Interview / Alma Alizadeh (For I AM King)

Today's interview is undeniably special as I have the privilege of conversing with Alma, the front-woman of the Dutch metal outfit For I Am King (FIAK). However, before delving into our discussion, allow me to offer a bit of background.

FIAK's music is a formidable fusion of complexity, ferocity, and melody that defies easy categorization, leaving the genre-labeling task to your capable hands. My encounter with this band was fortuitous. In early 2019, I threw a question into the social media abyss, seeking new music recommendations. A random stranger's suggestion led me to them. The moment I pressed play on "Forever Blind" from their second album "I," I knew I had stumbled upon a musical gem. Fate smiled upon me when I learned they were performing at Wacken that year, where they delivered a stellar performance. Following their set, Jaap Relou, their drummer at the time, flung a drumstick in my direction, and it landed squarely in my hand. Fortunate coincidence struck twice more when FIAK made their way to London, first in November 2019 and again in January 2020.

I've had the privilege of chatting with the band members, and they are some of the most down-to-earth and humble individuals in the metal scene. There's an approachable quality to them that makes them feel like friends we all have. But make no mistake, when they step onto the stage, their superior technical prowess takes command. Guitarists Wouter and Koen wield their instruments like wizards, delivering lightning-fast riffs, precision, and captivating melodies. The drums thunder relentlessly, initially by Jaap for their first two albums and now by Ivo for their third, "Crown." Jurgen, with his bass mastery, anchors the sound, filling it with depth and power.

Now, let's turn our attention to Alma. I've never been one to entertain the idea of someone being possessed, but with Alma, it becomes an inescapable contemplation. In her everyday life, she embodies sweetness personified – a lover of classical music, a dedicated practitioner of morning yoga, an aficionado of all things "Kawaii," including Hello Kitty, and she has an inexplicable fondness for Heinz Ketchup. However, when she steps onto that stage, a transformation occurs. The unsettling intensity in her gaze and the eerie, otherworldly demonic screams that escape her lips assert her dominion over both the stage and the audience. Her onstage alter ego challenges my skepticism and leaves me pondering the thin line between reality and the supernatural.

Alma also graciously participated in my heavy metal photography project, capturing her essence just before FIAK's London gig in November 2019.

Following their recent tour across Europe's festival circuit, I had the opportunity to ask Alma a few questions, peeling back the layers to reveal the person behind the powerful screams.

Rakkan: Hello Alma! It's wonderful to reconnect with you. I believe the last time we met was in London's Underworld just before the pandemic. How have you been these days?

Alma: Hi Rakkan, so good to hear from you, and it has indeed been a while. I'm doing exceptionally well, and as a band, we've recently wrapped up our summer festival performances, and just enjoying everyday life and its magic!

Rakkan: It's been 10 years and 3 albums since For I Am King, or "FIAK," was formed. Can you tell us about your personal journey with the band?

Alma: Yes, we will mark our 10-year anniversary at the end of 2023. It has been an amazing ride with FIAK. We've released three full-length albums, toured around the world, and even fulfilled my dream of visiting Japan. We've also experienced some changes within the band, which came with its share of sadness. Being in a band is like being in a relationship, and parting ways with a member always hurts. We've grown with each other, and so has FIAK. We're still going strong, and this is a significant part of my life. Music will always be a part of me.

Rakkan: Let's go back to the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Alma: As you know, I am Alma, and I'm a joyful soul. I was born in Iran and currently reside in the beautiful Netherlands. I enjoy early morning Pilates and Yoga classes, tending to my 39 plants while listening to classical music and reading books, preferably outdoors. I also love attending classical concerts and festivals, but my favorite activity is taking long walks with my family or friends on the beach or in the woods. I find joy in both the little and big things in life. I feel forever young!

Rakkan: Can you share some of your earliest memories of music and any specific artists or songs that ignited your passion for music?

Alma: My parents loved hosting and attending parties, and music, especially Persian music and Abba, played a significant role in my early memories in Iran. I grew up sharing their love and passion for music and dancing. As I transitioned into my teenage years, attending concerts and festivals deepened my affection for music. It was during this time that I was introduced to heavier music, all thanks to Jurgen, our bass player. Bands like Bad Religion, Pennywise, Darkest Hour, Walls Of Jericho, and Dillinger Escape Plan left a lasting impact on me. The vocalists of Walls Of Jericho and Darkest Hour inspired me to sing and channel my energy and passion on stage.

Rakkan: Can you recall a pivotal moment or experience from your youth that significantly influenced your decision to pursue a career in music?

Alma: When I was young, my art teacher told me that she would see my name on television and in books and newspapers because of my art. At that time, we didn't realize it could also be related to this different form of art, music. Pursuing a career in music wasn't part of my initial plan, but it turned out to be a perfect fit for me as someone who wants to share my love and passion with the world, now through music with FIAK.

Rakkan: Were there any formal music education or training experiences that played a role in shaping your vocal skills and musical understanding? How did these experiences contribute to your current style?

Alma: I taught myself the kind of vocals I perform. I would genuinely love to take a class with the esteemed vocal coach, Melissa Cross, to further explore my range of vocal styles.

Rakkan: Your vocals are undeniably powerful and distinct. Can you discuss how you developed such a strong and commanding vocal style, and what techniques you employ to convey various emotions within your music?

Alma: Thank you for the compliment! As mentioned earlier, I taught myself the style and vocals I employ with FIAK. To be honest, I don't know how to provide a detailed explanation; I simply step onto the stage and do what feels right. My vocal range and condition are influenced by my overall fitness and emotional state. When I'm tired, it inevitably impacts my performance since it demands a substantial amount of energy. With over 15 years of experience in this field, I'm confident that I've developed sound techniques and continue to perform them correctly.

Rakkan: I recently created a playlist featuring bands with female vocalists, and I must say you stood out from the rest. Your stage presence is unmatched. Where do you draw that energy from?

Alma: Thank you once again! This is a frequent observation made by those experiencing FIAK for the first time. It's somewhat challenging to articulate, but I believe it's a synergy between my passion for performing within a band and the vibrant energy I draw from the audience. This interaction is the essence of what makes a live performance truly exceptional. When there's a lack of energy coming from the audience, it can become more draining for me. Nevertheless, the key lies in genuinely enjoying ourselves on stage, and people can discern when it's authentic, which in turn becomes infectious.

Rakkan: In personal conversations, you come across as much more relaxed than your stage persona. Can you share the contrasts between both sides of you?

Alma: That's a perceptive observation! I believe I can be both energized and relaxed, depending on the situation. As I mentioned earlier, I love the tranquility of early mornings, practicing Yoga and Pilates, being in the moment, and appreciating all that life has to offer, both its chaos and stillness. Being on stage brings out a different side of Alma. I find beauty in the contrast between attending a Barre class on Thursday, doing ballet moves, and then sounding like Uncle Satan on stage in front of sweaty metalheads. It's truly magical!

Rakkan: As a female lead singer in a genre traditionally dominated by males, what inspired you to pursue a career in metal? Have you faced any specific challenges along the way due to your gender?

Alma: My strong passion for music drove me to pursue this path despite the challenges. Of course, I encountered difficulties as a female vocalist, but I'm glad to see that things have improved since then. Female musicians today exist in a more respected era. To anyone reading this and hesitating to chase their dreams out of fear of judgment, please follow what makes you happy; you truly deserve it. People will always hold opinions, but it's ultimately up to you to determine their significance.

Rakkan: We live in a world today driven by inflammatory media machines. How do you see your music bridging gaps and creating connections among listeners who might have different cultural or personal perspectives?

Alma: I believe it's beautiful how music unites people. Having the opportunity to do this with FIAK is profoundly special. Just imagine a world without this magical connector, music; I simply can't.

Rakkan: Can you share a specific song where your personal experiences significantly influenced the lyrics and how those experiences shaped the message of the song?

Alma: "Home" from our album "I" is a song that resonates with me personally. It's about having to leave your home but finding it again somewhere else. For me, home is where I can feel happy and whole, and that can be anywhere, but especially on stage.

Rakkan: Your vocals carry immense power and emotion in your band's music. How do you use your voice to convey your personal experiences and emotions through your lyrics and performances?

Alma: When I'm on stage, I aim to have fun and share my positive energy with the audience. The power and emotions that come through are sourced from my experiences and my existence. It's challenging to put it into words, but that's how I produce my vocals.

Rakkan: Over the course of your career, how have your experiences and personal growth influenced the evolution of your sound and musical style?

Alma: With five different individuals in FIAK, we all experience personal growth as well as growth as a band. It's all interconnected, just like our music. When we create music, circumstances shift, the world transforms, and we ourselves change. Our music evolves alongside us. As a musician, I can't imagine wanting to stick to the same style for the entirety of my life. I hope this explanation brings some clarity, Rakkan.

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