Despite lineup changes and the addition of a new vocalist, both musicians are clear about one thing: Dyecrest never stopped being Dyecrest. “Regardless of the singer, sound-wise it’s still the same band,” Heidi explains early in the discussion. Henri agrees, emphasizing that while voices may change, the essence of the band has remained constant throughout the years. For Heidi, joining the band wasn’t about reshaping its identity but helping rebuild its foundation. After years of pauses and transitions, Dyecrest found itself at what she describes as “ground zero,” a moment to start building again while preserving the spirit that longtime listeners recognize. The transition turned out to be smoother than expected. Instead of resistance, the band encountered enthusiasm from fans. “I felt at home straight away,” she says, admitting she was almost surprised by how welcoming audiences were.

The title ‘Defying Gravity’ captures this renewed confidence. Rather than simply resisting obstacles, Heidi describes it as “standing your ground and taking your place.” The album reflects a band pushing forward in a challenging music industry while affirming their worth and identity. It became a statement she personally fought for, convinced it perfectly represented where Dyecrest stands today.

A major difference during the creation of the album was collaboration. For the first time, songs were developed together in the rehearsal room rather than individually at home. Henri  highlights how working collectively allowed the band to shape material around Heidi’s voice from the very beginning. This opened space for quieter, more fragile expressions alongside heavier elements. Heidi, an intuitive writer, describes her process simply: she listens to the music and follows the emotional direction it suggests. “I need to feel it so I can have the text,” she explains. That collaborative approach also gave the album a more organic feel. Ideas moved back and forth between members, evolving naturally instead of arriving as finished compositions. The band now feels they have discovered a creative process they can build upon moving forward.

Lyrically and emotionally, ‘Defying Gravity’ stays grounded. Rather than pure escapism, the songs aim for authenticity. “Feet firmly on the ground, even though the head is up high,” Heidi says, summarizing the emotional balance the band sought to achieve.

Looking ahead to live performances, both musicians light up. Playing shows remains the ultimate goal, and they hope audiences experience something beyond everyday life during concerts. “If we can provide people one hour of peacefulness with good live music, then that’s the place I want to take it,” Heidi says. Henri adds that even though Dyecrest has existed for more than two decades, this moment feels like a genuine new beginning and an opportunity to reach listeners discovering the band for the first time.

One song in particular, the eight-minute epic “The Weight of the Trigger,” symbolizes that spirit. Initially difficult to finish, it ultimately became one of the album’s strongest tracks, surprising even the band themselves.

As the conversation winds down, the message from Dyecrest is simple but sincere: come to the shows, listen to the music, and connect. After years of evolution, setbacks, and renewed energy, ‘Defying Gravity’ doesn’t just mark another release, it captures a band reclaiming its place and moving forward with confidence.

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