Heavymetal.it interview

Sofia Schmidt live with Ethereal Kingdoms supporting Finntroll 2018

Finntroll. Sylvatica. Vanir.
A sold out venue. Special guests.
A broken violin.

That was the ingredients of Ethereal Kingdoms’ night supporting Finntroll at Gimle 21st of September 2018.

Fresh off stage with the adrenaline still rushing, Sofia spoke with journalist Davide Bonavida  of Heavymetal.it
In this very first italian magazine feature, they talk about musical influences for Ethereal Kingdoms, the creative process and performance.

Sofia Schmidt from Ethereal Kingdoms holding a broken violin at Finntroll support show at Gimle.
Sofia Schmidt with a shattered violin
Gimle at Finntroll support show 2018
Portrait by Gaia Micatovich

A few excerpts from the original interview in Italian 🇮🇹

“We wanted to create something unique that differentiates us, not just copy other bands. We don’t just make music, we create stories”

“I study as a classical singer (…) whereas Christian comes directly from death metal. The funny thing is that in our compositions it’s me who brings the chaotic part and the growling while he brings the nostalgic melodies.”

“(…) those who spend time listening to us cannot get that time back. So I want to make sure they have a good experience.”

“(…) you can’t wait for something to happen by itself, you have to do it yourself. We took initiative to organize this show. I contacted the club while Christian called the bands he already knew personally. (…) we needed a prominent name (…) so we contacted Finntroll, explaining our project and … they said yes. I could not believe it!”

Sofia Schmidt with Davide Bonavida for 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

Thank you so much for taking time to talk with us, Heavymetal.it!

About the performance, the media said:

“They can write new pages in the history of this genre” – Heavymetal.it
“A sense for great melodies” – Blastbeast.dk

4 of 5 stars – “Flying pieces of a violin” – Metal A Day


Explore our performance of Endings from this night in this live video:

“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.

Ethereal Kingdoms live with finntroll. Sofia Schmidt destroying a violin on stage.
Sofia Schmidt shattering a violin on the stage floor of Gimle.
Finntroll support, september 21st 2018
Portrait by Vildmark Studio



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

“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 Photography


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
Ethereal Kingdoms live at Finntroll support Gimle 2019
“Hope is an illusion we feed ourselves”
Portrait by Mathilde Maria Rønshof

Thank you so much Metal A Day!