We’ve been following Australian symphonic metal band VICTORIA K ever since they released their debut album “Essentia” in 2020. As a matter of fact, the first interview I ever did for this webzine was with Victoria Knight, lead vocalist and namesaker of the band. “Essentia” was followed by sophomore album “Kore” in 2022 and the band is working on a third album at the moment. So it gives me great pleasure to reintroduce Victoria and ask her 5 questions about their new single, “Humanity XXIV“.

Questions by: Henk van Nieuwenhoven

Your newest single “Humanity XXIV” will be out on October 31st and is a remake of one of the tracks from the album “Essentia”. Why did you pick this song in particular?
““Humanity” is a full orchestral piece hand-picked by our producer Lee Bradshaw. When we considered which songs off “Essentia” to re-make, “Humanity” was a hands down MUST! It’s quite different from other single releases we have done in the past. Here, we have taken a cinematic orchestral approach without the musical presence of the band. I wasn’t sure how it would come out, but I absolutely love it now that I’ve heard it in its current form. I have a much deeper love and appreciation for the piece today than when it was released on “Essentia”. It has a different vibe, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it resonates with the fans.”

You released “Essentia” in 2020 and “Kore” in 2022. Every two years a new album. That leaves you not much room for one in 2024. You’re working on it, so why not launch a new song as a single?
“The new album is set for release in 2025 and is currently in production. All the songs are written and arranged, and recording has started. We really want to make sure we capture the new sound of the band, which will be heard on the third album. So we thought while we make sure this album is produced precisely how we want it to be, we will release some of the favourites off “Essentia”. I recorded “Essentia” when I was 13 or 14, so the vocals are at a whole different level on these songs, and they have been re-mixed  and  mastered  by  Lance  Prenc,  who  will  also  be

working on the third album so that we can show the fans a closer sound to the new record with these releases.”

On the cover art of “Humanity XXIV” there’s a butterfly, the number XXIV and your band logo. Not the title “Humanity”. Isn’t that a bit confusing?
“I can see how confusing it can be. The XXIV cover is for the release of a AA-side single, which is how we release these songs to radio. There is cover art for both songs, which is the same cover for both but just with the names of the songs. This is to show it is a AA-side single, but also to name the songs and hopefully avoid any confusion.”

Is there going to be an official video with the release of the single as well?
“Unfortunately not. We are putting all our funds into recording the album, which is very important to us. Album production always takes first priority. We may create a lyric video at some point.”

On your Facebook page you said: “We’re releasing ‘XXIV’, reworking 2 songs from Essentia!” Which one will be the second ‘XXIV’ single?
“That is a fantastic question. For the second song, we chose an absolute fan favourite and a song that is probably the most popular at every live gig. It was the first single off “Essentia” and was originally distributed by Warner Music in Australia and New Zealand. I’m guessing it is no surprise that the second single we will release is “Lacuna”, which will be out in December. The new vocals, re-mixing and mastering give it a much different sound, and we even had a very good friend of ours play some extra guitar onto the track – but more on that closer to the release.” ■