To those who are unlucky enough not to have ever heard about, or the music itself of SEPTIC FLESH I can only show my pity, especially those who are into serious music. What comes next is a chat with my friend SOTIRIS, one of the worthy components of HELLAS' finest SEPTIC FLESH. Let's see what are his views on the past, present, music, mythology and more…….
First of all my friend I'd like you to introduce your band to our readers, giving a short band biography….
We formed SEPTIC FLESH for the pleasure of creating music in March '90. We have released a demo, entitled Forgotten Path , a Mini L.P entitled Temple Of The Lost Race, 2 albums on Holy rec.; Mystic Places Of Dawn and ESOPTRON , and our third album will soon be out.
Sotiris, is there any particular mood which inspires you most to compose music and pen lyrics? And, what is your main influence when it comes to do lyrics?
One mood that is dominant in our music is nostalgia. My inspiration comes from the dark aspects of life, as well as from the inner plains. I am also fascinated by the ancient knowledge and beauty.
The release of ESOPTRON (Almost 2 years ago!!) marked a considerable step forward for the career of one of GREECE 's finest bands; namely SEPTIC FLESH. And this year we're more than anxious to hear THE OPHIDIAN WHEEL, can you please foretell us something about it Sotiris ?
THE OPHIDIAN WHEEL is a hymn to the heart of the explorer. The cover is again a cover of Spiros. Concerning the production, this time it was done at PRAXIS studio. Some new titles : Geometry in Static, Tartarus, Shamanic Rite, Heaven Below, The future belongs to The Brave, etc.
Latest news is that Spiros's brother; Chris, is back in the band (after his absence in ESOPTRON ). So you're now back to the same line up of MYSTIC PLACES OF DAWN. The fact that yours is a 3 man band has its pros; namely not many conflicting ideas, and cons; especially when it comes to live performances. Discuss..
Yes, Chris is back on this album, also we added the vocals of Natalie in the Chants. The main problem with Chris is that he lives in England, as he is studying in a music university there. That limits us, concerning live shows. Also for the places of drummer and keyboard player the use of session musicians is inevitable.
In summer '96 you also recorded a track (useless mentioning it's a great track!!) for the Holy Rec. Compilation THE HOLY BIBLE. What can you tell us about 'The Woman Of The Rings'?
it is available only through this compilation. Its theme is about a goddess of the wind that is unaware of her authentic identity.
Which other tastes do you have outside of the Metal Sphere ?
We do listen to a lot of different musical styles ranging from Dark Wave to Classical Music to Soundtracks….
If you were offered the chance to compose a soundtrack , which kind of film would you like to write music for? Any favorites?
I would actually like very much to do a soundtrack, preferably a Science-Fiction movie. Some favorite soundtracks are Danny Elfman's NIGHTBREED and Basil Poledouris' CONAN THE DESTROYER.
The Greek mythology is undoubtley one of the richest around. It offers some of the most colourful characters in mythology-literature. By which of these characters are you most fascinated ?
Very difficult question. There are many characters bizarrely familiar and vivid. One of my favorites is Dyonisius, because he knew how to enjoy life. Also he had a very dark and mysterious personality.
Some time ago Gunther of ANCIENT RITES, M.W.D. and you SOTIRIS joined forces and formed DANSE MACABRE, and also recorded material for a 7"E.p. What happened to DANSE MACABRE ? And will this co-operation bear any fruits in the future ?
Unfortunately we have been ripped off by Molon Lave Rec. and that single was never released . It's a pity, because it was very good stuff . At this time DANSE MACABRE have a very uncertain future cause all members are all busy with their main bands. However, we would like to continue this project and release something when we'll have the chance.
O.K. my brother. Thank you for your time, last words are yours.
Bring Forth The Eclipse
