Introducing: Illusions of Grandeur
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  • Writer's pictureIt's Indie
    • Jan 23
    • 4 min read

Introducing: Illusions of Grandeur

Illusions of Grandeur is a Hard Rock/Metal Theatrical band, IOG’s music is a mix of influences from modern metal to classic old school metal and hard rock formed in 2015. IOG’s influences range from: In This Moment, KORN, Altar Bridge, Evanescence and Avatar to Led Zeppelin and The Who. We are Maggie “The Siren” Carlton on vocals and CM ”Arcangel” Carroll on bass, we are currently seeking a new drummer and guitarist.


Four people standing in front of a red and yellow background. The band Illusions of Grandeur, as featured on It's Indie and we know it
Illusions of Grandeur

Where did you guys meet and how did you form this band?

Maggie and CM were hired individually to tour with a rock band. They soon realized that they had a common idea to try and create something “bigger”, so the name and band originated from a time when Maggie was seeking out other musicians to form a band. A lot of the ads said, “No Illusions of Grandeur here” meaning they just wanted to play music, Maggie thought “Why no Illusions of Grandeur?” Life is short go for what you dream and want!


What do you enjoy the most about the process of making music together?

Each member of IOG could answer this differently! But our take on creating music ranges from Maggie “The Siren” influenced by a wide range of vocalists and styles of singing; she was trained in the operatic vocal style. The Siren also grew up listening to classic vocalists such as Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Etta James, and Billie Holiday and many great more modern vocalists like Amy Winehouse, Ann Wilson, Maria Brink, Jonathon Davis, Robert Plant, Ami Lee, and Pink. While CM draws on both classic metal as Judas Priest. Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy as well as Metallica Korn, Disturbed. CM also pulls melodic writing from Supertramp ABBA and more IOG would love to share the stage with Evanescence, Korn, Alter Bridge - you name it!


What are some of your favourite themes to explore through your music?

Mythology has always been an inspiration for me. I love the old tales of Gods and Goddesses, Vikings and warriors, and times long ago. I have read books but wouldn't say they're my direct inspiration. I find a lot of my inspiration comes from being in nature particularly when I'm near the ocean, rivers, or streams. There's something about the flowing water that opens my mind and allows for creativity.


The idea of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys. IOG’s love of both history and Greek/Norse Mythology felt that this was the best medium

way to create a world for “The Siren Saga.” IOG feels that when listening to music or seeing a live show you should be able to immerse yourself in that moment and take a journey of your own with the band.


Who are some artists that you love or who you'd say have had a huge influence on your work?

Illusions of Grandeur’s influences come from many genres of course starting with metal; like Korn, In This Moment Metallica, Avatar and Evanescence. Each member draws off their influences as well which vary from The Siren’s love of Classic rock like Janis Joplin and heart to CM’s love of The Smiths, Supertramp Soundgarden into Ted’s love of death metal and more. IOG feels this just adds to the sound and allows the band to explore a lot of themes in their music. We still listen to these artists and many, many more.


Where can someone looking for your music, find it?

Illusions of Grandeur music is available on all social media and streaming platforms:

Video Links:

Other Videos and Singles from the album "The Siren" (2021) and "The Songs of The Siren" (2019):

Take Me Alive (shot live The Vanguard, Hampton, VA) https://youtu.be/W_HVQRJM7-8

Silent Suicide (Live Rok Bulava): https://youtu.be/toUB7z1dcms


What's your favourite part about touring/ doing live performances?

Touring and connecting with our fans and meeting new people worldwide, travelling is the best experience I feel you can have. During Illusions of Grandeur’s “The Songs of The Siren Tour 2019” the band played a few weeks in the Ukraine. One of those shows was in a small town called Smila in the Cherkasy Raion, Cherkasy Oblast of Ukraine. What we thought was a festival we were playing on, turned out to be a small festival built around IOG headlining. It was crazy they turned the central park of the town into a festival ground with a large stage and it seemed like the whole town came out for the day. It was an amazing experience.


What kind of message would you like to give your fans, through your music?

We find that while we have a lot of interaction on social media platforms, nothing replaces going out and performing live and meeting fans. We still have great friends and fans from all over the world, a mix of social platform friends and people we met from touring. Music is still an amazing connector! We thank all!


Where do you guys see yourselves in the future, or what are your future plans for the band?

Illusions of Grandeur recently released their latest single “Midnight” from the forthcoming EP “The Siren Rises Part " which will be out this year. Illusions of Grandeur’s The Siren Tour continues into 2024. IOG is currently (while touring!) producing their 3rd album, the next story in The Siren Saga “The Siren Rises” which the band looks to have out in 2024-2025. Illusions of Grandeur’s goals are to continue to make music for the remainder of our lives, While the band is currently performing “The Siren Saga” we hope to continue our story in different sagas for many years to come.


Thank you


Come see The Siren Saga Live and check out our latest single and video “Midnight”: https://youtu.be/vLNdfUGkbQM

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