Elbereth’s Grace (Switzerland)

Interview with Andy and Jasmin

https://elberethsgrace.bandcamp.com/

Hailing from the Swiss Alps in the heart of Europe, Elbereth’s Grace is a modern, fantasy metal female-fronted band. They’ve recently released our new album, Steh auf (Stand Up). It is the first album featuring their new vocalist, Jasmin, and their first serious attempt to fuse their style with a modern, contemporary metal sound. A few days ago I had a nice talk with band’s multi-instrumentalist Andy and the aforementioned new female vocalist, Jasmin who turned out to be very funny. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it and support the band.

Metal Revolution: Hello from Denmark guys? How are things over in Switzerland?

Andy: A warm hello from the Swiss Alps! Here in Switzerland, everything takes its usual calm course. Looking at the global political situation, I’m always astonished at how the Swiss somehow manage to remain entirely within their own world — as if the outside one didn’t exist. It impresses me, though it’s not a trait I find entirely positive.

Jasmin: Hello from me as well! I haven’t been in Switzerland for very long, but I’ve felt warmly welcomed. It’s breathtakingly beautiful here, and the people are quite open. A perfect place for creativity — and for peace of mind.

MR: Can you introduce your band to our readers? When and where it was created? Can you tell us about the very beginning of your career?

Andy: Elbereth’s Grace was founded in 2024. The idea came from a rather simple problem with my previous project. With Black Jade, I’ve always made heavier music, and on the last albums, the mix of hard sound and female vocals became increasingly confusing for listeners — two very different audiences. So, I founded Elbereth’s Grace to give the softer material its own space. But when Jasmin joined, the “softer” idea quickly changed — she’s perfectly capable of singing far heavier than I ever could, (Laughing)! The main difference is: Elbereth’s Grace is a band led by a woman, whereas Black Jade is still the place where I scream into the microphone.
As for a “career” — that’s never really been my focus. But since our new album has received such positive feedback, who knows… maybe there’s a small career waiting for us after all!

Jasmin: I can’t say much about the very beginning, since I joined later. I never thought I’d find a musical home in my new country, but Andy simply invited me to sing along — and here I am!

MR: What was the initial idea behind formation of this band?

Andy: I never made “typical” Metal. My work has always been Fantasy Metal, almost entirely inspired by Tolkien. But unlike most bands in the genre, my lyrics are always positive — I don’t glorify darkness; I fight it. With Elbereth’s Grace, I can take that a step further and give the lyrics a more spiritual tone. Don’t get me wrong, we’re not a Christian band, but our music is critical, hopeful, and politically aware — clearly left-wing. We stand for women’s rights, equality, and hope. That’s our spirit. And that vision could only be realized through a new band like Elbereth’s Grace.

Jasmin: For me, it was extraordinary to sing such deep and thought-provoking lyrics — often critical, sometimes mystical. In my past projects, it was mostly about “murder and mayhem,” with little real content. I find it refreshing and right that we take a clear stand. You can tell Andy is a social worker; his beliefs flow directly into his lyrics. What fascinates me most is how he frames everything in his fantasy world — it gives the message more depth and universality.

MR: I can surely relate to Andy’s social engagement and political stand! Back to your sond, it’s been described as ‘Fantasy Metal’, do you agree with this description and if so what is it that fascinates you so much about it?

Andy: For about 25 years I called what I do “Tolkien Metal.” Only this year did I start saying “Fantasy Metal,” because I now also tell stories from ‘The Chronicles of Nyrassar’ — my own world. So “Tolkien” alone no longer fits.
What fascinates me is drawing parallels between those mythic stories and our world today. You don’t have to look far to find a Morgoth or a Sauron — though the real ones wear suits and sit on political thrones. But beyond those obvious analogies, I’m interested in capturing timeless emotions — the struggle against darkness, the endurance of hope. Songs like “Steh auf” (Stand Up) can be heard as both fantasy and contemporary commentary. Just turn on the news, and you’ll see what I mean.

Jasmin: I’ve read Tolkien, of course — maybe not quite like Andy has, but I do know what a Hobbit is, (Laughing). I still have to read ‘The Chronicles of Nyrassar’, but it’s exciting to talk to Andy about his world and see how it connects to our reality.

MR: What about your musical inspirations? What are the artists you listen to?

Andy: That’s always a difficult question. I listen to whatever feels right in the moment. Mostly things from the ’90s — my era — but also Death Metal, Alternative Metal, whatever moves me. I don’t draw direct inspiration from specific artists; the lyrics usually dictate the sound. That’s why my music can be unpredictable.
But to name a few: I just saw Testament live again — I’ve loved them for 35 years. I also adore old-school Death Metal bands like Bolt Thrower and Dismember. Among female-fronted bands, I like Ankor, Battle Beast, Cyan Kicks, and Sumo Cyco — not the typical choices, but they speak to me.

Jasmin: I actually don’t come from the Metal world at all — more from classical and rock. So I’m still exploring the scene. I enjoy Within Temptation and Metalite (I know Erica Ohlsson personally).

MR: The reason why I decided to conduct this interview with you is the release of Steh auf (Stand Up). While this isn’t your first release as musicians, I think it marks a significant milestone: it is the first album featuring you Jasmin. How did you get in touch with each other and what is it that she/you brings into the band?

Jasmin: It was pure coincidence. I moved from Sweden to Switzerland because my husband works here, and I wanted a change of scenery. Andy and I met by chance, started talking — and suddenly I was in a recording studio trying things out. Elbereth’s Grace wasn’t planned; it just happened. That’s what makes it so much fun — it’s spontaneous, relaxed, and very personal.

Andy: Nothing to add there! Jasmin brings an incredible vocal power that I simply don’t have, hahaha. With a voice like hers, new possibilities opened up that I’d never imagined. Steh auf was our first test — and it worked so well that I contacted my Finnish friends right away. Soon we had musicians from three countries involved and achieved a truly modern sound.

MR: Am I right if I say that you bring a freshness and modern sound of a ‘contemporary metal’?

Jasmin: I’m not sure if I brought that “modern touch,” but if I did, it wasn’t intentional. We just experimented, and this sound felt right. With each good song, we leaned more into that direction, writing heavier pieces and softer ballads for balance.

Andy: Absolutely. Without Jasmin, it wouldn’t have worked. But Matti is equally essential — I might bring the lyrics and a rough idea, but he turns it into something massive. He’s incredibly skilled in modern production. I always say: I’m not a technical musician, just very creative with too little time, (Laughing). Jasmin and I send him our raw versions, and he turns them into full-fledged songs. That’s teamwork!

MR: Steh auf primarily consists of re-recorded songs originally written for your previous project, Black Jade (2000–2023). Can you tell us the reason why you choose to re-record old songs now? And why was Black Jade laid to rest?

Andy: First, Black Jade isn’t over — it’s just resting for now. The songs we re-recorded for Steh auf were already written and dear to me. It was exciting to take something old and breathe new life into it. I touched up the lyrics a bit, Jasmin sang them — and suddenly, a former Black Metal track sounded completely new. Songs like “Feanor’s Fluch”, “Of Forest and Fire”, and “Maedhros’s Pain” are personal classics, so they had to be part of this new beginning.

MR: What is your favorite track from Steh auf then? Which song from the album resonates with you personally the most and why?

Andy: My favorite? Probably “Maedhros’s Pain”. I love both the character behind it and the emotional range of the song. But I also enjoyed writing pieces like “Steh auf”, “Wer Weiss”, and “Ohne Dich” — songs that say exactly what I think, something I couldn’t have done before.

Jasmin: I really enjoyed all of them, even though singing in German was quite a challenge at first! I’ve learned German for years, but singing it is something else entirely — luckily, the studio was patient, (Laughing).
I especially loved “Feanor’s Fluch”, because some melodies reminded me of Swedish bands like Lake of Tears. I love experimenting — that’s what makes music exciting for me.

MR: How many copies of Steh auf were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?

Andy: Steh auf is currently a digital-only release. We’d be happy to release it physically if a label shows interest, but I’ve never been fond of promotion or social media. Personally, I’d prefer vinyl – that’s what I buy and listen to myself.

Jasmin: For me, it’s simple: I make music because I love it. If a label wants to release something, great – if not, that’s fine too.

MR: Are you pleased with the reception of Steh auf so far? Are you satisfied with the feedback from media and fans?

Andy: I’m more than happy! We saw an increase of 7,000% on digital platforms — a completely new experience for me. I didn’t push the album to all the media outlets because the next record is already finished and will be released on January 2, 2026. That one will get the full attention.

Jasmin: I’ve received a lot of lovely feedback too. I’m curious what comes next. Maybe Andy will have to play live after all (Laughing).

MR: Now, would you tell us what the next step is for Elbereth’s Grace? Recording your new album? Scheduled for release soon?

Andy: As mentioned — yes, the new album Where Silence Speaks will be released on January 2nd. It features eleven new songs and one Black Jade cover. We’re working constantly; there are countless ideas in progress. 2026 will definitely be an Elbereth’s Grace year!

Jasmin: Yes, we spend a lot of time in the studio — maybe it’s because of the view! A recording studio at over 1,000 meters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, feels like something out of a fairy tale. It’s the perfect place for inspiration.

MR: What can we expect from your new effort? Can you reveal any details? Utilizing any new recording techniques to this one, compared to the songs you created before?

Andy: The new songs are even more diverse than before. The range is broader — from very heavy tracks to quieter, more atmospheric ones. Which of them will actually make it onto the final album is still open.

Our process is quite structured: Jasmin and I record the raw versions, then send everything to Matti. He refines the material, records drums, bass, and sometimes backing vocals with the other musicians. When it comes back to me, I usually re-record the guitars, add some keyboards, and then mix and master everything. Everyone knows their role — that’s what keeps it flowing.

Jasmin: My part in that process is quite simple — I come in and sing, and I love it! Sometimes Matti has ideas for me to try, and I experiment with them. Honestly, I probably have the most enjoyable job: I arrive when most of the groundwork is done and just get to have fun.

MR: How does your creative process work? I mean, what’s the creative process like when you make a new song?

Andy: The creative process has changed a lot over the years. Twenty years ago, I’d start with riffs, build the music, and only then write lyrics. Now it’s the other way around — I start with the words, then compose the music to fit them. I already know in advance how I want a song to sound, and then I piece it together step by step. Jasmin joins in with her ideas, and that’s how the first version takes shape. When Matti sends back his arrangement, I usually finish the solo parts, which often develop only during that stage.

Jasmin: When I get involved, there’s usually already a lot in place, so I can start singing right away. But right now, we actually have a few songs with lyrics and vocal melodies but no music yet — I’m very curious to see how those will evolve!

MR: If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

Andy: I don’t have to think long about that — Blackbriar, definitely.

Jasmin: I’d love to tour with Evergrey. That would be amazing.

MR: How can people reach your band & music?

Andy: As I mentioned before, I’m not really into social media. That’s why we have our own website — there’s a lot to read, to hear, and we keep it up to date. We’ve also recently joined Bandcamp, where we’d love to see some new followers and a bit of interaction. Of course, our music is available on all digital platforms — and, amusingly, on a few Russian file-sharing sites too. I always wonder who still downloads music when it’s basically free to stream everywhere!

Jasmin: Don’t forget YouTube! There are always one or two videos up there as well.

MR: Do you have any surprising or unexpected tastes? This also includes what some might call ‘guilty pleasures’ I suppose. (Laughing)

Andy: I don’t think I’m particularly surprising, but what usually amazes people is where I live. My home is on an alpine pasture, reachable only by cable car. There are more cows than people around me — not exactly where you’d expect to find a metal recording studio!

Jasmin: Oh my god, I’m basically a walking collection of guilty pleasures! I eat too many sweets, sometimes let myself be talked into having a beer, I’m often late, sleep too little, and definitely eat too unhealthily. But I hope people can forgive me anyway, (Laughing).

MR: I can relate to that too Jasmin (Lauging). Is there a questions you always wanted someone to ask you about? Something you will share with our devoted readers?

Andy: There is something I wish people would ask more often — and that’s about responsibility. My message would be: Take a stand. Don’t stay silent. Resist the shift to the right that’s happening across societies. If you want your children and grandchildren to have a future, protect the environment. Stand up for equality, and make sure that violence against women is finally treated as the serious crime it is. Those would be my words to the world.

Jasmin: I couldn’t say it any better — nothing to add.

MR: I guess we just arrived to the last one – Thanks for the interview. Please tell the last words to the fans and our readers out there to finish this great conversation.

Andy: Thank you very much for giving us this space and your interest in what we do. We warmly invite everyone to listen to our music and, of course, to follow us on Spotify and Bandcamp. And yes — we’re happy to answer personal questions there as well!

Jasmin: Yes, thank you so much for having me, too. And please, do write to us — I love hearing from people and am always happy to respond.