollow Mirror

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun’s 15th anniversary show
Portrait by Skoett Photography

Sjak Roks of Dutch magazine Arrowlords of Metal entered the soundscapes on our debut album Hollow Mirror. He has shared his thoughts in this review here:

“(…) considering that the band has only been around for two years and considering that this is only their first album, we can certainly speak of a very deserving debut.”

“(…) the song material of Ethereal Kingdoms sounds quite bombastic over time, but luckily they regularly alternate with both subdued passages and very aggressive pieces. “

“The soprano vocals, the growls as well as the whisper vocals during the quieter passages are all provided by Sofia and that can be called quite impressive.”

“(…) The songs are definitely worth listening to and especially ‘Ashes Within’ (with its blast beats, heavily set orchestral parts, a very dark atmosphere and a lot of variation in the vocals for me the showpiece of this album) and ‘Endings’ appeal to the imagination(…)”

7,7/10 score! Thank you so much!
★★★★★★★★☆☆
Article in Dutch 🇳🇱

Ethereal Kingdoms – Hollow Mirror

Thank you so much!

Enter Hollow Mirror
October 11th
Vinyl – CD – Digital

Pre-add to your preferred streaming service for free

Endings – A story of blind hope and bitter consequence
Video by the magnificent Scott Rudd Films
Mighty Music 2019

Other metal media outlets have said the following about Hollow Mirror:

6 of 6 stars – “Beauty interrupted by brutality” – Calle’s Rock Corner
82/100 score – “A complete range of voices” – Musica.be
8 of 10 stars – “A perfect balance of brightness and darkness” -Metal Temple
10 of 10 stars – “You’re in for an experience” – Metalized

May 12, 2019January 17, 2020

“Ambitions are sky high” – Nordic Noise live review

Ethereal Kingdoms live at nordic noise festival imager bio Metal A Day

GAFFA awarded ★★★★☆☆ stars for Ethereal Kingdoms special guest show at Nordic Noise Festival 2019 in Amager Bio.

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Nordic Noise festival 2019 at Amager Bio. — Sofia Schmidt in an intense moment at Nordic Noise festival 2019 in Amager Bio.
Portrait by Stoumann for Metal A Day

Nordic Noise Festival – the rock and metal herald of the Copenhagen spring since 2013. This year, for the first time in Amager Bio, Ethereal Kingdoms were invited to join this historic stage. We were in the grand company of legendary Candlemass, The Night Flight Orchestra and more on the 11th of May 2019.
In celebration of our new single Heartchamber, we created a special event with guest violinist Amalie Skriver and The Kingdom Choir – three singers of Roskilde Cathedral.

Amalie Skriver and Christian Rasmussen in a duet of strings.
Portrait by Mark Stoumann for Metal A Day

Journalist Keld Broksø of GAFFA was present at our performance and shared the following thoughts:

“People (…) have heard something akin to this with Nightwish and Within Temptation and Ethereal Kingdoms is well on their way to their league”

“Ambitions are sky high with an efficient and talented metal band behind the vocalist”

“(…) I felt that something big is on its way with a new album this year.”

Article in Danish 🇩🇰

The Kingdom Choir – three otherworldly voices of Roskilde Cathedral.
Left to right: Darnell Boddie (Coutnertenor), Christoffer Müller (Bass), Frederik Gade (Tenor)
Portrait by Mark Stoumann for Metal A Day

Thank you so much Gaffa!

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Amager Bio Nordic Noise 2019. Full lineup from the crowd with special guests — The full lineup of the night – with special guests Amalie Skriver (violin, vocals) and The Kingdom Choir – three otherworldly voices of Roskilde Cathedral.
Portrait by Jakob Muxoll.

April 12, 2019January 17, 2020

“Death, love and ghosts” – Royal Metal Fest live review

The Kingdom Choir of Ethereal Kingdoms at royal metal fest 2019.

★★★★☆ from Metaltone.dk for Ethereal Kingdoms’ special theatrical show at Royal Metal Fest 2019.
Backed with a special production grant, we brough stories from Hollow Mirror to life for the first time. We created a theatrical show featuring The Kingdom Choir, dancers, special effects and special light show.

Ethereal Kingdoms live at royal metal fest 2019. Sofia Schmidt — Sofia Schmidt in the stage light setting created by Martin Rasmussen.
Royal Metal Fest 2019
Portrait by Johnny Fravn of Metaltone.dk

“There were different highlights at Royal Metal fest this year. One of them definitely was Ethereal Kingdoms”

“I could almost have wanted a bigger stage for this show”

“The songs were executed beautifully with (…) Sofia fronting. (…) She’s educated in opera (…) but sometimes shifts to high pitch screams and even very masculine deep growls. (…). I was deeply impressed (…).”

“(…) performing the songs in text, dancing and acting backed by skilled and competent musicians (…)”

“An incredibly ambitious show”

“We experienced death, joy, sorrow, love and ghosts this night (…) one of the interesting performances this year”
Johnny Fravn, Metaltone.dk

Christian Rasmussen performing at Royal Metal Fest 2019 Ethereal Kingdoms. — Guitarist and composer Christian Rasmussen.
Royal Metal Fest 2019
Portrait by Johnny Fravn for Metaltone.dk

Thank you so much metaltone.dk!
Before the show, we spoke with Royal Metal Fest about our thoughts and ambitions for this one of a kind performance in this interview.
We were honored to be backed with financial grant from DMF, DAF and Metal Royale foundation.

Ethereal Kingdoms live at royal metal fest 2019. violin breaking on stage. — Sofia Schmidt shattering a violin on stage.
Royal Metal Fest 2019.
Portrait by Jakob Dinesen of devilution.dk

Others who have witnessed this performance say the following:

4,5 of 5 stars – “Refreshingly ambitious” – Revolution Music

9 of 10 stars – “I witnessed something unique” – Heavymetal.dk

Curious about our theatrical metal universe? Learn more in our about-section!

April 10, 2019January 17, 2020

“I witnessed something unique” – Royal Metal Fest live review

★★★★★★★★★☆ from Heavymetal.dk for Ethereal Kingdom’s special theatrical show at Royal Metal Fest 2019.

Ethereal Kingdoms live at royal metal fest 2019 with dancers presenting hollow mirror songs. — Corporeal ghost stories of Hollow Mirror brought to life by two dancers
Royal Metal Fest 2019
Portrait by Johnny Fravn of Metaltone.dk

April 6th 2019 at 17.00 at Radar in Århus marked a milestone for Ethereal Kingdoms.
We unleashed our very first theatrical special performance at Royal Metal Fest .
We received their grant for creating an extraordinary concert.
We assembled The Kingdom Choir, premiered new songs from Hollow Mirror, unleashed corporeal ghosts, shattered violins, blood and a torrent of emotion from the intimate stage setting.

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Royal Metal Fest 2019. Sofia Schmidt Jakob Holm Jon Elmquist performing at Radar stage. — Sofia Schmidt, Jakob Holm and Jon Elmquist of Ethereal Kingdoms
Royal Metal Fest 2019
Portrait by Johnny Fravn of Metaltone.dk

Journalist Jeanett Meibom shared her thoughts about our show:

“I was absorbed by what was happening on stage (…) I left with an experience of having witnessed something unique.”

“Lead vocalist Sofia Schmidt’s voice is incomparable to anything else in the Danish metalscene”
“(….) entered Radar with a show in two acts: Act I and Act II. The first round featured just the band on stage but as the show moved along, more joined in: smoke-spitting ghosts and three young male choir singers (…)”

“The theatrical aspect of Ethereal Kingdoms is something nobody else in Denmark can do”
Jeanett Meibom, Heavymetal.dk

Thank you so much Heavymetal.dk!

Other media outlets shared heavymetal.dk’s excitement about our special show performance:

4,5 of 5 stars – “Refreshingly ambitious” – Revolution Music
4 of 5 stars – “Death, love and ghosts” – Metaltone.dk

Use the review section to explore other’s experiences of our music.

Dare to enter the theatrical metal experience?

Check our show-section and see if we’re playing at a venue near you!
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April 10, 2019November 20, 2019

“Refreshingly ambitious” – Royal Metal Fest live review

4,5 out of 5 stars for Ethereal Kingdoms special theatrical show at Royal Metal Fest 2019

Royal Metal Fest 2019 was a very special show for Ethereal Kingdoms.
Supported by a special grant from Metal Royale foundation, DMF and DAF, we created our very first installment of out theatrical special show format. Employing two dancers and premiering The Kingdom Choir, we told many of the stories of Hollow Mirror for the very first time at the Radar stage, 6th of April 2019. With the use of video backdrops, special light show by Martin Rasmussen (MØL, Hatesphere, Copenhell and more) and lots of special effects, we brought our stories and songs to life in a new format.

Journalist Andreas Kielland was present and awarded us a grand 4,5 of 5 stars!

“There’s more attention to detail than what is found within several bigger acts in symphonic metal.”

“The narrative is a chapter of its own. For the band’s theatrical, epic foundation does not only cover the form, but also the content”

“They are a refreshingly ambitious project”

“I would watch them live again, not only because I feel truly entertained but uplifted, inspired and hopeful on behalf on the group”
Andreas Kielland, revolution-inc.dk

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Royal Metal Fest 2019. Special theatrical show with choir singers and ghostly dancers in the background. — Ghosts came alive at Royal Metal Fest 2019 with our theatrical special show.
Portrait by Jakob Dinesen of Devilution

Thank you so very much Revolution Music!

Royal Metal Fest also reached out to us for an interview. We spoke to them before the show when we were in the heat of planing the performance and rehearsing it to perfection. You can find this interview and more in the interviews section here on our website.

Other metal media left this night with the following impressions:

9 of 10 stars – “I witnessed something unique” – Heavymetal.dk

4 of 5 stars – “Death, love and ghosts” – Metaltone.dk

October 19, 2018November 20, 2019

“New pages in the history of the genre” – Finntroll support live review

Ethereal Kingdoms live with finntroll. Sofia Schmidt destroying a violin on stage.

Review of Finntroll, Vanir, Sylvatica, Ethereal Kingdoms at Gimle, 21st of September 2018 .

Finntroll Denmark 2018 Ethereal Kingdoms Vanir Sylvatica Gimle. Anna Holm Sørensen — We could barely believe this show was happening until we saw the poster!
An unforgettable night with Finntroll, Vanir and Sylvatica at Gimle.
21st of September 2018
Artwork by Anna Holm

2018 was an intense first year for Ethereal Kingdoms:
Two showcase concerts with Blastbeast, SPOT festival, Wacken Metal Battle Denmark finals and last but not least: supporting legendary folk metallers Finntroll at their show in Gimle, Denmark.

For this show we brought special guests in the form of violinist and signer Amalie Skriver as well as some shattering special effects.

Italian webzine Heavymetal.it was present at this concert and shared their thoughts in this review:

“Those who think that the symphonic metal has nothing more to say will soon have to change its mind. This band, young and well organized, has all the qualities to write new pages in the history of this genre”

“The charming singer Sofia Schmidt (…) has a truly phenomenal voice capable of alternating lyrical singer virtuosities, evolving unexpectedly into a true growling beast.”
Davide Bonavida , Heavymetal.it

Sofia Schmidt live with Ethereal Kingdoms supporting Finntroll 2018 — Sofia Schmidt on the stage of Gimle at Finntroll support show 2018
Portrait by Gaia Micatovich // Heavymetal.it

Aside from this review, vocalist Sofia also spoke with Davide Bonavida of Heavymetal.it for an interview about Ethereal Kingdoms’ inspirations, ambitions and their unique stage presence.

By: Davide Bonavida
Published: 18th of October 2018

September 27, 2018November 20, 2019

“Flying pieces of a broken violin” – Finntroll support review

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Finntroll support Gimle 2019

September 21st 2019 marked the night where we joined legendary Finntroll at the stage of Gimle, accompanied by Sylvatica and Vanir.

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Gimle Finntroll support 2019 — “The beginning takes a thousand shapes”
Ethereal Kingdoms with special guest Amalie Skriver live at Gimle
Portrait by outstanding Mathilde Maria Phot ography

A special night for us all, as we prepared a few surprises by bringing violinist and singer Amalie Skriver along as special guest as well as premiering striking animated video backdrops by illustrator Anna Hom Sørensen.

Journalist Anders Lundtang of Metal A Day shared his impressions of our performance at the sold-out Roskilde venue:

“During their show this nighty, you could risk getting hit by flying pieces of a broken violin, which was smashed on stage. This only serves to underline the richness of detail in this orchestra”

“The vocal register of lead singer Sofia Schmidt is sure to impress. anyone who aspires to perform on stage”

“The symbiosis between band and audience was striking (…)”
Anders Lundtang, Metal A Day

Thank you so much Metal A Day!

Folkefesten i Roskilde