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Firebrand Magazine
The Commander in Chief In this game it is not very often you can say you met a legend in the making at the start of their career but at Firebrand we were very lucky earlier in the year to get introduced to the Commander In Chief. I have seen over the years bands struggle with the concept of dedication worn down by the very industry they chose to be in. However not the Chief she is the musical equivalent of the Terminator. Relentlessly honing her skills and it shows in the performance she gives at a concert… I went to meet her at a local gig she was doing and arrived way before the crowd and managed to catch the sound check. The sound guy asked her to perform half a song, when she opened it up my jaw nearly hit the floor this chick can play as well live as she can on cd delivering a perfect performance.
The chief is an amazing act to learn about actually. Norwegian by nationality she is the only female metal artist in the world to play a seven string guitar, and what’s more she can play it a hell of a lot better than most of her male counterparts. Operatically trained voice as well, mostly through the coaching of her mother and manager Elisabeth Hagen (who’s role in the chiefs success we will come to later.) When the Chief hits a high note, your bones wish to turn to dust...and if she gets any higher she could probably make that happen. Supported by the trusty Godzilla ( in the picture above) her one off original Ibanez guitar she has continuously wowed and introduced her style of metal to a new fan base. Song writing she is a very interesting person to try and understand, her lyrics being very social / politicial / a statement on the society of the day if you will, but her insight into the areas she choses to write about is bordering on philosophical. When you combine that with her playing ability and voice, and stage presence it makes you realise just how special this girl is as she has the attributes and professionalism of someone that has been in the industry for decades and she’s only in her early 20s!. I think the thing that impresses me the most with the chief is the fact that personally her family has gone through some very hard times this year and she has never let that beat her once, its another example of how her dedication shines through.