“Through art, you create your own world,” muses Andreas Schneider, capturing the essence of Gates of Seleucia. As this project unfolds, it promises to be an exhilarating ride for both the artist and his audience, bridging the gap between classic rock’s timeless appeal and the boundless horizons of modern metal.
Turning heads with its distinctive fusion of classic rock and symphonic metal, Gates of Seleucia, Schneider’s creative outlet, is steadily carving its own path in the music world. This innovative project stands out in the constantly evolving universe of rock and metal.
Schneider’s tale begins like many others – with childhood piano lessons at age 10. But it was a chance encounter with an electric guitar that truly set his soul on fire. “It was love at first sight… or rather, first chord,” Schneider chuckles, recalling the moment that would shape his future.
After cutting his teeth in a local cover band, Schneider felt an irresistible urge to create his own music. He started sneaking original compositions into live gigs, which eventually led to the birth of Gates of Seleucia – his musical brainchild and creative playground.
The project’s sound is a nostalgic nod to classic rock, with Schneider drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Deep Purple and Rainbow. He’s particularly enamored with Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar wizardry. But Gates of Seleucia isn’t content to simply rehash the past. The project fearlessly incorporates elements of alternative and symphonic metal, taking cues from modern giants like Nightwish and Evanescence.
What makes Gates of Seleucia stand out is Schneider’s hands-on approach. He’s a one-man army, crafting all the music, penning the lyrics, and arranging each track. He even plays all guitar parts (well, almost – there’s one guest solo on “Dangerous Love” — courtesy of Patri Grief). This level of creative control results in a sound that’s unmistakably Gates of Seleucia.
Lyrically, Schneider casts a wide net, drawing inspiration from art, literature, film, TV, and personal experiences. The latest single, “Broken Memories,” is a poignant exploration of loss and the struggle to move forward. Another intriguing release, “The Cry of the Loreley,” puts a modern spin on an old German legend, using it as a metaphor for toxic relationships.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Gates of Seleucia is Schneider’s passion for collaboration. Each single features a different vocalist, creating a musical touch as diverse as it is dynamic. The track “Dangerous Love” is a perfect example, featuring the powerful pipes of Ecuadorian metal singer Carolina Padrón and a blistering guitar solo from Spanish axe-slinger Patri Grief (as mentioned earlier — it’s a must listen.)
Looking ahead, Schneider’s got big plans. He’s aiming to dial up the epic and symphonic elements in his music. There’s also a historically-themed song in the works about the Greek general Seleucus I Nicator – a nod to the project’s name.
Curious listeners can find Gates of Seleucia on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. For more action and further updates, fans can follow along on YouTube and Instagram.
As Gates of Seleucia continues to grow, Schneider hopes to create a musical universe where fans of all rock and metal subgenres can feel at home. His goal? To surprise and delight listeners with extraordinary sonic experiences that defy genre boundaries.
For the latest news on Gates of Seleucia and upcoming releases, head over to the official website. Rock on!
