Helena Iren Michaelsen
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Helena Michaelsen | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Helena Iren Michaelsen |
| Born | 2 June 1977 Evje, Norway |
| Genres | Symphonic metal, gothic metal, symphonic black metal |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Massacre Records |
| Website | Official website |
Helena Iren Michaelsen (born 2 June 1977 in Evje) is a Norwegian soprano and is the singer of the Dutch band Imperia and the solo project Angel. She was a former member of Sahara Dust (now Epica) and Trail of Tears.
Musical career
Trail of Tears (1997-2000)
Helena started off as the female vocalist in 1997 for Norwegian gothic metal band Trail of Tears, succeeding after Ales Vik who departed from the band that same year. A year later, Helena and the band recorded their debut album Disclosure in Red in which she sung soprano vocals and contributed to writing lyrics. In 2000, she again took role of soprano vocals in their second album Profoundemonium, which was last album to feature Helena.
Soon after, she was replaced by Cathrine Paulsen in May of that year.
Sahara Dust (2002-2003)
Two years later after her departure, Mark Jansen selected Helena to be the vocalist for his new project after being kicked out of After Forever. Soon after all members were selected for the project. They began recording a two-track demo called "Cry for the Moon" and released in 2003.
But shortly after the demo was released, she left Sahara Dust due to the guys not allowing her to express her own musical ideas and opinion over the stuff they gave her to sing and they wouldn't let her compose her own songs.
She was then replaced by the then unknown Simone Simons, who was Jansen’s girlfriend at the time. And the band was later changed to Epica.
Imperia & Angel (2004-present)
After the dismissal from now-called Epica, Helena and Steve Wolz, was supposed to be Epica's drummer, they've decided to move to Norway. When they came back to Holland they formed Imperia.
The band recorded a cover of "The Lotus Eaters" by Dead Can Dance for the double tribute album with the same title released through the Greek label Black Lotus Records. This track was used as a bonus on The Ancient Dance of Qetesh album which was released in 2004.
Personal life
Helena currently resides in Froland, she has 2 children, one son, and a daughter named Angel (born 2004).
Discography
ImperiaStudio albums:
Singles:
Compilations
Angel (Solo Project)Studio albums:
Singles:
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Trail of TearsDemos:
Studio albums:
Sahara Dust/Epica
Guest Appearances
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