I recently had the pleasure of talking with Nikolette Olsson, composer, singer, pianist and founder of the band After Evolution, a gothic alternative, symphonic metal act from the Czech Republic. We discussed the bands new album, her writing technique and I discovered she has a book in the works.
Upon initially listening to After Evolution’s new album “War of The Worlds” I discovered Nikolette is a woman of many talents. Her voice is velvety smooth, melodious and lyrical. The album is very well done both musically and production wise. The blend of vocals and instrumentals form a symphony thats dulcet to the ears. Nikolette’s vocal stylings are reminiscent of Evanescences Amy Lee yet younger and hauntingly beautiful. The album War of The Worlds collection of songs are based around a central theme of otherworldly characters with a Sempiternal theme. This album is a piece de resistance!
The band began its formation after Nikolette met Michael in 2013, the rest of the band followed soon after and from there After Evolution was born.
After Evolution’s new album “War of The Worlds” is a concept album. It tells a story about the artist’s carrying bonds amongts themselves, melodies of the dark, light, life, death, hope and despair. Piece by piece the band has interconnected each single memory into one and they have been written as melody and poetry weaved with ancient stories of other worlds.
After Evolution’s new album “War of The Worlds” is a concept album. It tells a story about the artist’s carrying a bond between themselves, melodies of the dark, light, life, death, hope and despair. Piece by piece the band has interconnected each single memory into one and they have been written as melody and poetry weaved with ancient stories of other worlds.
Metal Lair: What bands/musicians did you listen to as a kid?
Nikolette: For most of us it was Nightwish but for me personally Nightwish, Evanescence and classical music.
Metal Lair: What accomplishments do you see the band achieving in the next 5 to 10 years?
Nikolette: Oh we would love to play in the Wacken open air and some other great festivals like that! To have our own rehearsal room like a garage or something. Also we would love to be on the same level of fame as the big metal bands. Thats how we would love to see us in 5 years to 10 years!
Metal Lair: What’s the best piece of advice another musician gave to you?
Nikolette: “Never give up, believe in yourself” That’s the best one!
Metal Lair: When writing music do you write the lyrics first or the music first?
Nikolette: The music is first. I mean I have already written a story so I know the mood of the songs, but I write the music and the melodies first and then I match the lyrics to the music.
Metal Lair: Tell me about your new album?
Nikolette: Our new album has a whole story, each song is a part of the story and it is about a world far far away, about apocalypse, demons and magic…I also wanted to combine epic orchestras, metal, growls and female vocals. We have heavy guitars together and are making something a little bit different even if it is symphonic metal, but more epic.
Metal Lair: What kind of food does the band eat while on tour?
Nikolette: Everyone of us prefer different cuisine, but when we were on tour and got hungry we ordered a big pizza
Metal Lair: Who would you like to go on tour with?
Nikolette: Oh, one day we would love to tour with bands like Amaranthe, Epica, Nightwish…We do not have some exact wish but it would be great to play with big bands like that. My dream is to go on a tour with Evanescence because Amy inspired me to compose and sing. So that would be very cool.
Metal Lair: What hobbies do you like to do on your off time?
Nikolette: I love digital art, so I draw. I love video games. I grew up playing a lot of video because its something I used to do with my father. I also like watching movies and new series, I love reading conspiracy theories, and other books. I am also writing a book in my free time.
Metal Lair: You’re writing a book? Thats interesting! Can you tell me what its about?
Nikolette: Of course. It is connected to the story of the band. I created the story a long time ago to give my band some depth and meaning and I wrote it into the lyrics. But then I realized that I wanted to get into more detail and in the songs there is not enough space to get into such detail so I began writing the book. The book (as well as the lyrics) is about a girl who is supposed to connect to the Earth and the underground together because a long time ago there was an apocalypse, a war between two worlds , the demon world and the world of humankind. People wanted more and more power so thats the reason the war began. The story is about a journey of a girl who meets 3 demons on her way who help her to bring balance and restore life. The rest is in the songs, how her journey is going, what she’s learned etc. and the book is much more detailed about the life of her sister, parents, and the underground as well.
Metal Lair: That sounds really deep. I look forward to reading it! Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
Nikolette: Thank you so much for your support and time you are giving to us! It means a lot to me and to the band. We appreciate it a lot! We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon! Love you all!
Metal Lair: Its been a real pleasure talking with you and getting to know more about you Nikolette. Your music is great and you are such a beautiful singer. I wish you the best of luck with your music career!
Nikolette: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
AFTER EVOLUTION’S War of The Worlds is out now. You can purchase the album here:
Track Listing:
1. War of the Worlds
2. The Path
3. Cursed
4. Liber Fortitudinis / The Book of Destiny
5. Once Upon A Time
6. The Final Hope
7. In the Chains
8. Dark Side
9. Infinity Flames
10. Nothing Left But Pain
11. The Victory
After Evolution Online:
