Malice In Wonderland burst onto the Scandinavian rock scene with their self titled debut album in 2005. Led by hit single Lucifer’s Town the band was quickly labelled as one of the most promising underground rock acts and their fan base grew quickly with fan clubs and supporters in every corner of the world. Since then the band have toured Europe and Asia, played with renowned artists like Def Leppard and appeared on several TV-shows and productions and released several singles. Through the course of their career they have also spent the time writing and recording a few albums with new work underway and more shows lined up for the coming future as well. Frontman vocalist Chris Wicked talked to me again after our last interview 4 years ago, about the band he's cherished throughout all these years.....
1. Let’s start by getting our readers up to date on what’s the latest happening with Malice In Wonderland?
Chris: Hey! We have recorded a new album entitled "The Royal Brigade" that will be released in the autumn. We recently put out the first video from the album, a song called "Live For Today". On the 1st of July we will release the double single "Live For Today/New Year's Eve" that will be available on iTunes and most other digital platforms. A lyrics video for “New Year's Eve” will also be put out soon. So that's basically what's going on at this very minute.
2. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?
Chris: Alright! Short story. I started the band back in the 90's, but then I was the keyboard player. Around 2000 we parted with our singer and I took over the microphone. There's been some line-up changes over the years, but Tracy Loveless (guitar) has been with me since 2004 and we now have a steady line-up that includes Sid Silva (bass) and Ed Kelly (drums). We have released one full length album and several singles and toured around the world. New singles are on the way as well as a full length album during the autumn.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Chris: We are based in Bergen, Norway. There is a big black metal scene here but not many rock bands like us unfortunately. My favorite Bergen band is Taake which are great friends of ours. I recommend them if you're into Norwegian black metal!
4. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Chris: Our style is hard rock with influences from goth and glam one might say. In the beginning bands like Paradise Lost, Type O Negative and My Dying Bride were our biggest influences. Later on we mixed this with influences from L.A. bands like Motley Crue and Cinderella. Nowadays we find inspiration from everywhere, also our past, 'cause we know pretty well what Malice In Wonderland is all about now.
5. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?
Chris: We deal with several topics, but one of the main theme on this record is unity. Surround yourself with people who wish you well, believe in yourself and don't try to be like everybody else. Uniqueness is a good thing! This is what The Royal Brigade is all about.
6. Can you tell me why "Diamonds & Debauchery" was not released and does it plan on seeing a release?
Chris: The whole recording process has been more of an evolution than a recording session. We've been writing songs constantly also during the recording of “Diamonds & Debauchery”. We felt the new songs were more the direction we wanted to go in, so we started over again and chose a new album title, “The Royal Brigade”. A couple of songs that were intended to be on “Diamonds & Debauchery” are featured on “The Royal Brigade”, the rest of them are put on hold. The ones that didn't made it we still feel are great songs so they might see the light of day someday. One song, "The Devil May Care", will be a bonus track on the "Live For Today/New Years Eve” double single though.
7. What was the recording process like this time around? Was there anything different that happened or was it the same old studio thing?
Chris: As I said it was more like an evolution, were we recorded on several locations during a couple of years. We are really pleased with the result, but we won't do it like this ever again. I like to get in and record the album during a shorter period and get done with it.
8. Can you tell us how this album differs from the previous ones? What can we expect and what is the message behind it?
Chris: It's a really diverse album. We seldom write the same song twice so to speak and I think that's the strong point on this album. I think everyone can find something they like on this record from the hard song to the more softer ones. I think with this album we will show people what Malice In Wonderland is all about. Strong melodic songs with allot of atmosphere. We have found ourselves with this album and it's bit more rockier than our previous releases.9. A video for the track “Live For Today” has been released. How was the process behind making the video?
Chris: It was a really cool process! I'm an animal freak with an interest for reptiles so it was allot of fun having snakes, spiders and even a crocodile featured in the video. For the film crew it was a challenge though working so close with these animals, but that just made the setting more intense! ;-)
10. Could you describe your song writing process? What comes first – the music or the lyrics?
Chris: The music and melodies comes first and then I write the lyrics based on the feeling I get from the songs that has been written. Tracy and I are the main song writers, but we arrange them as a band so everybody can put their stamp on it.
11. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?
Chris: No, on the last album we used instruments like cello, violin, piano and saxophone. This time around we wanted it to rock and not include so many session players. There is a little bit of banjo on one song though.
12. Is there any story or concept behind The Royal Brigade title?
Chris: The album title represent the way we look upon ourselves and the way we look upon the people who believe in us and support us. Together we ARE The Royal Brigade! We have been through allot of crap, but we have ride off the storm and come out stronger in the end. It is a fitting title for the next chapter of Malice In Wonderland and it goes well for the lyrical theme of the album as well. There will also be a song on the record with that title.
13. Who produced The Royal Brigade and what was it like working with them?
Chris: We produced it ourselves and that's why it has taken so bloody long time to complete it. Legendary John Fryer (Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails etc.) did mix the album though. A true gentleman and a pleasure to work with!
14. Who did the cover art for The Royal Brigade and how much input did you have on it?
Chris: The artwork is not done yet so can't tell much about that one at the moment. The cover for the upcoming singles is just a band pic done by Kristine Ristesund.
15. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Chris: Our goal was basically just to make great songs and not thinking so much about what the album was gonna sound like. To focus on each song and make them as strong as possible. I think we succeeded on that although it took longer than expected he, he.
16. When can we expect the new album to be released?
Chris: Autumn 2013.
17. Has Malice In Wonderland ever played in the States or plan to do so in the future? What are your touring plans for this year?
Chris: Never played the States before but it's something we really wanna do in the future although the are no concrete plans right now. This year we will play gigs in Norway, Finland and hopefully Germany.
18. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Chris: Releasing the double single together with a lyrics video for New Year's Eve, playing shows, and writing songs for the next release. Basically just keep on moving forward!
19. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Chris: The best ways to keep track is to join us on our facebook: www.facebook.com/maliceinwonderlandof where you'll find music and videos. www.youtube.com/MaliceinWonderlandOf is also a channel I recommend people to subscribe to. On www.malice-in-wonderland.com you'll find links to all our official channels. We are of course featured on iTunes, Spotify and most other digital platforms as well where you can purchase our music. You can also buy music directly from the band HERE.20. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Chris: I want them to like the sound and the melodies enough to check out more of our material. We are not reinventing the wheel with our music, we've never claimed to, but we write good songs and we basically just want people to dig our music enough to become fans, buy our music and come to our shows. We want all cool people to be part of The Royal Brigade!
21. Any final words of wisdom?
Chris: Thanks to everyone who support us, it means the world to us! Be cool and stay Malice! And check out our new video HERE.
Chri$ Wicked // Malice In Wonderland
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