Congratulations for the new album. How does it feel to finally get this material out to the metal legions?
Thank you so much! I’m really glad you like it. The feeling of it finally being released was amazing, especially since it took so much time.
The title “The Lost Legion Rising” creates imagery of battle, unity and survival. What does the album title represent to the band?
The album title symbolizes our resurrection after we were forced to cut a tour short in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. We were traveling across the country. The atmosphere was eerie. We felt like a lost legion, one that has now risen again.
With this being your fifth studio album, how do you feel the band’s creative process and chemistry have evolved since your early days?
This has remained the same over the decades. I write the basic framework of the song and map out the vocal lines for the choruses. Our singer, Para, writes the lyrics. We arrange the songs together, and everyone has their own creative freedom. Over the last ten years, the others have been able to contribute more and more.
“The Lost Legion Rising” sounds more aggressive and focused than some of your previous work. What pushed the band in that direction?
The music always reflects my emotions. There was a lot that pissed me off. My taste in music is evolving, though; I’ve started listening to post-black metal and post-hardcore alongside my usual favorites like power and thrash metal.
"Everything about the music is honest, even the use of synthesizers or modern sounds. We love what we do. No-bullshit metal from the heart."
Tracks like “Soul Vampires” and “Warpriest” point toward some dark and aggressive themes. Could you dig into the lyrical concepts behind these tracks and by extention of the album?
The album itself doesn't have a lyrical concept. That has only happened once in our history (album no. 3, "Dawn"). "Soul Vampires" is about narcissistic people in your immediate circle who drain your vital energy; you have to cut such people out of your life. "Warpriest" deals with a character from the series *Vikings*, Bishop Heahmund. We have slight Viking metal influences, which fit quite well with some of the lyrics.
How important is melody for Torian when writing heavier and faster material?
The melody in the song is the most important thing. That’s also always been a trademark of our music. On our first album, there were two pure thrash tracks. They just didn't fit with the rest of the music.
After five studio albums, what do you think defines the identity of Torian the most today?
We play music rooted in personal emotions and thoughts. Everything about the music is honest, even the use of synthesizers or modern sounds. We love what we do. No-bullshit metal from the heart.
Alexander Thielmann handled the production and mixing, while Sebastian “Seeb” Levermann did the mastering. What did each of them bring to the table to achieve the final sonic result?
Alexander is responsible for the overall sound. Seeb did some sound tweaking here and there and ensured the production was ready for the market. By and large, the magnificent result is down to Alexander.
German metal has a long and respected history. How do you view the current German metal scene today?
The German metal scene has recovered from the coronavirus pandemic. Most bands survived, while others have emerged and really taken off. It is more vibrant than ever.
Many modern power metal albums rely heavily on symphonic elements. Torian seem more focused on riffs and traditional heavy metal energy. Was that a conscious choice?
No, the decisions regarding songwriting are not, and never wer, conscious ones. They have always been a natural process. My favorite bands always excelled at guitar riffs. That is also the foundation of every Torian song. And that will never change.
With the album being available on various formats, how important is it for you as metal fans to still offer high-quality physical releases for the audience?
Ultimately, we make music for fans of classic heavy metal. For them, physical media will always play the most important role. That will always be the case for younger metalheads, too.
What still drives Torian forward after all these years in the metal underground?
Furthermore, we have the privilege of not having to invest quite as much money ourselves, since we have the support of a good record label. And we can pick and choose our shows; we don’t have to play poorly organized gigs like we might have had to up until about 15 years ago.
Now that the album is set for release, what are the immediate touring or live plans for Torian to bring these new anthems onto the stage?
We are currently in the middle of the booking phase. A lot has changed in recent years; promoters are planning much further in advance. So, things won't really kick off until next year, especially since we don't have a booking agency. Feel free to contact us and book us.
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