Whyzdom

Here is the official presentation of the french symphonic metal band Whyzdom made by their label Ascendance Records who will release the band's first album "From The Brink Of Infinity" on the 21th September:

"Think of a huge orchestra and a massive symphonic choir intertwined with powerful riffs and enchanting melodies from a clear and passionate feminine voice, and you'll get an idea of what WHYZDOM have managed to create. Their classical influences ranging from the romantic to the contemporary period, as well as the appealing melodies that drive the songs, make their sound utterly unmistakeable in an ever growing scene.

The project was founded by the guitarist and orchestrator Vynce Leff in early 2007, already well known in the progressive sphere having produced several successful albums for the British label Cyclops Records. It is fronted by Telya Melane, a singer and actress, fond of metal, classical music and theatre. The other members Regis Morin, Tristan Demurger, Nicolas Chaumeaux and Marc Ruhlmann joined soon after and a first EP '"Daughter Of The Night" was recorded less than 6 months from the band's inception. It got instant acclaim from reviewers and music fans around the world, as well as several awards and plaudits (Best French Band 2008 - Metalsymphonique.com, Best EP - HeavyLaw.com, etc).

Although still a young band, WHYZDOM were invited to play in several festivals in France - most of the time as headliner - and won the Metal Female Voices Fest Contest in Belgium in October 2008. They will play in the 7th edition of this great Festival (17/10/2009) to launch their début album.

Lyrically "From The Brink Of Infinity" is an attempt to explore the feelings of human beings when confronted with the mystery of life and death. The album deals with the fear of crossing the line between the finite lapse of life and the infinity of death. Different characters, having come very close to that line, express themselves in the songs through Telya's voice, to tell their story as a form of catharsis.

It's a very strong album from a new band that has an unmistakable well of experience to draw upon within their ranks. Bombastic, ambitious and epic, Whyzdom have already made their indelible mark on the scene!"

The band will open the MFVF on Saturday 17th October. They'll play around 10:00 or 10:30. And the big news is that they'll come with their lyrical mixed choir (The Dark Whyzpers Choir). So, there'll be 12 people on stage.

The band tries to come with the mixed choir every time they can. They came with them in Lyon at the H'elles on Stage festival (5th September). They'll be with the choir in Paris for the opening of Delain and also, at the MFVF. So, you have 6 people in the band proper plus 6 people in the choir and it's very spectacular to see all these great artists.
I can add that, on stage, the universe of Whyzdom is musical and visual. Telya, the lead singer, takes many subtle expressions to give life to the songs' characters and perform several fine choreographies. Her headbangs are also terrific and, as you could probably hear, her vocal performances are powerful and very moving. Telya is a complete and generous artist, in the best sense of this word.

Telya leaves Whyzdom. Here is his message:
"Dear all!
All beautiful stories come to an end. The end of an adventure for me. I'm announcing that I decided to quit Whyzdom.
The reasons that led me to this choice are both personal and artistic.
The band project of Vynce was a fantastic experience from the artistic as well as human viewpoint.
As a young singer, it allowed me to learn many things, to meet great people, to live magical instants on stage.
However, all has not been simple and easy and I've come to a time when it's difficult for me to make concessions and to go against my own choices and my artistic will. I've always been honest with my convictions and with myself, so I don't cheat with what I feel.
This decision has been made very carefully, and I hope you will understand it and take it as good as possible. It is necessary to allow me to go on an artistic way that fits me better and that will make me evolve at my own pace.
I'll keep you informed with my future projects via my personel Myspace : http://www.myspace.com/amelomane
Kisses from the deep of my heart and much more ... ***
MUSIC FOREVER!!"

and the band's message, searching for a new lead singer:
"A new front woman for Whyzdom...
Telya recently decided to leave the band (you can read our blog about this on our Myspace : http://www.myspace.com/whyzdomproject). So, we're looking for a new frontwoman...
Wherever you live in Europe... if you feel that Whyzdom music and concept can become part of your life, if you want to live your passion on stage - be it small or big, if you're ready to work hard as part of a team and not as a diva, if you're ready to come to Paris for rehearsal periods, the album recordings, photo shoots...
Send 2 mp3s, 3 or 4 photos to vynceleff@hotmail.com (or give us a link to your Myspace profile if you have one), tell us about your past experiences, and about all your other artistic passions (instrument, theater, anything else...)
Don't worry if the extracts you have are not typically in the metal style. It's great if you have a celtic, soul or rock background... anything new is interesting and we are very open minded. And no problem if the technical quality of the recording is bad - even an cappella song recorded with your terrible PC microphone will do the trick.
We're eager to listen to you !
Vynce / Whyzdom"

As stated on their blog, the band members are very saddened by Telya's departure but are very grateful to her for all the moments shared together. It has been a very good adventure.
Now, Whyzdom is working harder and harder on their new studio album. 11 songs out of 14 have been chosen to be released. The album will be more symphonic, somber and heavier than ever. The band is truly motivated. During the period of choice of the new lead singer, the female vocals will be performed live by a "guest" vocalist, friend with Whyzdom. Her name will be revealed soon.

Personally, I think Telya has brought a lot to Whyzdom, both from the human and artistic point of views. I'm truly confident in her and the band to develop their own projects in the most positive way: to give the better from themselves.