interview with KingCrown

Melodic power metal from the south of France. They formed in 2015 as an offshoot of the band Öblivïon, in 2018 they changed their name to Kingcrown. They are rooted in classic heavy metal and power metal.
Alan – Hello band. Can you introduce yourself?
David - Hello Alan, and thank you for having us! We are KingCrown, a melodic power metal band from the south of France. Our sound is rooted in classic heavy metal with a strong epic and melodic approach. I’m David Amore, the drummer, and I’m joined by my brother Jo Amore on vocals, Ced Legger and Bob Saliba on guitars, and Seb Chabot on bass.

Alan – When was the band formed? 2019? And how did you get together?
David - The roots go back further — we started under the name Öblivïon, but we evolved and officially became KingCrown in 2018. The change marked a new chapter, a stronger identity. We've known each other for years in the French metal scene, and the idea was simple: to bring together experienced musicians with a shared passion for powerful, melodic, and emotional metal.

Alan – Are you in the same line-up as when you started? Do you also play in other bands at the same time? Before KingCrown, who played in what?
David - The core is very solid until 2021and the release of ‘Wake Up Call’, but of course, like any band, we've gone through some changes. Some of us have side projects or sessions, but KingCrown remains our priority. Before that, Jo and I were in Nightmare, and several of us played in Öblivïon and other French metal bands, like Galderia, Bob Saliba, and Ellipsis. Jo also has another band with internationally renowned musicians like Mistheria, Joe Stump, and Mark Cross with the band Tower of Babel, the new album is coming in July 2025.

Alan – A question on the body. Whose crown are you? Which king? Or is it general?
David - Excellent question! The crown is symbolic. It's not about a king in the literal sense, but about power, honor, and taking control of one's destiny. We believe anyone can wear the crown if they fight for their place. Our music carries that spirit: bold, majestic, and determined.

Alan – You have 3 full-length albums behind you, the last one was released in 2024, called Nova Atlantis. Is the album in the spirit of Atlantis?
David - Yes, absolutely, ‘Nova Atlantis’ is both a mythical journey and a metaphor. Inspired by the legend of Atlantis, it is reimagined: it speaks of a new world rising from the ashes, a utopia built on ruins. We blend fantasy, science fiction, and philosophical questions into our storytelling.

Alan – Even though the album is older, can you describe the song both lyrically and musically?
Magic Stone - A powerful opening track. It tells of an ancient artifact that holds truth and destiny. Musically, it's fast-paced, with soaring vocals and sharp riffs.
Nova Atlantis - The heart of the album. A progressive journey, orchestrated and dynamic. It describes the rebirth of Atlantis in a futuristic setting.
Real or Fantasy - Lyrically questions reality in a world of illusions. It features a character searching for Atlantis, but with a double meaning. Musically catchy, melodic, and impactful.
Guardian Angels - A song about the courage of firefighters fighting the fire while protecting the population. Jo's vocals are very emotional.
Letter to Myself - Reflective and introspective. It's about writing a letter to your future self, full of hope and doubt.
Judgment Day - Darker, heavier. The theme is responsibility, both cosmic and personal.
Long Journey to Valhalla - A tribute to fallen warriors and those fighting for honor. Musically epic, with Nordic influences.
Souls of Travelers - Melancholic and profound. It speaks of wanderers searching for meaning across time and space.
Utopia Metropolis - A critique of idealistic societies. Symphonic elements and a very percussive lead guitar that stays in the head.
When the Stars Align - Fate and destiny intertwine in this powerful track. It's a mid-tempo anthem.
Endless Journey - The final track, which speaks of the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and a vanishing plane. It leaves listeners with a sense of hope and an eternal quest for truth.

Alan – Have you ever played outside of France? In Europe?
David - Yes, we've had the chance to play in Germany, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and soon the Czech Republic at Hellpdays festival in June! We're really looking forward to expanding further in Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and of course, we're dreaming of the USA, South America, Australia, Japan, the Emirates, etc.

Alan – Where was the best place to play? Which show do you remember the most?
David - It's hard to choose, every festival or concert gives us complete satisfaction, we enjoy playing whether in mega festivals or in more intimate venues. Whatever the case, we are always happy to be together and I think the audience can feel it when we are on stage.

Alan – What did you (or the whole band) eat and drink the most interesting on your travels?
David - For my part, Belgian beers are incomparable. My best experience with food was in Portugal, where the culinary specialties are incredible. I also have a very fond memory of a restaurant in Prague where we were welcomed very late after a concert. There were 18 of us eating, and the restaurant agreed to restart its kitchen and staff to close in the early hours. It was an unforgettable meal, full of quality and kindness from the staff.

Alan – Regarding the band, any funny experiences during the trips? Or directly at the concerts?
David - Oh yeah, once, our guitarist's pedalboard disappeared just before a concert. We found it backstage, using it as a coffee table. Another time, the hotel we'd booked was... Let's just say, more suited to ghosts than musicians. Otherwise, in Italy, when it was time to go on stage, Bob's pedalboard was completely erased, no sound remembered. Technology sometimes...

Alan – Our zine is mainly for Czechs and Slovaks. Do you know these two countries? And any bands? Citron, Solar System ......?
David - I know Citron, of course, we share the stage with them few years ago at Basinfirefest with my ex band Nightmare. They're legendary and huge! And I'm looking forward to more of them on the local scene. Czech and Slovak fans are passionate, loyal and real metalheads, we can't wait to play for them.

Alan – If you had to recap. What do you think is the biggest meta (top) of what you have achieved so far?
David - Releasing ‘Nova Atlantis’ was a big moment. It represents everything we stand for musically and philosophically. Also, the positive international reception — knowing that our music touches people far from home — that's huge.

Alan – Where are you preparing to play this year? Write only the ones that are most important to you, and if you are also planning to go abroad. I couldn't find it on the website.
David:
May 24: Rock’n Loc Festival – Markt Wald, Germany
June 7: HellpDays Festival – Frýdek-Místek, Czech Republic
Sept 27: Metal Storm Festival – Kelsterbach, Germany
Oct 4: Grenoble, France – with ADX, Rising Steel, and Ecclesia
We’re proud to bring French power metal abroad more and more.

Alan – There is no point in asking about the next album, you recently released an album. But what are you preparing for 2025? A video, new merchandise, any surprises?
David - Yes! We're working on a new music video, maybe for ‘Long Way To Valhalla’. New merchandise and some surprises on stage are also in the works. Notably, a new cover song, it's not finalized yet, but our fans should like it.

Alan – Regarding the latest album, for me and for my colleagues in the zine, I can say that it is great. How do radios and zines around the world react to this album?
David - Thank you so much! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We've had airplay in the U.S., Japan, Germany, and South America, and many zines praised the songwriting and production. It gives us strength to keep going.

Alan - let's just stick to this album - Nova Atlantida. How did listeners, metalheads, react to it?
David - Fans love its epic feel and its blend of melody and heavy music. Some have told us it's our best album yet, which is incredible. Live, the new songs are met with an enthusiastic response: fists raised, voices singing along. It says it all, and it moves us enormously.

Alan – Which 3 songs from KingCrown’s work do you like the most and why?
David :
1. Utopia Metropolis – It’s an old melody i had in my head since I was a child.
2. Long Journey to Valhalla – A tribute to the epic metal spirit.
3.Nova Atlantis – Because it defines the band’s identity and ambition.

Alan – We’ll see what this year brings for the band KingCrown. I’m not saying we’ll see the last of them. If everything goes well, we can do another interview in the fall. Thanks and see you at a concert somewhere in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Bavaria.
David - Thanks, Alan! It was a pleasure. We look forward to seeing you, maybe at Hellpdays fest, and your readers live soon. Stay metal!
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