Infected Brain

Hello friends !
We will discover the universe of CROWN OF GLORY but especially their new album.

Present yourself to the readers

Hi, I'm Hene, the singer of the Swiss melodic metal band CROWN OF GLORY. The band was founded in 1998 and has released 3 EP's and 3 albums so far. In the past years we have played countless concerts in Switzerland, Germany, Spain and Italy. The current line-up: Hene Muther (vocals), Markus Muther (guitar), Hungi Berglas (guitar), Jonas Lüscher (bass), Lukas Soland (drums) and Oli Schumacher (keyboards).Our new album AD INFINITUM will be released on September 12th. The album was recorded and co-produced by Rolf Munkes (Crematory) and mixing and mastering Thomas Plec Johansson (including HEAT, Soilwork Nightflight Orcestra and Nocturnal Rites).

What’s the story for AD INFINITUM ?

After the release of the album “King for a Day” and the following tour, two band members decided to leave the band. Including our keyboard player Phil. Phil was also a founding member and an important part of the band for the band as a musician and songwriter. As a band, we considered whether we should throw everything away or whether we would pull ourselves together and carry on. Fortunately, we chose the second option. With Luke and Oli we have found two new colleagues who are willing to take the band forward. Due to the situation it took forever to write and produce the new album, hence the appropriate name AT INFINITUM.

Who composes ?...How does it work in the band ?

As already mentioned, the songwriting process changed fundamentally with the departure of Phil. In the past, the songs were worked out in the rehearsal room with the whole band. Unfortunately we don't have the time to work like this. Today practically all of the song ideas are worked out by myself and Hungi until they are ready for demo, before we present them to the others. I compose at home using the keyboard and computer. Hungi does the same with guitar and computer. The songs are then finished by the band in the rehearsal room.

Who writes the texts ?..What are they talking about ?..How does inspiration come ?

I write the lyrics. I basically write about everything that life gives. Some things are more personal, some are less. Some serious, some fantastic, and sometimes it's just about having a good time. I find inspiration in life itself, out on the street. Those who go through life with open eyes will find enough inspiration.

Why the name CROWN OF GLORY ?

We grew up with the metal bands of the 80s. That left its mark ;-)
When we were looking for a band name at the time, Markus came up with the name CROWN OF GLORY. It comes from the song of the same name by the band Virgin Steel. Not only does the name sound great, it describes the type of music we play very well.

What are your personal musical tastes and your influences ?

It's always a difficult question ... as we mentioned, we (at least the older band members) grew up with the rock and metal bands of the 80s and 90s. In addition to the big names like AC / DC, Metallica, Priest and so on, bands like Pretty Maids, Stratovarious, Savatage and many others were a source of inspiration. Even today there are countless bands and musicians that I love like Evergray, Aeryon Lucassen and so on. It is almost impossible to highlight a band or a direction here.

What's your best live memory ? And why ?

The same here. There were many great live moments in our band history. Be it shows as a supporting act for youth heroes like Pretty Maids, Hammerfall or Bruce Kulick. Shows with Priest, Alice Cooper and others at international festivals ...Or smaller festivals and club gigs where everything fits.

In studio, what was the atmosphere for your new album ?...etc.…

It was an incredible feeling after all the setbacks and the hard time making music in the studio again. We checked out various studios in advance, which are suitable for us.In Rolf Munkes and the Empire Studios we found the perfect man for us and our project. He put a lot of heart and soul into the production and was at our side with advice and action. He did a lot to push us and the songs.It was the same with Thomas Plec Johansson. The man knows God has to do with many big names in the metal business. We love his work at Nocrurnal Rites and Gathering of Kings, for example. He was fantastic to work with.

How does it work for the design of the CD ? and why this title ?

For some years now, have been working with Thiago Lopes, a graphic artist from Brazil. We asked him to design a new backdrop for us. We liked the result so much that we decided to use the design as the basis for the cover design. We spent a whole evening trying to figure out what the title for the album could be, but we couldn't think of anything that could ignite it. About two hours after the meeting Jonas came up with a Whatsapp with the proposed name. Due to the fact that it took forever to write and produce the new album, the name AT INFINITUM fits like a fist.

How was the shooting of the clip WHAT I’M MADE OF ? and why this choice ?

It is always a challenge to produce and publish a single and a video. So this time too. There are so many different songs on the album that we thought for a long time which song unites as many trademarks as possible. The song has a lot of energy and a catchy hook.The video was shot at the Hotel Meilenstein in Langenthal in Switzerland. It is huge and has many great locations to offer. As a special, India Erbacher has agreed to participate in the video. She drives top fuel dragster races and is currently the fastest woman in Europe.

What are your projects (for the band) ?

What every band has: playing a lot of concerts, bringing a lot of CD’s merchandise etc. to the people, touring, earning money, writing songs, back to the studio… and all over again ;-) Unfortunately it is more than difficult at the moment ... thanks Covid19

What's your motto ?

I don't really have a motto in life. Except maybe:
You only live once ... and if you do it right, that's enough!
Let's have a blast!

Website to remember

https://www.crown-of-glory.ch

What would you like to say to the readers ?

Above all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank COG on behalf of everyone out there for the support they have given us over the years. It's pretty cool as a musician (or me as a singer) to be able to receive the applause and praise from people in the audience or the press. However, it is often forgotten how many people sacrifice a large part of their free time to work for us. Without all of that, the band wouldn't be where it is now. In addition, the Metalheadz, who often organize their metal events with their savings, on which bands like us find a platform for performances, long before the "big ones" are interested. And finally a very big "THANKS" to all those who always come from far away, just to attend one of our concerts. YOU ARE THE REAL HEROES OF THE SCENE !!!!!!