INTERVIEW: Vlad in Tears rocks out on new album
Photo: Vlad in Tears’ new album is called Relapse. Photo courtesy of the band / Provided by Metalville Records with permission.
Vlad in Tears recently released its newest album, called Relapse, on Metalville Records. The recording effort is a deeply personal creative project for the members of this Goth/alternative rock band. Rather than writing songs purely from a fictional perspective, the members connected with fans who had shared their experiences with various difficulties in life. These narratives became the basis for the songs on Relapse.
Some of those struggles can be heard on Vlad in Tears’ latest single, “Broken Bones,” which tells the story of a love gone wrong that leaves a bittersweet scar, according to press notes.
Vlad in Tears is made up of a trio of Italian brothers who now live in Germany: Kris Vlad on vocals, Lex Vlad on guitar and Dario Vlad on bass guitar. Relapse represents the group’s ninth album, and Metalville promises a set of songs that lean more into the rock genre and away from the synth machine. Tracks include “Break Away” as the album opener, “Day by Day,” “Live Again” and album closer “Not Good Enough.” Fans can also purchase a Fan-Box that includes the standard album, plus nine of the 11 tracks in a revamped acoustic fashion.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Kris Vlad to talk about the new album. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How is this album unique for Vlad in Tears?
Relapse is a big step forward compared to Porpora (our previous album), by all means, from the high-quality audio production to the very soul of the artistic concept that says, “We are a rock band that embraces the darkness and leads you through it.” Relapse is the most mature and true record we have ever done.
What was the experience like hearing these stories from your fans?
Old and new fans have reached out to me personally (Kris), writing me about their feelings, struggles and life experiences, some of them even asking to write about it. I have gotten so close to some of them that I made them feel understood, a man like me who has experienced some of the hardest times of his life, fighting strong challenges such as suicidal thoughts, depression, self-harm and self-destruction. I was a beacon of hope for many of them.
And writing and saying out loud, “It is OK not to feel OK; you are not alone.” The bond you can create through this emotional path is priceless.
What was the process like setting these fan stories to music?
It wasn’t easy, of course. There were so many thoughts and words to arrange with music. It took me a lot of work and focus, but in the end, it was such an emotional relief. And singing those songs feels even better. What I love the most about making music is the connection between us musicians and our fans, who are the biggest reason why we do what we do.
Do you feel that the sound on Relapse is different from other recordings you’ve done?
Yeah, absolutely. With Relapse we wanted a more rock sound, with no synths nor drum loops, and high and powerful vocals, which stand out from the other bands in the black scene. Not a scream band, not a typical low-vocal range Goth band either, but a true rock band that embraces the darkness in the deepest way ever, the real way.
Are you hoping to break out even more with American audiences?
That would be awesome. We always wanted to reach out to the world, to be more mainstream and stand out from the niche that holds us here in the German black scene.
Where did the band’s name come from?
Vlad in Tears stands for “a man who turned into a vampire while crying the loss of the love of his life.” I am a big fan of Gothic romance, poetry and movies, and Bram Stocker’s Dracula (the novel) and its film adaptation are my absolute favorites.
We write about love, death and inner demons. These things are timeless.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Vlad in Tears’ new album is called Relapse, which is now available on Metalville Records. Click here for more information.
For more information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, click here. Help and support are available.
