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HELION PRIME: "Helion Prime "

The HELION PRIME concept; power metal with themes based on actual scientific theories with the occasional sci-fi tribute. They've just released their first album and we sent our 15 questions to Jason Ashcraft and Heather Michele.

1. How has the reaction to your latest CD been?

Jason: Fantastic!

Heather: Yeah we've had a wonderful response so far.

2.How long did this CD take to make from start to finish, recording-wise?

Heather: I think we started recording around June of 2015, and it was finished by that December. We waited a couple months to give us time to promote it and order the physical copies, but it took around 6 months to finish.

3.What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind, prior to entering the studio?

Jason: We know we wanted something high quality that would be on par with some of the albums going onto major labels.

Heather: Our goal was to shop it to labels, so we did our best to make it sound as professional as possible.

4.What kind of input did the producer have during the process?

Jason: None really, we didn't actually have a producer, but our sound engineer helped us fine tune some parts.

5.And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

Heather: I know I'm extremely happy with the way it all turned out. Carlos Alvarez did a fantastic job mixing and editing, and I was really happy with the performance from all the member of the band.

6. Did the producer use any (weird) experimental miking and/or recording techniques?

Heather: Again, we didn't really have a producer, and we actually didn't do a whole lot of miking. Jason and Jeremy recording all of their parts direct in at home, and I recorded my parts on a standard mic set up at home.

7. How did you go on about capturing your 'live sound' in the studio, or perhaps you didn't?

Jason: I would say we didn't. It wasn't really something we were concerned with. We just know we wanted to make the best sounding album possible, and we try to bring that sound to our live set as much as possible.

Heather: Yeah, it was more the opposite I would say.

8.Please inform us about your favorite songs and lyrical highlights and why?

Heather: My favorite song lyrically is probably "Live and Die On This Day." It explores the concept of the cosmic timeline and relates pivotal points in the universe's development to the months and seasons of a year. It's also a song about seizing the moment and cherishing the life we have.

Jason: For me, Moon-watcher. Reading 2001: A Space Odyssey, I really felt inspired by the character and really liked how Heather brought it together with the lyrics.

9.Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture while writing songs?

Jason: Not necessarily, I just kinda write what I feel in the moment. I try not to limit myself.

Heather: After Jason write the music, he usually has an idea of what the song should be about. I take that idea, expand on it, and write lyrics.

10.Does your vision for coming up with music get affected at all by time?

Jason: Yes and no, I feel the vision is always there, but your inspiration changes with time.

11.Did the record company interfere with anything on your "sound" and songs?

Heather: Well we don't really have a record company, so no haha.

12.Are there any 'crazy' behind the scenes anecdotes from these sessions that you can share with us?

Heather: Not really, unless you count us adding Tobi (Jason's dog) to the end of the album transforming into a T-Rex lol.

13.How would you describe the sound of your new CD to any potential new fan?

Heather: Well we're never very good at this haha. I would say if you are a fan of Blind Guardian's vocal style, and like a blend of Iron Savior and Star One, check us out!

14.Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise)

Heather: My biggest musical heroes are Stu Block, Lzzy Hale, Brittney Slayes, and Devin Townsend to name a few. They've all been very influential to my musical and vocal development.

15.If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

Heather: Thank you everyone for all the support! I hope any new listeners enjoy the album!

Photos from the band's website: helionprimemetal.com

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