Alissa White-Gluz: Fear of Death and the Beast's Hunger
In a raw and revealing chat on The Downbeat Podcast, Alissa White-Gluz, the powerful vocalist known for her reign in ARCH ENEMY and her current role fronting DRAGONFORCE and BLUE MEDUSA, laid bare her deep-seated fears and existential musings. When pressed about her greatest fear, White-Gluz didn't shy away, admitting, "Death. I'm terrified of death. Thanatophobia, I think it's called." She paints a vivid picture of her hopes for a euphoric release at life's end, akin to that blissful moment of drifting into sleep, but the uncertainty of what lies beyond gnaws at her. "I don’t want to stop experiencing life," she confesses, her voice tinged with a palpable sadness.
As the conversation shifted towards the concept of an afterlife, White-Gluz remained grounded in her skepticism. "No, unfortunately I don't [believe in anything after death]. I wish I did... It would be cooler," she lamented, acknowledging the scientific perspective that we are simply intricate machines of flesh and nerve. Her respect for all living beings shines through as she reflects on the uniqueness of consciousness and the fragility of existence. "If it stops, I think all of that goes with it, unfortunately," she adds, a stark reminder of the finite nature of life.
When asked about her affinity for the supernatural, Alissa's enthusiasm for the unknown is evident, yet she remains a skeptic at heart. "I love that stuff and I want to believe, but when it comes down to it, I just don't," she stated, demonstrating a complex relationship with the eerie and unexplained. The sensitivity she carries extends even into her enjoyment of horror films, where she often finds herself emotionally invested in the characters' fates, lamenting their losses as if they were real.
Despite her fears and sensitivities, White-Gluz is gearing up to unleash her musical prowess with DRAGONFORCE. Last month, the band dropped their lead single, "Hunger Of The Beast," marking a new era with both her and Alessio Garavello on vocals. This track is not just a single; it's a declaration of her evolution within the metal realm. As they prepare for the self-titled tenth album set to release on March 19 via Napalm Records, fans are buzzing with anticipation for this fresh chapter.
In addition to her work with DRAGONFORCE, Alissa is also making waves with BLUE MEDUSA, a project that showcases her versatility alongside talented musicians. The band has already hit the stage with a handful of singles, including the thought-provoking tracks "Crocodile," "Checkmate," and "Flying Monkey," each reflecting her commitment to addressing social issues through her art.
As a formidable force in metal, Alissa White-Gluz reflects a deep understanding of life, death, and the power of music to inspire change. With a career that has spanned over a decade and left an indelible mark on the genre, her journey is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering quest for truth amidst the chaos.