French symphonic power metal band HARTLIGHT have released not one but two albums, and an EP. With a third full-length underway, expected sometime this next year, the band plans to just prepare for it's release, then go forth to play live and see where it goes. Releasing music, is the main focus for them at this time, but playing live isn't that far behind, the band discusses with us how they came together, the music released, and all of the rest.
1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or did it come out just like that?
We settled on the name Hartlight after a long period of reflection. To us, it evokes a powerful light that casts an equally powerful shadow. This image embodies the duality and contradictions of human nature, and the journey toward truth, freedom, and healing. We believe that only by facing both light and shadow can we move closer to wholeness.
2. Why did you want to play this genre?
We wanted to play symphonic power metal because it is a genre that allows a great deal of freedom. It gives us the possibility to create unique and highly cinematic atmospheres, and to convey images of hope and strength. It is a musical style that can range from something very gothic and very frightening to something very bright and evocative of a fantastical and glorious nature.
3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
The four of us already knew each other before forming this band, and that is actually one of the reasons we chose to do this together. We wanted to make the most of our time at concerts by spending it with friends, enjoying a good atmosphere, and sharing a sense of camaraderie. The bond between us is an integral part of our experience as a metal band.
4. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are based in France, spread between the north and the south of the country. We have a loyal French audience, but people still find it difficult to travel to concerts. And if we could recommend a band, we would choose Oïkoumen. They are very good friends of ours, and they create music that is truly sincere, progressive, and very interesting.
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
As for the lyrics, I am inspired by the arts in the broadest sense of the word, by philosophy, by my life experiences, and by esotericism—everything that relates to the sensitive and intangible world. As for the music, Adrien is inspired by all kinds of bands and musical influences, whether they come from musical theatre, metal, classical music, film scores, or any other genre. He is inspired by the music he listens to and that moves him emotionally.
6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Our songs share a common thread: Alchemy. To us, Alchemy is the ability to transcend oneself in both mind and body - to move from one state of being to another, becoming something entirely different, in a process of healing and liberation. This idea runs through all of our songs. To express it, we make extensive use of imagery, symbolism, and esoteric and alchemical poetry. It can be a sense of wonder in the face of nature, rejection, solitude, anger, hatred, a fascination for what lies beyond the visible, sadness and empowerment.
7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
I am entirely responsible for the lyrics, working on them on my own, in my own space. Adrien is responsible for the composition and orchestration, also working independently, in his own creative space, while incorporating riffs and ideas contributed by everyone in the band. This is the approach we have followed so far, including for the third album.
8. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
We have released a first EP called "From Midland and Beyond", a first album called "As Above, So Below", and a second album called "The Triumph of Metal". We are currently working on our third album, which will be released next year. These are the main things we have accomplished during roughly the first two years of our band’s existence.
9. Do you have any new music in the works?
This new album will be an epic journey set in a fantasy world, populated by fantastical creatures and centered around a heroine. Throughout a quest for revenge, she will encounter individuals who will play a decisive role in her journey. The story will explore themes such as recovery and society, while remaining rooted in the concept of alchemy, which is embodied and made tangible within this world.
10. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
As for dates and touring, we will not announce anything before everything is fully confirmed, as we are completely self-produced and self-managed. We are therefore the ones who also book our own shows. What we can say is that we will continue to play live dates, and that this year we will be performing at the Symphonic Metal Echoes Festival in Romania in August. It will be a great road trip for us, and we hope to meet you there.
11. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?
For the end of this year, we will be preparing a release plan. We are currently working on the preparation of our third album, which includes the album artwork, merchandising, promotion, as well as the mixing and mastering of the record, which for the first time will be handled by someone outside the band. So, at the moment, it is about preparing - both in the shadows and in a more visible way - what is to come.
12. Where can we find you online, listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
You can find our YouTube channel, where you will discover many music videos that we have created ourselves. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our journeys and concerts. Our website allows you to purchase tickets for upcoming shows, and our merch is available on Bandcamp, which can be accessed via the link on our website! Thank you for this interview. We hope to see you very soon at a concert! :D
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