Dianne van Giersbergen

Dianne van Giersbergen

Dianne van Giersbergen performing live in 2014
Background information
Birth name Dianne van Giersbergen
Born (1985-06-03) 3 June 1985
Liempde, Netherlands
Genres Symphonic metal, power metal, progressive metal
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, vocal coach
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2003 - present
Labels Napalm Records
Associated acts Xandria, Ex Libris, Pathfinder, Stream of Passion
Website Official Website

Dianne van Giersbergen (born 3 June 1985 in Liempde) is a Dutch dramatic soprano[1] singer-songwriter and vocal coach. She is the founder and frontwoman of Dutch progressive metal band Ex Libris,[2] and she is the vocalist of German symphonic metal band Xandria.[3]

She is not related to Dutch singer Anneke van Giersbergen.[4]

Early life and education

Dianne received her first singing lessons as a birthday present from her parents at the age of just four years old. In the following years, the classes were taught by several professors of music and she sang in several choirs. In 2005, she began her studies in classical music at the ArtEZ School of Music where she was taught classical singing by several teachers. She took lessons in classical singing and received, among other things a tuition in musical theater. On May 19, 2009, she received her degree with honors, after which it was decided to continue their studies and work on more materials.

Meanwhile, she expanded her vocal technique and began to combine her classical training with heavy metal music; thesis also addresses this issue. She also worked on the theory of composition, wrote poetry and was president of a group of master students to classical music concerts were organized.

Musical career

Ex Libris (2004–present)

After graduating with a Bachelor's and master's degree at the ArtEZ school, and perfecting the combination of classical techniques and progressive metal sounds, Dianne van Giersbergen along with drummer Joost van de Pas.

In 2008, their debut album "Amygdala" was released independently. The album was well received, and supported shows with other Dutch symphonic metal bands like Epica, Delain, Stream of Passion and ReVamp. They also played more and more shows abroad, in countries like Germany, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom., in which the band started to get more attention.

Their most recent album "Medea", based on a Greek tragedy, was released on January 2014 independently through crowdfunding, with a release party on the same day.

Xandria (2013–present)

On October 25, 2013, Dianne was presented as the new lead singer of the German symphonic metal band Xandria after the departure of Manuela Kraller. On November 28, 2013, was her first live debut with Xandria in Madrid, Spain. Her debut album with the band was released on May 2, 2014, named Sacrificium.

On July 31, 2015, Dianne's second work with Xandria called Fire & Ashes was released with a total of 7 tracks. 3 new songs, 2 remakes of well known Xandria classics, and 2 cover songs.

Reviews

Giersbergen's vocal and performing delivery can pull in the audience, according to a review in Mindbreed.[5] Reviewer Tim Blevins in 2014 noted that Giersbergen seemed to be a "good fit" for the band Xandria.[6] Reviewer Eric May in 2013 in New Noise magazine described her as a "sultry siren" and wrote that there was "something majestically powerful in her mesmerizing vocal harmonies."[4] Another reviewer described her vocals as "breathtaking" with great personality, charisma and charm.[7]

Discography

Ex-Libris

Studio albums
  • Amygdala (2008)
  • Medea (2014)
Demos
  • Drawn (2005)
  • Medea (2011)

Xandria

Studio albums
EPs
Singles
  • Nightfall (2014)
  • Don't Say A Word (2015)
  • Voyage of The Fallen (2015)

References

  1. ↑ "Xandria Interview 2014 with Dianne van Giersbergen & Marco Heubaum". Metal Trails Music Magazine. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  2. ↑ Erwin Van Dijk, Sept. 2012, Ex Libris, Interview : Dianne van Giersbergen – Ex Libris (2010), Accessed 4 July 2014, "...This interview is with Dianne van Giersbergen, the singer of Ex Libris...."
  3. ↑ 2014-07-01, Festival Info, music review, REVIEW : HAL2A - DICK `S LAST DAYS, Accessed 4 July 2014, "...Dutch soprano Dianne van Giersbergen ... known by the German symphonic metal band Xandria. Her singing is fine...."
  4. 1 2 19 May 2014, Eric May, New Noise Magazine, Album Review: Xandria – “Sacrificum”, Accessed 4 July 2014, "...Newcomer and sultry siren, Dianne Van Giersbergen (not related to Anneke) ... something majestically powerful in her mesmerizing vocal harmonies. ..."
  5. ↑ Fabian Bernhard, 30 June 2014, Mindbreed, Xandria live in Berlin - In the sign of the Phoenix, Accessed 4 July 2014, "... highlight, however, was definitely Dianne, who managed to pull the audience right from the start in its spell...."
  6. ↑ Tim Blevins, 25 April 2014, Music Review, Xandria Releases Video For, “Nightfall”, Accessed 4 July 2014, "...‘Sacrificium’ ... new vocalist Dianne van Giersbergen (Ex Libris), ... good fit for the band ..."
  7. ↑ Vasihali Jain, 29 May 2014, Metal Wani,INTERVIEW: XANDRIA's DIANNE VAN GIERSBERGEN On Success - "It Takes Blood, Sweat, Tears And Above All, Devotion"], Accessed 4 July 2014, "...Xandria fans warmly welcomed ... Dianne van Giersbergen ... personality, charisma and charm only adorns her breathtaking singing and vocal styles. ...Dianne ... vocal coach...."
  8. ↑ Michael Spiggos, Rock Overdose Magazine, Dianne Van Giersbergen (XANDRIA) on Rock Overdose:"Sacrificium marks a new era for the band but also for me as a singer!", Accessed 4 July 2014, "... “Sacrificium” is your first studio recording with Xandria. ..."

External links

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