Five Records That Changed My Life, Part 16: Elize Ryd
Swedish singer Elize Ryd is best known as one of the lead vocalists for the modern melodic metal band Amaranthe. During her career, she has also toured and recorded with Kamelot and Gus G and in 2012 she did a last-minute one-off fill-in in Denver as vocalist for Nightwish. Roppongi Rocks boss Stefan Nilsson checked in with Elize to find out what five records changed her life.
KISS “Love Gun” (1977)
“One of the first music records I remember getting hooked on. I was born with this.”
Queen “Innuendo” (1991)
“This album was a gift from my brother. I got hooked. It stimulated my melodious brain for years from the age of five. This was the best voice I had ever heard. Freddie inspired me to work on my singing. I listened to ‘The Show Must Go On’ and ‘Innuendo’ all the time on repeat by changing sides on the cassette back and forth.”
ABBA “Super Trouper” (1980)
“The Swedish supergroup ABBA. They made me believe it’s possible to make a career outside of Sweden. I decided I wanted to be an artist and play in a band with several singers. I’ve been a sucker for harmonies ever since. ‘Me and I’ and ‘The Piper’ are the most interesting ABBA songs.”
Basic Element “The Ultimate Ride” (1995)
“Basic Element made me feel at last I’ve found a group and music that matched the speed and mood in my head. The entire album is as great as the band’s first album which was called ‘Basic Injection’. I’ve had this band in mind, together with Black Eyed Peas, as an inspiration while creating Amaranthe.”
Metallica “Metallica” aka “The Black Album” (1991)
“I got this album on cassette from my older brother. He influenced me to listen to metal. Of course, I loved ‘Nothing Else Matters’ the most from this album.”
