Typically we think of female-fronted bands as being European,
but like their varied music style, Echoes of Eternity doesn’t get
pigeon-holed by tradition. This California based act that mixes
thrash with symphonic and mainstream metal is spreading their wings
with their second release, "As Shadows Burn." I recently talked
with lead singer Francine Boucher about the new album, and
discovered that though she is the main lyricist for the band, she’s
actually a woman of few words, laced with a heavy dose of sarcasm
and wit.
Nichole Nash: First let’s talk about your new release, "As
Shadows Burn." It’s just been released in the last couple weeks.
How do you think it compares to "The Forgotten Goddess?"
Francine Boucher: The music is a lot heavier and darker; the
vocals are more raw and powerful.
Nichole: I did notice that when I listened to "Twilight Fires"
on your Myspace page prior to the release. Was making the music
heavier on this album intentional?
Francine: We didn’t hold anything back this time and we weren’t
afraid to combine heavier riffs with my vocals. Twilight is one of
my favorites.
Nichole: You chose to go with Massacre Records, an underground
German label, for European distribution of "As Shadows Burn." Why’d
you choose them over some of the bigger name labels?
Francine: They were a better fit for us as far as European
distribution goes.
Nichole: What differences were there in the production and
recording this time compared to your first album?
Francine: This new album has a heavier and raw sound. The first
album we were going for soft ethereal vocals with a lot of
harmonies and melodic guitar work. This album is a lot more metal.
Whereas "The Forgotten Goddess" was more of a studio album with a
lot of layers, the songs for "As Shadows Burn" were written for a
live context, more simple, powerful and heavier.
Nichole: Historically, most critics say sophomore albums are
weaker than debuts. Are you nervous about how "As Shadows Burn"
will fare in its reviews?
Francine: So far we’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback and
good reviews. I think we are truly starting to find our sound;
we’ve all grown as musicians and still have a lot more growing to
do. I’m proud of the first album but I think "As Shadows Burn" is
definitely an improvement over the debut.
Nichole: A lot of people may not know how Echoes of Eternity
came about. Why don’t you tell us how you and Kirk met, and how
Echoes came together?
Francince: I met Kirk and Brandon in college in Florida back in
’02. We moved to Los Angeles after graduation to find work. The
band formed in ’04.
Nichole: You’re actually Canadian born. How’d you end up in the
U.S.?
Francine: I teleported here.
Nichole: Do you see any big differences between the metal scene
in Canada compared to U.S.?
Francine: Canadian crowds seem to go off a little more at shows.
I don’t think there’s much difference in the scene, but then again
I’ve been gone a long time.
Nichole: Your original plan before signing on with Echoes of
Eternity was to do film scores. Are there any thoughts of Echoes of
Eternity doing something like that down the road?
Francine: Not at this time. It would be cool to be on a
soundtrack, but we’ll see.
Nichole: I always ask the women in female-fronted bands: what’s
it like being the only female in a band? Does it make touring any
more difficult?
Francine: Not really, in the end were all just humans. We need
food, shelter and beer. The only difference is when there’s no gas
station in sight I can’t piss in a Gatorade bottle like my
bandmates can. I’m a little jealous of that.
Nichole: Speaking of touring, any plans to go out on the road to
promote the new album?
Francine: We might do a spring tour and a summer tour in North
America, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Nichole: What bands would you like to tour with?
Francine: I’d tour with any good metal band.
Nichole: Tell us about one of your live catastrophes?
Francine: Nothing really exciting, tripped on my mic cable once
and fell on my ass. It was hard for the guys to keep a straight
face and not laugh! Although it was pretty funny.
Nichole: What music influenced you growing up?
Francine: I listened to just about every genre, and every decade
from the 50’s to the 80’s, I’ve always been open minded when it
comes to music. I’m influenced by everything.
Nichole: If you weren’t singing for Echoes of Eternity, what
would you be doing?
Francine: Spinning fire in a circus.
Nichole: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Francine: Life is short, enjoy it while you can.