Podcast interview with Den Tunge Radio – SLAY HOME SLAY SAFE livestream festival special

After the show at SLAY HOME SLAY SAFE, our vocalist SOFIA had a talk with DEN TUNGE RADIO. Live and raw from the backstage lounge at FORBRÆNDINGEN, we talk about the visual and theatrical elements of Ethereal Kingdoms, how to deal with being a band during a pandemic and what’s next for Ethereal Kingdoms.

Listen to DEN TUNGE TIME podcast interview with SOFIA and KASPER BEHRENDT. Interview in Danish only.

A complete universe

How does it feel to play again, but without an audience?

“Being back on stage is like an out of body experience!”

– SOFIA SCHMIDT

“A concert is a transformative space, a symbiosis between the audience and the performing artist. Suddenly, I can’t see and feel the audience. It feels like we play more internally with each other in the band like this.”

-SOFIA SCHMIDT
Ethereal Kingdoms live at slay home slay safe festival. Sofia Schmidt lead singer. Portrait by Nikolaj Bransholm
The visual aspects of Ethereal Kingdoms serve to enhance the storytelling and create a believable universe.
Portrait by NIKOLAJ BRANSHOLM for FORBRÆNDINGEN

KASPER asked about the importance of the visual elements in Ethereal Kingdoms live performances:

“It’s like a complete aesthetic. (…) We have a theatre theme, so we incorporate those elements. We use video backdrops, light design (…) We create a universe you can enter. The music can of course exist on its own. When I watch a concert, I want to see something larger than life. The visuals make the story clearer”

-SOFIA

“Music and art can be a place of escape in this time, where ____ (…) we try to create such a space, which people can enter.”

– Sofia Schmidt

Explore DEN TUNGE RADIO on Facebook, Instagram and Mixcloud


In 2019, Sofia also visited the studio of DEN TUNGE RADIO for a Symphonic metal special show. Find it in the archives here:

Hollow Mirror is a 2019 favourite

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

2019 marked the release year of Hollow Mirror, our debut album.
In addition to beaming reviews, we are honoured to have made it onto the best 2019 metal album highlights of two journalists from danish METALIZED MAGAZINE, the top 2019 list from METAL REVOLUTION and both an album and concert performance top mention from METAL A DAY.

HELLE LOYCHE of METALIZED, who awarded Hollow Mirror a 10/10 review and whom we talked to about the creative process of ETHEREAL KINGDOMS, added us on her personal top 10 alongside bands like AVANTASIA, DEVIN TOWNSEND, BERSÆRK and many others. Thank you so much Helle!

“We gotta have at least one more Danish band on the list. We might not be able to play soccer or tennis, but we damn well know how to make metal!”

Helle Loyche, Metalizex

Journalist CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN of METALIZED, included Hollow Mirror in the “honourable mentions” of his top albums of 2019, in good company with our WACKEN METAL BATTLE DENMARK friends XENOBLIGHT, our DIRTY DAYS OF SUMMER buddies FOREVER STILL and many other amazing bands!


Journalist MIA HALL of METAL REVOLUTION added our collection of 9 ghost stories to her personal top playlist 10 for this year, citing

“An album that captures you from the very first song until the last”

Mia Hall, Metal Revolution
Ethereal Kingdoms debut album Hollow Mirror is featured on Metal Revolution Mia Hall's top 10 of 2019 list.
METAL REVOLUTION‘s MIA HALL added Hollow Mirror to her top 10 of 2019 releases.

She previously awarded Hollow Mirror 5/5 stars for RAVEN ROCK SITE.


Journalist MADS PRISTED included not only HOLLOW MIRROR but also our WINTERSUN support theatrical performance in his 2019 highlights, citing:

“Beware, abroad! Here comes the next big starts from little Denmark! Hollow Mirror is capable of a lot of things for a debut album. It’s great to see a band unafraid of grandiose ambitions and big dreams!”

Mads Pristed, Metal A Day

“Ethereal Kingdoms’ theatrical show almost matched the complex compositions of Wintersun”

Mads Pristed, Metal A Day


He previously reviewed our debut album, where he highlighted the storytelling aspects of our first collection of stories.

‘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?

SOLD OUT – Ethereal Kingdoms live at Udlejre Church

Ethereal Kingdoms udlejre kirke koncert vinterkoncert 21 februar 2020

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Udlejre church
February 21st 2002

Udlejre Kirke
Ørnebjergvej 7, 3560 Ølstykke, Copenhagen

Doors 19.00
Concert: 20.00
Reception with wine after the show

Free admission
Limited seats, please reserve your ticket here
SOLD OUT

Ethereal Kingdoms live concert
Potrait by Johnny Fravn // Metaltone.dk

Description

Ethereal Kingdoms presents a musical total experience in Udlejre Church
The critically acclaimed band experiments in the intersection between classical, metal and theatre concert in an intense, contrasting and emotional show, featuring the church’s beautiful organ.

The stories are brought to live exclusively by The Kingdom Choir, the church’s organ and special guest soloists in concord and contrast with roaring drums, elegant guitar lines and Sofia Schmidt’s characteristic soprano notes and low growls

The concert program consists of works from the critically acclaimed debut album Hollow Mirror (Mighty Music 2019) and two new pieces of music composed specifically for this concert experience.

Surrender. Let yourself be surprised, overwhelmed and full of wonder when Ethereal Kingdoms opens the doors to their beautiful and strange universe.

SETLIST

ACT I

01. Hollow light
New composition for organ and vocal ensemble
with organist Karsten Kristensen and The Kingdom Choir

02. Distance

ACT II

03. Ashes within
With flute soloist Lærke Krarup, Karsten Kristensen and The Kingdom Choir

04. Silent dance
with flute soloist Lærke Krarup and The Kingdom Choir

ACT III

05. My Kantele – Amorphis cover
With flute soloist Lærke Krarup, Karsten Kristensen and The Kingdom Choir

06. Lumisade
New composition for bouzouki, frame drum, electric bass and vocals for this concert

07. Heartchamber – semi-acoustic version
with flute soloist Lærke Krarup, Christian Haystack Rasmussen on Bouzuki and Jon Elmquist on frame drum.

08. Quando Corpus Morietur & Amen
12th movement from G. B. Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater
Soprano: Sofia Schmidt
Contratenor: Darnell Boddie
Organist: Karsten & Simone Kristensen
as well as the Ethereal Kingdoms metal ensemble for the “Amen” passage

09. Hollow light – reprise
with organist Karsten Kristensen

Links

Facebook event
Egedal lokalavis
Egedal lokalavis 2
Vores Egedal

Endings – Full vocal playthrough video

Ethereal Kingdoms Endings full vocal playthrough video out now on youtube

Earlier in November, we asked all of you which Ethereal Kingdoms song you would like to see a full vocal playthrough of.
You chose ‘Endings’, 5th song on Hollow Mirror.

Sofia and our video-genius friend Anders Groos Mikkelsen of Mikkelsen Photo, spent an evening creating this full vocal playthrough video:

The video was created in our newly re-decorated rehearsal room, which we share with our good friends and label-mates Vanir.
With three video lamps, two colored LED-bars, a dual-camera setup and some creative time in Final Cut Pro X, we created this clip for you.

Ethereal Kingdoms vocal playthrough of Endings from Hollow Mirror. Behind the scenes. Sofia Schmidt leaning agains microphone stand in rehearsal room.
Behind the scenes of Endings vocal playthrough video
Portrait by Mikkelsen-Photo


Sofia used the Shure SM7b vocal microphone for this recording, and all screams and growls for Hollow Mirror was actually recorded with this very setup.
Her clean vocals for the album was recorded in Wolf Rider Sound Productions studio. For this playtrhough though, everything is made on the SM7b, one of her absolute favorite pieces of equipment.

The studio version? It sounds like this, featuring The Kingdom Choir and an absolutely brilliant mix by Jakob Gundel of Gainfactory.
Watch or re-watch the stunning lyric video with artwork by Anna Holm brought to life by legendary Scott Rudd Films:

Which Ethereal Kingdoms vocal playthrough would you like to see next? Leave a comment or reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube!

“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
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

Hollow Mirror – 3 weeks on Spotify

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror CD

On October 11th we released our debut album Hollow Mirror
Now, (30th of august), less than three weeks later, we have already reached almost 9000 streams on Spotify alone.
Well past 2000 of you have entered the Hollow Mirror dreamscape on Spotify, and we are grateful for each and every stream.
Our stories are heard. Our words reach your heart.

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror spotify monthly listeners
Ethereal Kingdoms hollow mirror spotify all time streams


Thank you so much everyone who listen and explore our stories!
You make it possible for us to continue to create art and share our music.
Follow us on spotify, tell a friend, add a song to a playlist of yours – YOU make the whole difference!

“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!

“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

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

“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.
Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun support show at Gimle. Sofia Schmidt performing My Kantele by Amorphis in front of crowd
“Music will not play to please”
Sofia and Sigurbodi performing My Kantele – Amorphis cover at Wintersun 15th anniversary Support show at Gimle
Portrait by Skoett Photography

★★★★★★★★☆☆ 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

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

“Dragged out of the comfort zone” – Legacy album review

Legacy Magazine Ethereal Kingdoms

Germany’s Legacy magazine explored the theatrical metal experience which is Ethereal Kingdoms.
Journalist LS awarded Hollow Mirror a grand 12 of 15 stars ★★★★★★★★★★★★☆☆☆as well as an interview feature!

Legacy no 122 front page with review of Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror
Front page cover of Legacy Magazine no. 122

Journalist LS entered the Hollow Mirror soundscape and emerged with this experience:

“Hollow Mirror” is supported by the surprisingly variable voice of singer Sofia, who not only sings cleanly for several octaves, but likes to scream and growl in between.

“The band does not shy away from dissonances (…) there’s also a nasty bludgeon with a Deathcore touch on a hymnic elf-like vocals, such as on the middle section, Endings’.”

“Hollow Mirror” is a collection of ghost stories, with a 16-voice choir supporting Sofia in the dramatic rendition, as well as guest appearances with Sigurboði Gretarsson, who otherwise indulges in his one-man Niðafjöll command, and songwriter Amalie Skriver.

 “Hollow Mirror” takes time – the typical Crypt Metal crowd is unlikely to enjoy being dragged out of its comfort zone by the unruly arrangements and complex soundscapes – the Danes have the courage.”

Review of Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror by LS in Legacy Magazine no 122.
Review of Hollow Mirror by LS in Legacy Magazine no 122

Thank you so much Legacy Magazine for featuring Ethereal Kingdoms in your printed magazine!
Explore the interview feature and browse other interviews with internation metal media in our interviews section.

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

Ethereal Kingdoms 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.”

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.

‘Hollow Mirror’ acoustic release concert

Flute soloist Lærke Leth rehearsing with vocalist Sofia Schmidt for Ethereal Kingdoms Acoustic release concert.

In celebration of the release of our debut album Hollow Mirror
We have created a special night full of strange wonder and beauty
We play a one-of-a kind acoustic set with special guests
Enjoy the band’s signature ‘Sovereign’ drink
Contests, surprises and more! 
You are invited

Hollow Mirror release concert

11th of October 2019 
Doors: 19.30 
Showtime: 20.15
DJ’s, special surprises and more! 

Venue:
Zeppelin Rock Bar, Vesterbrogade 45, Copenhagen

For this show, we will be joined by flute soloist Lærke Leth, viola soloist Hansi Andersen and The Kingdom Choir in a bit of a different configuration. This night, they will consist of Victoria Omberg, Oliver Svensson and Mads ‘Arpeggio’ Sørensen. All of these artists except Victoria took part in creating Hollow Mirror, so this will be a very special moment for us to unleash the strange beauty in an intimate acoustic setting.


Hollow Mirror has already enchanted reviewers and metal journalists across the world:
10 of 10 – “You’re in for an experience!” – Metalized
6 of 6 – “Beauty interrupted by brutality” – Calle’s Rock Corner
8 of 10 – “A perfect balance of brightness and darkness” – Metal Temple
4 of 5 – “Almost near perfection” – Metal A Day
82 of 100 – “A complete range of voices” – Musica.be
12 of 15 – Legacy Magazine
82 /100 – Fireworks Magazine

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

Ethereal Kingdoms Metaled
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

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror debut album cover.

“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. “

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!

Metalized magazine interview

Ethereal Kingdoms live Wintersun support Mikkelsen Photo
Ethereal Kingdoms Metalized oktober/november 2019. Front page conver of metallized magazine, hollow mirror album review 10 of 10 and interview feature article with Ethereal Kingdoms.
Metalized – the oldest scandinavian printed metal magazine – reached out to us for an interview and an album review feature for the October/November issue!

How do you create a symphonic metal album from scratch?
What is life on the road like for Ethereal Kingdoms?
And what is it like to sign with Mighty Music less than a year after your debut EP?
We spoke to journalist Hell(e) in this Metalized magazine interview, the oldest metal and rock magazine in all of Scandinavia

Excerpts from the interview:

“We try to create the music we feel is missing out there. We draw our inspiration from a lot of different places, and always strive to create something extraordinary”


“For me (Sofia, red.) the growl is the 6th gear of my voice, it’s for when what I want to say can’t be said with intense high notes. I need to scream and roar it out, it’s a raw masculine energy that I like to work with in my voice”

“(Signing with Mighty Music, red.) has opened up a lot of opportunities to get our music out to those, who want to hear it”

“Especially live, we sometimes take big chances and experiment in the intersection between show and concert”


In this issue no 124, you will find a review of Hollow Mirror as well (10 of 10 stars, thank you so much!) as well as articles with Baest, Mayhem, Soren Andersen and many many more!

Ethereal Kingdoms live at Wintersun 15th anniversary special show with Amalie Skriver.
Ethereal Kingdoms live with special guest Amalie Skriver at Wintersun 15th anniversary show.
Photo by Mikkelsen-Photo for Metal a Day



We have also spoken with Metallian, the largest French metal magazine in print (and even made it to the frontpage of their September/October issue! Thank you so much!

Explore our universe at instagram, facebook, Spotify and youtube for more adventures in Ethereal Kingdoms.

“Beauty interrupted by brutality” – Review of Hollow Mirror

‘Hollow Mirror’ Review

Reviewer Jacob Jørgensen from Calles Rock Corner  gave our upcoming debut album a listen and awarded a grand 6 out of 6 stars in this ‘Hollow Mirror’ review!
★★★★★★

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror album cover. Mighty music 2019
Ethereal Kingdoms ‘Hollow Mirror’
The wonderful and strange album cover art was created by talented Anna Holm Sørensen


“It’s a very dreamy and strong release, that brings you into different moods. It’s an exciting journey listening to this album”

“Beauty interrupted by brutality”



“Definitely a band I will follow in the future!”

Thank you so much!

Article in Danish
 🇩🇰

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Enter the theatrical metal experience at this one of a kind acoustic concert with special guests, celebrating the release of Hollow Mirror.
We have merch, a signature drink, visual surprises and just a really good party waiting for you this evening.
You are invited! Join us!
🔸11th of October – Ethereal Kingdoms “Hollow Mirror” Release Fest + Koncert – Zeppelin Rock Bar

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‘Hollow Mirror’ has been well received by the press already:
Metal Temple – 8 of 10 stars – “A perfect balance of brightness and darkness”
Musica.be – 82/100 score – “A complete range of voices”
Lords of Metal – 7.7 of 10 stars – “A very deserving debut”

Ethereal Kingdoms – Distance
A story of breaking the unbreakable. Beautiful cover artwork by illustrator Anna Holm
Mighty Music 2019

‘Hollow Mirror’ is out 11th of October 2019 via Mighty Music.
You can pre-order it already now and be among the first to explore the 9 new stories on our critically acclaimed album.

🔸Vinyl:

 http://targetshop.dk/prod…/etheral-kingdoms-hollow-mirror-lp

🔸CD:

http://targetshop.dk/prod…/etheral-kingdoms-hollow-mirror-cd

🔸Pre-add Hollow Mirror to your streaming service of choice:
https://backl.ink/24409441

Metallian magazine interview

Metallian – the largest French language metal mag – have honored us with our very first foreign print magazine feature! And our name even made it to the front page!

The editors reached out to us for an exciting interview about Hollow Mirror, our music and our creative process. Christian and Sofia goes into detail about the theatrical aspect of our music and the concept behind the stories on our very first album. We also talk about our inspirations and dreams.

Read it in in this September/October issue.

Ethereal Kingdoms Metallian interview sep/oc 2019. Full page magazine spread interview with symphonic metal band Ethereal Kingdoms. Mighty Music 2019.
Metallian Magazine honored us with this full page magazine spread for this interview!

We are featured alongside our heroes of Jinjer, Lacuna Coil, Killswitch Engage and our Mighty Music label mates Tygers of Pan Tang and Blood Red Throne.

Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Besides this interview, Metallian also awarded Hollow Mirror a grand 5/6 stars in their review of our debut album!

Ethereal Kingdoms is featured on the front page of Metallian, the largest French language metal magazine. Interview about Hollow Mirror inside.

Other magazines have shared their thoughts about our music as well:
‘A perfect balance of brightness and darkness’ – Metal Temple
‘A very deserving debut’ – Arrow Lords of Metal
‘A complete range of voices’ – musica.be

Have you entered the theatrical metal experience yet?
Have you dared to step into Hollow Mirror?
Get a glimpse into our soundscape with our three first singles:
Heartchamber EndingsDistance
Three stories of torn fates, bitter hopes, loss, love and unbreakable bonds.

Follow us on Spotify and be among the first to hear our new album

‘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 🇳🇱

Thank you so much!

Enter Hollow Mirror
October 11th
VinylCDDigital

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

New single ‘Distance’

Ethereal Kingdoms Hollow Mirror Distance 01 Mighty Music Ethereal Kingdoms lyrics
Cover created by the incredible illustrator Anna Holm

Distance.
A story of breaking the unbreakable.

Listen now on your favourite streaming service and pre-add our ‘Hollow Mirror’ album for free.

Distance – 3rd single from critically acclaimed debut album ‘Hollow Mirror’
Mighty Music 2019

Distance is the first track on our debut album ‘Hollow Mirror’
Various media have shared their thoughts about this collection of stories:
‘A perfect balance of brightness and darkness’ – Metal Temple
‘A complete range of voices’ – Musica.be
‘A very deserving debut’ – Arrow Lords of Metal

‘A complete range of voices’ – Review of Hollow Mirror

Ethereal Kingdoms live performance featuring Sigurbodi Gretarsson.
Portrait by Jannie Ravn for Blastbeast.dk
30th of August 2019
From our special theatrical show featuring Sigurbodi Gretarsson (left) at Wintersun‘s 15th anniversary

Luc from musica.be immersed himself into our theatrical metal universe in this review for the site musica.be
His 82/100 score and thoughts of the album is summarized here:

“Maybe next year we will have to say that we found “Hollow Mirror” to be one of the better albums of the year”

“(…) this sounds a lot darker and more threatening than most in this genre (…) mainly reflected in the vocals and the threat that comes from a whole bunch of fragments.”

“Sofia has a complete range of voices ranging from powerful clean vocals (…) to extremely deep and heavy growls that a bunch of male colleagues cannot imitate!”

Review in Belgian 🇧🇪

Hollow Mirror is out October 11th 2019 on digital, CD and vinyl.

We celebrate with a wonderful acoustic concert release party at Zeppelin Rock bar with special guests and surprises.
Join us 11th of October at 19.30
You are invited
_________

🔸Pre-add to your streaming service: https://backl.ink/24409441

Other media say the following about ‘Hollow Mirror’:
‘A perfect balance of brightness and darkness ‘ 8 of 10 stars – Metal Temple
‘A very deserving debut’ 7,7 of 10 stars – Arrow Lords of Metal

‘A perfect balance of darkness and brightness’ – Review of Hollow Mirror

Ethereal Kingdoms live performance at Wintersun 15th anniversary show at Gimle 2019
Portrait by Skoett Photography
30th of August 2019, Gimle
From our special theatrical show at Wintersun’s 15th Anniversary show


Paul Romero took the dive into the Hollow Mirror. He has awarded our debut album ★★★★★★★★☆☆, landing it in the”Excellent”-category in a review from  Metal Temple! 🇬🇧

“A perfect balance of darkness and brightness”

“This band has a good chance of becoming a new force in the genre (…) definitely on my ‘bands to watch out for’ list.”

“This is the first time I felt this certain tickle in my chest”

Read the full article here
http://www.metal-temple.com/…/cd_3/e_2/ethereal-kingdoms.htm

Thank you so much!

Follow Metal Temple on facebook and check out their blog for more reviews of both shows and releases from metal bands from all over the world

Creating Hollow Mirror was an intense and very rewarding process for all of us in the band. When we got our record deal in late September 2018, we immediately started the process of creating new songs and stories for the album. The direction and universe was already set so the stories and soundscape seemed to create themselves at times. We started the first recordings already in November 2018 and finished the last recording in late January 2019. We were overwhelmed by the interest and support of our numerous guest artists. It was truly something magical to hear the lines you’ve written played by real people with their own interpretation. All this intensity, excitement, big emotions and sleepless nights went into Hollow Mirror. This being our first album, it is really close to our hearts and we hope that you will enjoy exploring the soundscape we have made for you!

Pre-order ‘Hollow Mirror’ today

http://targetshop.dk/product/etheral-kingdoms-hollow-mirror-lp
http://targetshop.dk/product/etheral-kingdoms-hollow-mirror-cd

Pre-add Hollow Mirror to your favourite streaming service for free

Other media say the following about ‘Hollow Mirror’:
‘A very deserving debut’ – Arrow Lords Of Metal
‘A complete range of voices’ – Musica.be