Did you approach phorcefulAhead differently than previous albums by Symphorce, Ivanhoe, Freedom Call or Brainstorm?
Franck: Oh, yes! Symphorce is much more open-minded than Freedom Call or Brainstorm. Ivanhoe was something completely different, but with Symphorce, our fans are really open-minded. That allows us to experiment, to use modern keyboard sounds and loops. It is and always will be metal, but it’s metal for 2003. We love it. But I also love being a part of Brainstorm. SoT: I think it’s refreshing to hear a progressive and symphonic power-metal band that doesn’t load its albums with references to battles and dragons and mythology. Was that intentional, especially considering the lyrical themes of Brainstorm and Freedom Call? Franck: The difference between Brainstorm and Symphorce is just that Symphorce’s lyrics are much more psychological and also have many religious themes. In Brainstorm, I mostly try to write about things that have happened in life and historical things. To be honest, I’ve never been a real big fan of dragons or any kind of mythology. If anything, I’m more into science fic
