A talented vocalist and songwriter, known for her collaborations with European metal bands and her work on various rock and pop projects.
Amanda Somerville is a renowned American singer-songwriter and vocal coach, best known for her captivating vocal performances with numerous European symphonic metal bands. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as a sought-after collaborator, lending her voice to iconic bands such as After Forever, Edguy, Kamelot, Epica, and Avantasia.
Born on March 7, 1979, in Flushing, Michigan, Somerville grew up with a passion for music. She attended Flushing Senior High School, where she graduated with high honors in 1996, a year ahead of her peers. This achievement earned her a scholarship to the University of Michigan-Flint, where she pursued a degree in psychology.
Somerville's music career began to take shape when she moved to Wolfsburg, Germany in 1999. She started working with local bands in Germany and the Netherlands, which eventually led to collaborations with renowned symphonic metal bands. Her solo releases, though fewer in number, showcase her versatility as a singer-songwriter, blending soft rock, folk, and soul influences.
Somerville's collaborations with esteemed producers Sascha Paeth and Michael Rodenberg paved the way for her work with bands like After Forever and Epica. One of her most notable projects was the rock opera Aina, which she co-wrote with multi-instrumentalist Robert Hunecke-Rizzo. She also contributed vocals and lyrical concepts to the project HDK, alongside guitarist Sander Gommans of After Forever.
In 2008, Somerville toured America with Epica, filling in for regular vocalist Simone Simons. This experience solidified her reputation as a talented and adaptable singer capable of performing with various symphonic metal bands.
Somerville's personal life is marked by significant milestones. She got engaged to Sander Gommans in 2013 and married him in 2014. The couple welcomed their first child, Lana Elise Gommans, in 2015, followed by the birth of identical twin daughters, Anya and Juliet, in 2018.
Amanda Somerville's contributions to the symphonic metal genre have been immense. Her powerful, soaring vocals have inspired countless fans and fellow musicians. With her unique voice and collaborative spirit, she continues to shape the sound of symphonic metal, leaving an enduring legacy in the music world.
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