Known primarily for his vocal work in the Brazilian Progressive Power metal band Angra, Edu Falaschi is a great singer. So great infact, that he was placed on the shortlist to replace Bruce Dickinson when he left Iron Maiden. In this interview we caught up with Edu to discuss his new project and the album, "Almah".
Metal Mayhem: Hi Edu. Firstly, congratulations on the new solo album "Almah". What has the reaction been like to it so far amongst the press and the fans?
EF: Hi Chris; Thank you! I'm very impressed, most people felt that it's a very true album and that totally pleases me! People understood what I wanted to show. I've read a lot of very positive reviews, not only in Europe, but in Japan and Brazil as well. I'm so happy. Of course some people liked it and other people not too much. But, that's always the way.
MM: How happy are you with the finished product?
EF: Very. The most important thing is that I learned a lot of things with "Almah". I found out about a new world. Now I see many things with a different point of view. And I love the album; it's sounding strong, emotional, heavy, dense, modern, fresh and honest - all at the same time!
MM: What would you say was your main goal before you set out to write and record the album?
EF: I just wanted to play a different style of metal and to play with different musicians. I started singing professionally in 1992 when I created a band called MITRIUM. We recorded a debut album in 1994. And, in 1998 I joined another band called SYMBOLS; we recorded 2 albums (1998-2000). Yet "Almah" is like
another page, another chapter! In 2001 I joined Angra, the band that I'm playing with now, of course, and now and there's ALMAH, my first solo project, something very different? I hope people understand these differences?
Right now I'm touring with Angra, and then I'll start scheduling a world tour for ALMAH too. Different
challenges!
MM: Many people will, of course recognize you for your other band Angra! What were the main reasons for you doing a solo album now though?
EF: I think it's very healthy when you are free to learn new stuff and have some fun with some true friends. "Almah" was the best album that I've ever worked on. I was totally comfortable, singing my own songs and with my real type of voice. It was amazing! I don't like to think about the future too much, not like Angra / or Almah..... But I'm gonna do what is healthier for me! Money is important but happiness and liberty are even more so.
MM: You have managed to get a very impressive backing band to record the album. Guitarist Emppu Vuorinen (Nightwish), Stratovarius bassist Lauri Porra and Kamelot's Casey Grillo on drums. How did you get in touch with them and arrange it all?
EF: Since the very beginning I wanted good musicians, professional people and real friends...so...those three guys are perfect for this album!!! We'd met on tours, that kind of thing, on festivals, as you do...It was really easy to work with those guys!
MM: How will the live shows work? Will the recording band perform live, or will you have to get new members to do the live stuff / tours?
EF: Well, as I mentioned, I'm already scheduling a world tour for ALMAH, yes! But the band will be different, 'cause now it's pretty much impossible to have the original members.... The band that will perform live is fantastic as well, though. I'll let the people know through my website - www.almah.com.br - very soon but it's most likely that we start in July 2007 in Brazil, and then go out to the rest of the world after that.
STOP PRESS from the website - The Almah line-up that will perform live is EDU FALASCHI (ANGRA) on the vocals, AQUILES PRIESTER (ANGRA) on the drums, FABIO LAGUNA (ANGRA) on the keyboards, EDU ARDANUY (DR.SIN) on the guitar and TITO FALASCHI (EX-SYMBOLS) on the bass.
MM: How would you compare your solo work to your work in Angra?
EF: Everything is very different as I mentioned. The artwork and some of the look of the sleeve might be similar - A Brazilian guy called Luciano Sorrentino who used to work with Angra did it so some people might notice that - he has a very modern style which was exactly what I needed - but the two bands work in completely different ways.
I wrote all the lyrics, the themes behind the songs; this idea that everyone inhabits their own world and how they choose to live their life or let their feelings work determines how their world works, but the main idea was to keep the music strong and let it do the talking, not Edu or Emppu, etc.
MM: Are there any themes or concepts on "Almah"? Can you tell us a bit about the writing and what people can expect on the album?
EF: Well, it's all in that last comment really. None of us can really tell how our future's going
to work out, but I'm suggesting that maybe, just maybe, you might be able to? That's it.
The only thing about my future that I really know is: I'm gonna make music until the last day of my life!
MM: Thanks for answering a few of our questions. Are there any last words or anything you'd like to say to our readers?
EF: Yes. I'd like to say thanks to you and to your readers. I hope you like the "Almah" album. It's certainly very precious to me and I hope to see you all when we tour!
