Introducing…. Illusions of Grandeur
Click Roll Boom: Tell me about how you got started
Illusions of Grandeur: “I.O.G.” is a Theatrical Hard Rock/Fantasy Metal band based in Los Angeles, CA. Maggie and CM formed Illusions of Grandeur in 2015 after touring together in a rock band for about a year or two. The pair realized that an element of entertainment was missing from the show—namely, theatrics. They sat down and planned out what they would want to hear and see at a live show, and the styles of music that would best focus that vision. Illusions of Grandeur was born. Since 2016, I.O.G. has toured across the United States, the UK, Germany, France, and Ukraine, appearing at festivals such as Sav Fest, Dewey Beach Music Festival, and Witney Music Festival. They’ve shared the stage with artists as varied as DOPE, Motograter, September Mourning, New Year’s Day, Puddle of Mudd, Stryper, República, Stitched Up Heart, and Otep.
CRB: How would you describe your sound, and how has it evolved since you first started? IoG: Our sound could be described as a mix of modern metalcore and power metal. From the beginning, we wanted to create something different than the typical “Hard Rock and Metal.” Our influences span many genres, starting with metal acts like Korn, In This Moment, Metallica, Avatar, and Evanescence.
CRB: Who or what have been some of your biggest influences, musically and beyond? IoG: Each member draws from individual influences. The Siren’s inspirations include Jonathan Davis, Maria Brink, Janis Joplin, and Johannes Eckerström, while CM’s range extends from John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin to The Smiths, Supertramp, and Soundgarden. This variety adds depth to our sound and allows us to explore many themes. The concept of Illusions of Grandeur is to create a world and tell the story of “The Siren” and her journeys, drawing on history and Greek/Norse mythology to build “The Siren Saga.”
CRB: What does your songwriting process typically look like – is it a more individual or collaborative effort? IoG: Bassist CM Carroll is our primary music writer, while The Siren provides lyrics and melodies. The whole band contributes to arranging and recording, adding elements to shape the final sound. We usually demo 30–35 songs per album, then select the ones that best carry the story and sonic vision.
CRB: How do you approach experimenting with new sounds or ideas when creating music?
IoG: Our sound evolves with each album. The debut, The Songs of The Siren, leaned toward power metal, while The Siren embraced modern metalcore. Recently, we’ve incorporated industrial and modern metal influences, showcased on our latest EP The Siren Rises Pt.1: The Witch. In writing, we experiment freely, but our one rule is: the song is king.
CRB: How do you prepare for live shows, and what do you aim to bring to your performances?
IoG: We focus on setlist curation and developing the live show, always striving to bring something new. Touring is about connecting with fans worldwide. On our “Siren Hellfire Tour 25,” we returned to the UK for our fourth time, playing venues like The Cart and Horses in London to a sold-out crowd—an unforgettable experience.
CRB: What can you tell us about ‘MIDNIGHT25’, and why should our readers give it a listen?
IoG: MIDNIGHT25 is a hard-hitting track filled with lyrical references to The Witching Hour. It immerses listeners in “The Siren’s” world. The composition, instrumentation, and melody mark a new direction for us. Its follow-up, Curses, will be released on Halloween 2025, intertwining with MIDNIGHT25. Written by Maggie “The Siren” Carlton, the track brought many firsts for the band and remains one of our catchiest songs. You can check it out here: MIDNIGHT25.
CRB: What does the future hold for you – any plans or goals you’re excited about?
IoG: In 2026, we’ll release The Siren Rises Pt.2: The Ascension, continuing The Siren Saga and taking her further into battle with Hades.
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllusionsOG
Band camp: https://illusionsofgrandeur.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iogmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iogband
