Evolucija Interview 27/11/2023
MM: Can you tell us about your Band and whos your biggest influences
We are Evolucija, a Swiss-Serbian Symphonic Metal band. Our journey began in
2007 when we formed the band in Switzerland. One of our initial major projects
was producing the official soundtrack “Pale Rider” for the German film “Die
Templerherren” (The Templars) by film producer and director Andreas Leffler in
2009. Our roots are diverse, with our lead singer, Ilana, originally from Switzerland
and later relocating to Serbia in 2012. It was in that year when we decided to
move the band to Serbia and actively pursue our musical endeavours.
In 2016, we achieved a significant milestone by releasing an album with lyrics in
the Serbian language. This album received widespread acclaim, with both critics
and fans showering it with praise. It was even voted as the second-best album of
the year.
Our second album, titled “Hunt,” was released in 2018 through Pure Steel
Records, propelling us into the international spotlight and drawing attention from
music enthusiasts worldwide. By the end of 2018, we were honoured to receive
the Innocent Award for “Best Album of the Year” from the esteemed German
magazine Cute & Dangerous.
Fast forward to 2023, and we are incredibly proud to have been awarded the
prestigious “Kraljevski Oskar Popularnosti” (Royal Oscar of Popularity) as the
“Najbolji metal bend u Srbiji” (the best metal band in Serbia). This recognition
means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for the support of our fans.
We’ve embarked on successful tours in Switzerland, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus,
and the Balkans, sharing the stage with heavyweights of the global heavy metal
scene, including Paradise Lost, Doro Pesch, Children of Bodom, Tyr, Pestilence,
and many others.
This year, we anticipate the release of our new studio album, “The World is Full of
Wrath,” produced at the renowned Swedish “Fascination Street Studios” under the
patronage of Jens Bogren. We can’t wait to share this new chapter of our musical
evolution with our dedicated fans and the world at large.
Regarding the band members, we all come from diverse backgrounds.
I grew up in a diverse surroundings when it comes to music, so I was exposed to
many different types and genres of music
Bands that influenced me the most are Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Kiss, Judas
Priest, Iron Maiden and Nightwish.
MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from
As musicians, we draw inspiration from various sources. It mostly depends on our
current feelings, and that is evident in our songs. In them, we share our personal
experiences, emotions, thoughts, joys, sorrows, and challenges.
Society and social issues are also represented in our songs, such as social
justice, environmental issues, and equality. All of these are topics that concern us.
We enjoy writing about things that affect us and that we believe are important for
us and our listeners. Music allows us to express our ideas and opinions in a way
that can make others think.
MM: What would you say is your Bands favourite song ?
It's really hard to single out which song it would be because, in my opinion, each
song is unique, and every band member has their favorite. Personally, I love fast
songs with powerful guitar riffs, but I also appreciate our latest ballad. However, if I
had to pick, it would be the songs "The Earth is Full of Rats" and "Shame on You,"
both from the upcoming album "The World is Full of Wrath."
MM: Plans tour and festival wise for 2023
Currently, we are focused on preparing for the release of our new album, and live
performances will kick off in the year 2024.
MM: What can we expect from Evolucija live
We simply strive to give our best. Performing in front of a live audience and feeling
a sense of connection with them is something that always reminds me why I’m
involved in music. The energy and reactions from the audience are truly
irreplaceable. If you have the opportunity, come to our shows to experience the
energy and emotions we convey through our music in person, because nothing
inspires us more than direct contact with the audience.
We are a band with positive energy, and we enjoy sharing and exchanging it with
the crowd. We still attend concerts as fans, so having a good time and meeting
new people is the most wonderful aspect of this business, whether we’re on stage
or in the crowd.
MM: What do you like best and worst abt touring
In my opinion, concerts are the most beautiful experience one can have. During
performances, we have the opportunity to share our music with the audience and
deeply connect with our listeners. Also, receiving positive reactions and feedback
from an audience that appreciates and loves our music is an incredibly satisfying
experience and a source of energy that empowers us to create more.
I hate it when soundchecks are delayed, and everything has to be done hastily,
and in the end, nothing works as it should. Your guitar remote doesn't work, your
in-ear monitoring isn't functioning...
MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies
Doro Pesh, Tyr, Uriah Heep. Simple as that. 😊 These are the bands we shared
stage with, so it’s based on personal experience.
MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your
own) and why
Concert of the band Kiss. Kiss is known for its iconic stage design, distinctive costumes, and the
makeup of its members. Their concert, with spectacular light effects, pyrotechnics, and stage
performances, along with the energetic presence of charismatic figures like Paul Stanley and
Gene Simmons, is unforgettable for me. I would also highlight another concert by the Scorpions.
Scorpions are renowned for their melodic and emotional performances. Their concerts often
showcase the virtuosity of the guitarists and the emotion in the vocals. Scorpions members
maintain close contact with the audience during performances. This interaction makes the
audience feel uniquely connected to the band throughout the show.
MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with
For me, the greatest achievement so far is receiving the award for Album of the
Year. By the end of 2018, we were honored to be awarded the Innocent Award for
"Best Album of the Year" by the esteemed German magazine Cute & Dangerous.
MM: Which are your Two favourite Albums of all time
My favorite album is "Powerslave" by Iron Maiden. It's an album with some of the
best artistic pieces of all time - "Aces High," "2 Minutes To Midnight," "Powerslave"
(featuring Dave Murray's most beautiful solo), the mighty "Rime Of The Ancient
Mariner"...
Black Sabbath - "Paranoid": It is considered one of the key albums in the
formation of heavy metal. Songs like "War Pigs" and "Iron Man" have remained
classic metal hits.
MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to
have people watching you?
Although it was a long time ago, I still remember my first performance very well. I
had the feeling that I was in heaven and could fly, but in reality, I was kind of
frozen. Older musicians gave us advice not to look at the audience. I had long hair
over my eyes, hahahahaha. I also have a black and white picture from that first
performance. We developed the pictures ourselves in the bathroom, and by
mistake, we turned the film, resulting in a picture of me as a left-handed guitarist.
MM: Growing up which Bands posters did you have on your bedroom wall.
On the entrance door, I had a poster of Ritchie Blackmore, and in the room, there
were posters of Kiss, David Lee Roth, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath.
MM - Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any
other person
Tony Iommi: As a guitarist and founder of the band Black Sabbath, Tony Iommi is
often referred to as the "father of riffs" due to his heavy and distinctive guitar riffs.
Black Sabbath is considered one of the pioneers of heavy metal.
Ozzy Osbourne: Initially known as the lead singer of the band Black Sabbath,
Ozzy Osbourne has gained an iconic status in the metal scene. His distinctive
vocal performances and stage presence have contributed to the formation and
popularization of the heavy metal genre.
MM - What's the most important thing to the band right now?
Currently, our top priority is to secure the most favorable contract for the release of
the album and the promotion of our new songs.
MM - If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
On the new album, we have a cover of the song "Zombie" by The Cranberries.
"Zombie" is known for its emotional and powerful atmosphere, with strong vocals
and lyrics carrying a potent message. The song addresses themes of violence and
loss of life due to political disagreements.
MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your Band
We don't pretend; we enjoy what we do without any compromises. We don't flirt
with genres, and we don't strive to be trendy; we simply stay modern within the
genre we play and genuinely love as individuals. The new album features 10
songs that we carefully selected to express specific themes or emotions that
inspired us. We hope our audience will enjoy listening to this material and find
something they can connect with or that will inspire them in positive thinking.
MM: Four words to describe Evolucija
Energy, emotions, melodiousness, passion.
