Many times in our life we wonder how many things one person can do, how many activities he or she can simultaneously be engaged in. I suppose you know such people (and, maybe, are one of them) but what about the world of music, particularly the metal scene? Ok, Mike Terrana, Arjen Lucassen. And vocalists? Ok, Jorn Lande. And female vocalists?.. If you find difficulty in replying this question then let me introduce you to Amanda Somerville.

                    She has co-written the metal-opera Aina, has also participated in Avantasia - the all-star project of Tobias Sammet from Edguy. Back in 2008, Amanda has taken part in the world tour of the last mentioned metal-opera (and even kept a video-blog of the ride) – and this year's mini-tour of Avantasia also sees her among the invited musicians.

                    It has to be especially mentioned about her collaboration with Epica – Amanda Somerville is not only a vocal coach to Simone Simmons but also can be heard on many releases of the band as well as seen on the DVDs. Moreover, during the band's tour with Symphony X and Into Eternity in 2008, Amanda temporarily replaced her student as Simone was ill at the time.

                    The vocalist also collaborated with After Forever and then took part in the HDK project of Sander Gommans. Amanda can be heard on some albums of Kamelot.

                    In addition to these and other collaborations the vocalist has her own solo releases – not metal but still full of emotions and beautiful melodies.

                    The latest release Amanda took part in is the duet album with no one else than Michael Kiske aptly named "Kiske-Somerville". This powerful and emotional release must please any fan of melodic metal – not last because of the fact the most of the songs were written by Mat Sinner (Primal Fear, Sinner) and Magnus Karlson (Starbreaker, Primal Fear); it has to be mentioned that the contributions also came from Sander Gommans (ex-After Forever) and Amanda herself. The album release was preceded by the single "Silence" and two videos – "Silence" and "If I Had A Wish" - filmed in Nurnberg, Germany.

                    

                    We decided to take a closer look at this outstanding vocalist, to know more about her past and current activities as well as about her solo carrier and Amanda has kindly agreed to answer our questions:

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