Interview with Tristania - Kjetil Nordhus

Infernal Masquerade: Thanks for taking time to answer our questions, and let’s get started. After (for the second time) losing an iconic person to Tristania (now Vibeke, before Morten), how do you think the band managed to pull it together and deliver such an impressive release as “Rubicon”?

Kjetil: For the band, the music has always been the most important thing. Two out of three original members are still writing music in the band, so the changes haven’t been as dramatic within the band as they seem to have been for a few fans. But saying that, of course Vibeke was an integral part of Tristania while still in the band. After informing the band that she wanted to pull back, the band had two opportunities, a) to find a similar replacement or b) to find someone that would bring new elements into the band. The decision was the latter, and by bringing in Mariangela, the band had a chance to revitalize the sound (which is a tradition in this band, for every record). On top of that, some of the session musicians have been brought into the band all of them bringing in new energy and ambitions. So I think you can say that the band has used a situation that could have been negative to something positive. And I think Rubicon is proving just that.

I.M:  In the process behind selecting Mary as the new singer, did you guys ever worried to disappoint and maybe lose your older fan base? How pleased are you guys with Mary’s live performance and her role in the band’s new album?

Kjetil: Given the nature of the changes in the band, and of course replacing Vibeke with somebody else, we always knew that there would be extra attention towards Mariangela. But – since day one we've been very confident in her ability. She stood out as someone really special when we had people sending us demos and stuff, and we always knew she would be the right choice for the band. Mariangela is a very creative person, and has been involved in several aspects when it comes to the composing, to pre-producing new material. When it comes to the live part, I think it's fair to say that she's brought in a lot of energy in our shows, energy which especially suits the new songs a lot.

I.M: Since you have lost two major members in the past (and pretty much everybody else also), do you think that nobody in Tristania is irreplaceable, and you could continue with the band regardless of who is in it (since you guys have managed to bounce back magically each time)?

Kjetil: I wouldn't really agree on that. Two out of three persons composing music in the early days are still in the band, and I think if losing Anders and Einar, the band would not exist anymore.

I.M: Getting back into the new album, can you please tell us about the concept and ideas behind “Rubicon”?

Kjetil: Given the changes in the band the last few years, Rubicon was always going to sound different. But we also knew that even though we'd have a fresh sound on the new album, there were going to be elements from the early years in there too, since the continuity from the older days were still there. Of course, you don’t over-analyze the situation you’re in before starting the composing process, and the main thing was just to get the ideas out there, with everybody having a chance to influence the end result. I think the main thing with Rubicon was to make an album which represents Tristania anno 2010. And I think we managed to do exactly that.

I.M: The vocal melodies are a major element behind “Rubicon” (and a plenty of older Tristania material), can you tell us how do you guys go around creating such intricate vocal lines?

Kjetil: It was an aspect we used a lot of time on during pre-production. I guess you can say that we’re very lucky to have three good singers in the band (Ole does harmony vocals too, both on the record and live), and that makes the possibilities vast when it comes to arranging the vocals. It’s also a good thing while making the songs, to know that the things you end up with recording also can be done in a live setting. I think there are a lot of intricate harmonies on Rubicon, and it’s been a huge job rehearsing them for the tour in October, but it is starting to sound really good now. Ole has been instrumental when it comes to the intricate harmonies, with his slightly different and fresh ideas, and I think he has been important for the end result.

I.M: How would you describe the band’s evolution up until now? Do you feel that things would have been different if Morten and/or Vibeke would have stayed in the band?

Kjetil: Of course they would have been different, and it’s completely impossible to know how things would have been if or if not. But generally I think a very important aspect with being in a band is to look forward, and use opportunities to develop. I’ve followed Tristania from the outside for the majority of the band’s time, and up to today I think the band has managed to create something new for each record. Within the band I’ve noticed that this fact is very important; not to repeat ourselves. And in a way I think the changes in the band has been “helping” the band fulfilling that aim.

I.M: Since “World of Glass” (and with the exception of “Ashes”) Tristania has been including the band’s female singer in the album cover. Can you tell us about the reason behind this? Why not select something else?

Kjetil: That’s hard for me to say, because this is my first album with the band. The decision this time around I know a little bit about, though. With Mariangela being the new front figure in the band, replacing Vibeke, who in a way was the band’s face previously, we thought it was a good idea to make people getting to know the new face of Tristania if we could manage to find a good design to go along with the photo. Also – it’s important to have a cover that stands out from “all the others”, and by choosing this photo and these colors I think we managed that.

I.M: Kjetil has been a session/live member since 2009, why did you guys decided to make him a full time member for this release?

Kjetil: I guess I can only answer on behalf of the other guys on this one. I was originally asked to fill in for Østen in the period after him becoming a father to his twins, and that it was Østen’s, the band’s and my plan for him to return when he saw it was possible. Not too long after becoming a father he contacted Anders, telling him that he didn’t really see any opportunity to return to the band after the big change in his life. He also told Anders that he wanted me to replace him if that was OK with the band. I had to think thoroughly through the offer, because in my head I was finished with being in bands touring around the world. But there were many deciding factors that drew me towards a yes; the people in the band, of course, and the fact that Tristania is still a very ambitious band. And not least, I wanted to be a part of the Rubicon album. When asked to join permanently, we were in the midst of the pre-production period, and I really felt the songs suited my taste and style of singing. So that made it easier too.

I.M: Tristania also has Pete Johansen returning to do some violin parts for “Rubicon”, how did this happened since we haven’t heard much from Pete since The Sins of Thy Beloved disappeared. Will he be joining you guys live in a few shows?

Kjetil: Pete confirmed that he’ll come and play with us on the Rubicon Release Party in Stavanger on September 25th, and we’re absolutely delighted with that. That’s the only gig we plan to do together, but as always – one should never say never ;)

I.M: With Tristania entering a new stage in its career, what would you say are your and the band’s goals for the future?

Kjetil: Anders keeps saying that this is the first time in the band’s history where everybody is 100 per cent dedicated to the same aim, and everybody is working equally hard to achieve our goals, and that makes me optimistic. Tristania is a band with a big and very dedicated fan base, and if we can put in even more effort than before, I don’t see too many limits for the band. We want to be a band which is great on record and great live. We want to go out and see the world. We want to meet our fans and interact with them.

I.M: With the US market finally opening up for bands like Epica, do you think there is a possibility of a US/ North American tour in support for “Rubicon”?

Kjetil: When discussing touring for Rubicon it’s become very clear that the band wishes to go touring in the US. I can promise that we’d look into every serious tour offer from the US. In the meantime we’re crossing our fingers that someone wants to bring us over.

I.M: If you could make a super band with any musicians dead or alive, whom would you pick? And what kind of music would you play?

Kjetil: Aaah.. Great question. And one that fucks up my brain too. Just when I thought the interview was finished.. haha. I think I’d bring in Michael Åkerfeldt at least, on guitar and vocals. He’s a brilliant guy, and I’d love to have him in there. I think my good friend Danny Cavanagh would be the other guitarist. Him and Michael would most definitely be good together musically. On bass, Stein Roger Sordal from my previous band Green Carnation. He’s a great bass player, and very clever when it comes to music. And the drummer would be Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Tree, an awsome drummer, who has sounded like a million dollars every time I’ve seen them live. Producer: Steven Wilson. Genre: Something in between Opeth, Anathema, Porcupine Tree and Green Carnation.

I.M: Anything else you want to add for your fans and our readers?

Kjetil: I want to thank the Tristania fans for accepting me as the new male singer in the band. It’s a huge task taking over from Østen, but I have confidence in my own abilities, and I hope for a long and prosperous relationship with both the band and its many loyal fans.

I.M: Thanks for the time and good luck promoting the album.

Read our review of "Rubicon" here.

More info: http://www.tristania.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/tristania