My journey into the darkest parts of metal began when I was 12. MTV, when it played music other than just R&B, rap, and pop, showed Korn's "Freak on a Leash", Rob Zombie's "Dragula" and Marilyn Manson's "Dope Show". From there, I would gradually get into other heavy music such a Disturbed, Godsmack and Metallica. However, that was soft compared to where my journey would lead me.
In 2004, I went to an outdoor metal festival put together by a Portland Rock station, and the headliners where Slipknot and Slayer. That was the first major transition into heavier, darker and extreme music. Then I made another huge transition later that year. I discovered two extreme metal bands breaking out that year, Dimmu Borgir from Norway and Cradle of Filth from England. From there, it was Dark Tranquility, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Immortal, Behemoth, Vader, the list goes on.
Back to Cradle of Filth. They had a sound that was influenced by Black metal along with Goth and Doom Metal. They also are a "Beauty and the Beast" band where there's extreme screams/growls from a male and majestic female vocals as well. People thought Liz Kristine was and has been the female backer to CoF due to her involvement in the breakout hit Nymphentamine, but she was just a guest vocalist and fronts Leaves Eyes, a gothic metal band. In actuality, Sarah Jezebel Deva is (or was) the backing singer. She's also lent her vocals to several other bands such as Therion, Mortiis and would later start her own projects where she had more influence.
During her time in CoF, she became my favorite member. I can't explain it but I like more then anyone (even Danni). I was bummed that she wasn't joining them for the early 2009 US tour, but she thankfully has agreed to interview me for the site!
So with excitement, let's get to know the Lady Deva.
Drew: When did you first have interest in singing?
Sarah: I suppose the moment I could open my mouth. Didnt really have music as a kid, so very new to me when I left some at an early age. All I knew was Madonna, so I suppose singing to her songs with the hair brush is when it all started to happen.
Drew: When did you first start making steps to becoming a singer?
Sarah: Doing a demo with my mate Barbarella in her flat in London. I suppose I was about 15. She was a bit older than me and was a singer too. She had a basic set up and she did the music and I wrote and arranged my Lyrics. Its so long ago, really dont remember much. May have been drunk ;)
Drew: Who where you early inspirations?
Sarah: Madonna was the main one. Then onto Mariah Carey. Madonna being an amazing inspiration both personality wise and performance wise and Mariah Carey vocally. I was amazed at the notes she could hit.
Drew: You made your first big performance at 11 performing Summertime, what was that like?
Sarah: I was so so scared. Never done it before and it was totally unrehearsed. Just me and my sister had learnt 2 songs and we went to the Queens Theatre in Essex, where a jazz band would play every sunday I think, asked if we could sing and they let us. We made mistakes but people loved us cos we were so young. I think I had a prolapse.
Drew: You then made a jump from Jazz to Punk when you joined Mad Dog, how did you get up with them?
Sarah: I really can't remember. I know me and my mate used to follow a band around called Who Moved The Ground. We used to love them, as well as fancy some of them ;) Well I am sure I met the lead singer of Mad Dog through them but I just cant remember. I was 16. Does that help?
Drew: From what I've heard, one concert was all it took to realize this wasn't for you. What exactly happened?
Sarah: Just a bunch of punks spitting at the band (not me) just didn't appeal to me. We supported 999 though, a legendary old british punk band. So that was cool.
Drew: With this, you went from Jazz to Punk to Black/Extreme metal, talk about diversity. What was you first reaction when you heard the sound that Cradle would offer?
Sarah: I thought it was the biggest pile of crap I had ever heard ha ha... yet I was into Slayer, Deicide and Obituary. I just thought the lead singer sounded so crap. But then I got into Emperor and Enslaved. When I heard the first CoF album again, then my opinion changed.
Drew: Were you a fan of Extreme metal before coming to Cradle?
Sarah: Well I was a fan of Death Metal and slowly getting into Black Metal. But I wasnt a fan of CoF at all. After getting into Emperor and Enslaved, I then got into Burzum, Mayhem, Dark Throne and Satyricon.
Drew: In the 14 years since you joined, the band has risen to damn impressive heights for such an extreme style of music. Did you ever think you would be part of a group that would reach that level of popularity?
Sarah: To be honest, no. I think the style Dani sings is still very unique. CoF were very original and had so much to offer but these days, I am sorry to say, it is less and less unique. Musicially though, I do love the way Paul writes but I think the less I say the better :)
Drew: Of all the songs you've sung for CoF, what would you say your favorite is?
Sarah: The Queen Of Winter Throned. Will ALWAYS be my fav.
Drew: There have also been a lot of themes used by the band: vampires, witches, dark historical figures. What was your favorite theme to explore with the band?
Sarah: Er... I never did the exploring. Was nothing to do with me, though I am glad the stupid white frilly shirts have gone. I suppose the historical figures because its a very mature side that kinda sticks two fingers up to those that have typecast the band.
Drew: While touring Europe, you and the boys visited the castle of one of the craziest women in history, Elizabeth Bathory (or Bloody Mary), which was what "Cruelty and the Beast" was about. How was it seeing the home of a figure that influenced films, books, games and music?
Sarah: Oh amazing. It was only me, Dan and Charles. No one else was interested. It's a shame but the castle is falling to bits. No one has put any money into preserving it. It's history, regardless of what went on there. Money should have gone into it to keep it in some kind of stable condition. We were very very lucky to go there.
Drew: Too my surprise, and other's, you've recently stepped away from CoF. Is the door still open or are you on your own for good?
Sarah: It was open but I closed it. :) I wouldn't say I am on my own, I have some amazing people around me AND The Kovenant reunion went so well, I had decided to walk away from session work but the show we just did in Norway opened up new and exciting doors. Being part of a band that is 100% pro, not greedy and hypocrites, well, it's nice.
Drew: One more thing I need to ask. Granted I saw him live, but he was on stage and when you're on stage your larger then life so I'll ask you, is Danni Filth really that short?
Sarah: No. And no offence to you, I really don't understand why it's so important. How short or skinny or fat or tall someone is. He is about my height, 5'7, maybe 5'6.
Drew: While CoF is the most popular band you've joined, you've also been with Therion for nearly a decade as well, how did become part of them?
Sarah: Actually I left Therion 2004. I was very very lucky and honored to get Therion. I was in Sweden staying with a friend, building up contacts and she knew Chris. Sorted out a meeting with him and it went from there. Being in that band taught me a lot about singing. I do miss it too, how Therion used to be. It was fun.
Drew: What was your first impression of there sound when you first heard them?
Sarah: Fell in LOVE with Theli and I HAD to sing for them. I didnt know if I could do it because all the singers Chris used were trained opera singers but I got in. Sheer luck.
Drew: I've noticed (I'm still new to them) that Therion has over the years grown quite a large live line up. How crowded has it been on stage before?
Sarah: Well most bands have the power to requests certain stage specs. So a booking agent wouldnt really book a band with 14 people onto a tiny stage. So not bad at all. If we had found ourself in a situation with no space, you just deal with it.
Drew: Therion has had a wide range of themes inspired by mythology and occult symbols, what was your favorite out of all the things that was explored?
Sarah: Not my department. I just sang. It was cool though singing in other languages. Much easier to sing in another language than to speak it.
Drew: What was your favorite Therion song to sing?
Sarah: RIse Of Sodom. Also To Mega Therion. :)
Drew: Like with Cradle, you've broken out away from Therion. Is there still a possibility to return?
Sarah: With Therion? Yes... I believe so. I did 3 shows with them about 3 or 4 years ago, as a reunion thing. Kicked arse! So one day, would be great to do it again. Good memories.
Drew: How did you come about getting involved with the Ex Emperor bassist?
Sarah: Well I wanted to do music on my own for so many years, I think I wrote to him? I can not remember. I know I wanted him to release my music on his record comp. It just ended up that I worked for him and we got on well. the same friend who put me in touch with Chris from Therion, also knew Mortiis. When I was staying with her, she just called him up on the phone and we chatted about what I would do. He was very kind to me. I met up with him later down the line and the rest is history!!
Drew: What was your favorite song to sing for Mortiis?
Sarah: Well, I only did one tour, that was in the USA and I had only done 1 album with him at that point. Very ambient stuff, enjoyed the who thing. I guess World Essence.
Drew: What'd you think of Mortiis' Goblin mask and theatrics?
Sarah: Amazing. Original. Funny how he got totally slagged off for many years but then Slipknot came along and the press supported them.
Drew: You've in the past been guest a guest vocalist for several bands: The Kovenant, Tulus, Graveworm, Mystic Circle, The Gathering and Mendeed, were all of these meant to be one time affairs?
Sarah: Just session jobs. But important ones. I was a session singer, nothing more, nothing less. It's what session people do. I love to sing, so why limited myself!
Drew: Out of all these bands, is there anyone you'd love to return to, even if it's just a one time thing again?
Sarah: Well, I would say Kovenant but thats already happened and it will happen again. And yeah, Therion would be cool.
Drew: Are you still open if a band would like to hire you for a guest vocalist?
Sarah: Not really. I have spent so many years working for other people, its about me now.
Drew: What makes this stand out amongst the other bands is that this was the first band that was "Yours", in that you founded and decided where it was going. When did you first start to create Angtoria?
Sarah: When I met Chris Rehn. I was on tour with Therion and he was playing for Evergrey. We got on like a house on fire and became very close. We were on the same page and we just decided to work together and do music. We did a demo and not many metal record comps would touch us because we were not metal. It was a very movie score orientated style we were doing. We got some offers but it was clear we were gonna get ripped off. Went back to the drawing board and made it metal!
Drew: Was there any goals you had with it?
Sarah: Yes, just to be a front woman and sing. We did want to tour but I put CoF first. Big mistake.
Drew: You also released a music video with the song of the same name (which I think was your first music video, not sure though). How was it to finally have a visual to the music?
Sarah: It was an amazing experience for all involved, very exciting and fulfilling. A long weekend and everyone worked hard. I am so very proud of what everyone did. I don't regret a single moment.
Drew: What was your favorite song with Angtoria?
Sarah: Six Feet Under's Not Deep Enough. Very personal to me and it was nice to get how I felt out of my system ;)
Drew: What would you say your overall feeling is with the band's first album?
Sarah: I am proud of it. 99% happy with it. I think we were very lucky to have so many people do so much for us for free. Without them, the album and video wouldnt have been what it was.
Drew: What does the future hold for Angtoria?
Sarah: Not sure. Hopefully another album as we still have another album with Listenable. We all want to do it but it may take some time.
Drew: In 2009, you took another step towards creating music of your own by completely going solo. What motivated you to finally do a music project that wasn't under any name but yours?
Sarah: I just wanted to do music. I had no real goal other than fans were always asking "When are you gonna do something else like a solo album?" There doesn't have to be a reason to do music. We just do it cos we feel it and want to create something. The album didnt go how I wanted it to go because I was alone in the choice making. Things went wrong and things went right. It was a great learning experience for me actually.
Drew: Who else aided you in the creation of your solo work?
Sarah: A guy called Ken from Ohio. I hired him to write. He wrote 5 tracks and rewrote the cover song we did. Chris Rehn did 2 tracks, they were tracks we did a few years back. Martin Powell (Ex CoF/My Dying Bride) did the keys to a few tracks and an amazing job he did, also Max Blunos (from Trigger The Bloodshed) played drums and Dave Pybus (CoF/Ex Anathema) played bass. I was and still am very lucky to have them involved.
Drew: Your latest self-titled album has been titled "A Sign of Sublime". What's the story behind the title?
Sarah: Its boring. When you release a single, it makes sense to name the album after the single. So people remember the name after seeing or hearing the single. Its marketing ..... Really exciting huh!
Drew: Will there be tour dates for this solo work?
Sarah: Its being booked now. Uk first, the europe and whatever happens after that is a bonus. And for the record, I am crapping myself ;)
Drew: I've noticed that in a lot of your session photos and live, you've fashioned a rather gothic renaissance look. Is that a personal favorite fashion of yours?
Sarah: I am far far from gothic. To me gothic is what I was when I was 16. Black crimped hair, under cut, white face, jet black eyes and nose chain. I don't know what I am but I don't follow anything other than being comfortable, if that makes sense?
Drew: For years, you've been around guttural shrieks and extreme rasps for singing. Have you ever considered trying extreme vocals yourself?
Sarah: Ha ha.... thats funny. Yes actually, but I think I would be utter crap at it. When I was younger, I idolized Max Cavalera. I used to try and sing like him. I did really well up until the third line, then start coughing loads ;)
Drew: Most of the genres you've sung for have been rather dark and gloomy by theme, sound and look. Do you think you might explore a lighter side of music?
Sarah: Well its never been intentional but metal is my life. If I was offered backing singer for Price or Madonna, hell yeah. I couldnt give a damn what people think, its my life and if I like something and its Hip Hop, I will do it but metal just really is my thing. Never say never though.
Drew: Is there any musicians (Guitarists, keyboardists, drummers) that you would like to work with in the future?
Sarah: Mike Patton, Seb Bach, also would love to work with Alice In Chains. The whole lot of them are amazing.
Drew: You're known for your singing ability. Is there a possibility you could start doing more then just singing, like play instruments as well?
Sarah: I can play bass ... but not the best. I think I have spent so many years singing, everything else has been neglected, so maybe one day I really will take bass more seriously.
Drew: What would you say has been you favorite concert, with any band?
Sarah: Damn! Ha ha... I have been singing live since 97. You can't ask me that! Ok.... The Kovenant gig we just did. We had no sound check. No warm up shows. Hadn't played together with that line up since 98. I personally think we did amazing. Also most of the shows I did with Therion in South America. The audience REALLY get into it and its really touching when they sing along with you.
Drew: Who have been your favorite musician(s) to work with?
Sarah: Everyone has their good side and their bad side. I would say Kovenant now. The reunion we just did in Norway was amazing and its lovely to see how honest and wonderful some have turned out to be 13yrs down the line.
Drew: Any advice you'd like to give to any future singers out there?
Sarah: Yeah, there is always people willing to stab you in the back, put you down and rip you off. Prepare yaself. Be strong and don't let anyone knock you down.
And as usual for my interviews, I end in the random fun Q&A.
Drew: Favorite Drink? Alcoholic or not doesn't matter.
Sarah: Choc Soya. Booze? I do not really drink much anymore, when I do I go mad and it ends up being on a bloody DVD! ha ha.... Sailor Jerry rum.
Drew: Favorite Book?
Sarah: Don't read much. I have to force myself to finish a book. I am however currently reading two. One on Vietnam and one on Jack The Ripper. Ask me in five years if I have finished them ;)
Drew: Favorite Film Genre and film in it?
Sarah: To be honest, I don't have a favorite genre. I just couldn't name one. I'm really not narrow minded when it comes to film. I like so many. If I have to push myself into saying one, comedy. Who doesn't like to laugh?
Drew: Food you could live off of until you die.
Sarah: Soya. It can be turned in to so many styles of food. Cheese, fake meat, Ice cream, milk, cheese, oil and so on. Its just a bean! It so is a super food.
Drew: Favorite Swear Word?
Sarah: Ok, call me old fashioned but I try not to swear. One reason swearing to me means lack of vocab but mostly cos I want children and need to get out of the habits touring has forced upon me. I suppose "Pissed off" if I have to choose!
Drew: Favorite game console and game for it?
Sarah: Oh god... I am sorry... I wouldn't waste my time on that rubbish!
Drew: Place you hope to visit in the world before you die?
Sarah: Egypt, India, Iceland, Maldives, South Africa, Vietnam, Oh! You said PLACE? Not places? ;)
Drew: Current religious status?
Sarah: Pardon my french, FUCK religion. Worst thing to ever happen to this planet.
Drew: If you could do something else besides sing or be in a band, what would it be?
Sarah: Save the animals from humans? In fact save the world from humans!
Drew: Hottest man that ever lived?
Sarah: My boyfriend is gonna hate me but its gotta be Johnny Depp. But I am a strong believer that no personality, bad attitude and no life/people skills makes you ugly, so who knows if Johnny Depp really is hot!?
Drew: And finally, any final words you have for your fans?
Sarah: Do I have fans? I never know what to say other than thank you for reading and thank you for supporting me.
That was Sarah Jezebel Deva, a woman who's been singing all over the metal scene. As much of a Cradle of Filth fan as I am, I always was annoyed that Sarah didn't get more attention in the band. I've gone to bat for her when casual fans who only know the popular songs wondered who the hell she was and wanted Liv back. I told them to fuck off.
Feel free to look her up on Myspace for future announcements or to explore her discography with other bands she leant her voice to. Hell, just look her up.
|
drew