Was it based on personal experience or simply passive observation?

What happened in the recording studio or on stage to make one song sound different from the rest?

These are just some of the question bands and musicians attempt to answer in Line 'em Up - the newest page of The Power Of Metal.Dk.

This is where your favourite bands comment on their albums, track by track, because as someone once said, “Ideas are the building blocks of ideas”.

Enjoy!

Here’s a chance for you to tell our readers about your new album “Ancestral Energy”.

But could you please start off by introducing the readers to Artizan?

Artizan – Artizan is a four piece melodic metal band from Jacksonville, Florida. We have a huge list of influences including Queen, Iron Maiden, old Queensryche, Crimson Glory, Kiss, Dio, Billy Joel, Journey, and a thousand others!

Could you please give us some info on the album: Where did you record the album and who has produced and mixed it?

Artizan – We recorded Ancestral Energy in its entirety at Morrisound Studio’s in Tampa, Florida with our friend the legendary producer Jim Morris. Jim also mixed and mastered the album. I have had a great relationship with Jim since I first worked with him in 1991. He brings out the best in all of us. He is a master of melodies and fantastic musician.

And now onto ” Ancestral Energy”… track-by-track, what inspired you, and what do what to express with this song etc.

01. I am the Storm

Artizan – The opening track is about a greedy, evil man, who has lied to the people that believed in him; they lost all that they worked for. A massive electrical storm ultimately destroys the castle that the evil man had created for himself- dying within the walls that had protected and separated him from the outside world. This song was inspired by someone I once worked with who fucked over a lot of people. He is a tiny, despicable man who I despise. But a fucking great song came from the evil that he displayed!

02. The Raven Queen

Artizan – This one is about a poisonous, evil woman that takes away your dreams. Haven’t we all been in a bad relationship? J This one came from a pretty bad one that I had many years ago. Don’t let those that don’t see your vision get in your way!

03. The Guardian

Artizan – This song is inspired by those who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy of 9/11 in New York. I fantasize that a great hero, The Guardian, could be there to aid each person that died in so many horrific ways; help them with the transition to the afterlife, and find peace.

04. The Death of Me

Artizan – A part of me believes and hopes that there could be more lives to live after this one, an infinite energy that is woven through all of us. This song is about being eternal, and death keeping us alive. “I will not fear the blade of The Reaper!”.

05. Deep Ocean Dreams

Artizan – The reference to the ocean is really a metaphor for the human mind; a boundless, limitless potential that we all have. We never know what the possibilities can be if we don’t explore, face our fears.

06. You Can't Take the Metal

Artizan –  I wrote this one rather quickly after I got extremely angry one day. No matter what we are subjected to, our shitty jobs, the way the world expects us to be, you can’t take away the core of who we are. You can’t take the metal! This a great, straight forward song to have fun with.

07. Ancestral Energy

Artizan – The title track contains the developing story of the Artizan character. He learns, through a dream, that he was given his powers from the sacrifice of thousands of his ancestors over 500 years ago. The Artizan is the last of his people. Within his body is the energy of his dead ancestors- all of their talents of sculpting demons from rock and creating illustrious paintings. The ancestors live through him. If you listen to the title track from our first album, Curse of the Artizan, and this song, you will understand the whole story.

Tell us a bit about the artwork – who made it etc. and how important do you feel it is to have a cool artwork?

Artizan –  Berlin based artist, Eliran Kantor, created the artwork. I have a great appreciation for art. I am always looking for new artists that have their own, unique style. Eliran creates an organic, renaissance style in many of his creations which I think looks incredible.  He has a certain genius about him that I really appreciate. If you take the time to look, you will see the story of the title track within the artwork.

Any last words you want to round this interview off with?

Artizan – Thank you for your support and please visit us at www.facebook.com/artizanmetal, we have some great announcements coming!

Ty Tammeus

Kenn Jensen, July 2013