Interview: Misanthropy Apotheosis

Greek death dealers Misanthropy Apotheosis recently released their superb second album “Crush the Mask of Virtue” on Repulsive Echo and have received some recognition from the underground for their crushing sound. Check them out if you enjoy murderous, hellish death metal! I got in touch with their vocalist Kydoimos to talk about their musical influences, themes, and even dogs.

1. Hails! You released your second album "Crush the Mask of Virtue" last year - how has it been perceived so far and are you satisfied with the feedback?

Hails man and thanks for your interest in Misanthropy Apotheosis. "Crush the Mask of Virtue" is our second album and has been perceived really well so far. The feedback is great and I believe it shocked those who enjoyed "Black Death Euphoria".

2. Can you tell us what the name Misanthropy Apotheosis stands for and how the connotations match your world view?

The name "Misanthropy Apotheosis" has a double meaning. It shows the way we, as individuals, feel about humanity as a whole. We don't like people. We don't like the human nature as it is today. We despise everything humanity stands for. Human race is a scum race. On the other hand, the band's name shows the true nature of humans. Just look around you. War, hate, crime, hypocrisy, cruelty, deceit, exploitation... You name it.

3. Can you elaborate a bit on the title and themes behind your last album? What is the Mask of Virtue?

The new album is about genocide, systematic elimination of the human kind through nuclear warfare, our views on how to exterminate child molesters, revenge, Chinese execution methods such as "death by a thousand cuts", the way war changes someone into an animal with primal instincts, hypocrisy of the Church/those who have power in their hands, ancient Greek war demons etc. The Mask of Virtue is the mask of hypocrisy, the mask of virtue signalling...humanity itself.

4. I liked your rendition of Bolt Thrower's The IVth Crusade from your debut album "Black Death Euphoria". How much of an impact did they have on your sound and which other bands influenced you?

We really like Bolt Thrower. They have this unique atmosphere. They are heavy, brutal yet melodic in an epic way. Warmaster & IVth Crusade are personal favourites because they are so heavy and dark. Our rendition of The IVth Crusade war a humble tribute to them. As a band we are influenced by the old Death & Thrash Metal gods, you know, Slayer, Autopsy, Protector, Morbid Angel, Sodom, Mortician etc.

5. What are some notable differences between “Black Death Euphoria” and “Crush the Mask of Virtue”? Compared to the former, the latter seems to have a more vibrant production, including a neoclassical influence in the guitar solos.

I think "Black Death Euphoria" is more atmospheric, with a muddy production and more obscure lyrics. On the other hand, "Crush the Mask of Virtue" is way more hateful and brutal, faster and with an "in your face" live aesthetic with very unique guitar solos. We don't like to repeat ourselves. We like to catch the listener by surprise.

6. What makes Greek death metal so unique? Do you think it has something to do with your dialect or your environment? Do most bands there use the same recording studios?

It's the classic Greek sound I believe. The old Rotting Christ/Varathron sound. Most bands try to reproduce or even copy that sound. Especially the black metal bands. Well, we don't. Don't get me wrong, we totally respect those bands and that's why we don't try to copy them sound-wise. We need to do our own thing. We have more of an "Autopsy" way of thinking on that matter, I mean, back in the 90's when all the death metal bands were trying to play ultra-fast and have a polished production, Autopsy were doing their own unique thing and I respect them so much for that.

7. Can you tell us how you approach songwriting and if you consider yourselves perfectionists in any way?

I can't say much on that matter. We write music/lyrics only when we have something to say. Nothing is premeditated. We don't have that "let's be darker or faster or more brutal on this one" mindset. We are the Devils in our personal hell, so when our inner devil commands...then we know it's time. And yes, we are perfectionists. We always find something we think we could do differently hahah.

8. Has your country's historical significance influenced you or shaped your identity in any way? What do you think about Greek mythology?

Yes, of course. Greek history and mythology is full of life lessons. We are very proud of our heritage and history. It's in the blood, you know.

9. What kind of movies, art and books are you into? Any recommendations?

Old horror movies, especially Italian and Spanish, from the 60's, 70's, 80's. We also love horror literature. I recommend "Exquisite Corpse" by Poppy Z. Brite or "The Eyes" by Jesus Ignacio Aldapuerta. Not for everyone.

10. What do you think about the current situation in Europe, with the ongoing war? Do people sometimes take what they have for granted?

People always take what they have for granted. Good times create arrogant and weak men, you know? On the matter of the ongoing war in Europe I'll just say this: as an old Greek politician once said "if Balkans are the power keg of Europe, then Europe is the power keg of the whole world"

11. Mandatory question: what are 10 albums you can’t live without?

That's a really tough one, man... Slayer: First 4 albums, Mortician: Hacked up for BBQ, Autopsy: Acts of the unspeakable, Morbid Angel: Altars of madness, Suffocation: Effigy of the forgotten, Archgoat: The light devouring darkness, Iron Maiden: Live after death.

12. I know you are a big dog person. What is it about dogs that makes you so fond of them? Should people who mistreat animals be killed?

Yeah, I am a dog trainer. I really love and respect dogs so much. Once you understand them, you see just how amazing creatures they are. They are extremely smart, loving, loyal, and protective and they ask nothing in return. I own a German shepherd. Best breed ever!!! Extremely clever and loyal. And brutally strong yet well mannered. Won't hesitate to put his life in danger for those he loves. Why the hell someone would harm an animal for no reason? I mean, If I ever catch someone mistreat an animal...he better get used living in a wheelchair.

13. What’s next for Misanthropy Apotheosis? Thanks for your time!

Our label, Repulsive Echo, is planning to re-release our debut album "Black Death Euphoria". Also, we are working on a new EP with five new songs. Stay alert and thank you for this unique interview!

Album review: Misanthropy Apotheosis - Crush the Mask of Virtue (2023)

Misanthropy Apotheosis - Crush the Mask of Virtue 

Greece

Repulsive Echo Records 

Greek miscreants Misanthropy Apotheosis return with their second album “Crush the Mask of Virtue” and deliver a vicious display of brutish death metal informed by bands like Krisiun, Morbid Angel and Bolt Thrower. Each track is characterized by bestial vocals, hammering drums and sick tremolo riffs steeped in darkness. Guitar solos have a neo-classical feel and are executed with sheer precision, just like everything else. The band shows great skill at playing their instruments and the excellent musicianship is noticeable in every track. The compositions definitely have a blackened touch, although this is pure death metal to the marrow rooted in old-school traditions. Their sound also draws parallels to other Greek death metal bands like Dead Congregation and Resurgency, without actually sounding like any of these bands. The comparisons are based more on the darkness and emblematic Greek elements present in their music, just like how you can easily recognize a Swedish or Polish metal band. All in all, “Crush the Mask of Virtue” contains enough depth to warrant repeated spins and should not be overlooked if you’re looking for some hard-hitting, bestial and well-executed Metal of Death.

EP review: Shizoparanoic Platoon – Warfare: Mass Annihilation (2019)

 

Shizoparanoic Platoon – Warfare: Mass Annihilation

Greece

Askio Productions

The latest EP from these Greek tyrants, entitled “Warfare: Mass Annihilation,” mercilessly bludgeons the listener’s brain into submission from the get-go. The album contains six tracks and clocks in at thirteen minutes, launching a barrage of straight-ahead aural violence characterized by ugly riffs, sickened growls, and cavernous drums. The hellish cacophony is supported by a raw production that fits their style perfectly.

Fans of bestial black/death metal will absolutely love this release. The EP is short, but makes up for it with pure visceral brutality. On top of that, there is no filler, so to speak. There’s a lot of replay value, thanks to the punishing riffs and well-arranged songs.

Prior to this release, the band released a compilation album, which I haven't heard, but after being blown away by this EP, I definitely plan on checking it out. Every track on this EP is great, especially the cover of Blasphemy's Demoniac, which I highly recommend hearing. Schizoparanoic Platoon's name pretty much tells you what to expect, so be prepared to have your brains reduced to a pulp with this disc. A highly recommended War Metal act from Greece! (HT)

EP review: Goat - Collapse (2021)

Goat – Collapse

Greece

Independent (Promo)

Goat from West Macedonia, Greece, attack with their latest EP called “Collapse”, featuring three short tracks of devastating Blackened Death Metal.

I'm surprised I haven't heard of these Hellenic tyrants before. The only other "Goat" I know is the one from Denmark, then of course Greek bands like Goatvomit and Wargoat (both excellent).

"Collapse" is obviously meant as a promo for labels to get the band signed, hence the short duration, although I don't think they will have any trouble linking a deal with some killer underground label considering how deadly and well-executed their music is.

A totally filthy production permeate this release, as an absence of melody gives the music a verily brutal dynamic. Their music is as crude and blasphemous as their name implies, with goat representing the devil in all its ferocity.

The track "Obliterate The Bastard Breed" will rip your ears off, as fast and merciless drums pound away atop visceral grunts and savage guitar riffs, while the title track "Collapse" offers more of the same with its rapid drums and pulverising riffs.

There is certainly a Greek influence in their riffs that is discernible and can also be heard in other Greek bands. That being said, there's definitely more to their sound than just brutal War Metal. A better artwork would be a great improvement, but as a promo, it is OK in my opinion. A little more variety and creativity in the songs would also be a good thing.

All in all, if you like bestial Black/Death Metal or "War Metal", then Goat from Greece is the band for you. For fans of Morbosidad, Abhorer, and Goatpenis. (HT)

EP review: Deified Shreds – Overcoming The Fractal Deception (2021)

 Deified Shreds – Overcoming The Fractal Deception

Greece

Iron Blood and Death Corporation

Now here’s a cool band. Deified Shreds from Athens, Greece, reminds me of old Malevolent Creation mixed with Deicide and Suffocation. They also have that trademark “Greek” sound infused into their music, as one can draw similarities to other Greek bands like Resurgency (same vocalist) and Dead Congregation. 

In case anyone reading this is unaware, Greek Death Metal is unfortunately quite underrated, and also absurdly militant and brutal for the most part, which is why I like their scene. 

Deified Shreds continues the tradition, as the four songs contained on their debut EP are replete with meathook riffs, menacing vocals, and thrashy, yet old-school drumming. The drums have a type of crisp, cool sound to them, which fits well with their style. It’s mammoth-like heavy and pure death metal in every possible way. 

The musicianship is pretty proficient, but not in a flashy, overly technical sense. Solos are short but masterful and well-executed.  

The more I hear this EP, the more I like it. it’s verily punishing and a treat for fans of solid Death Metal, or people into the bands mentioned earlier in the review. Check them out! (HT)

Interview: Wargoat (2021)

 

Wargoat is one of the most killer and authentic hordes from Greece. Each work released by the band is another chapter of true and unholy black/death/war metal. This includes the fact that the band espouses an uncompromising attitude that is missing from a lot of bands nowadays. Hails to Kerasphoros for having the balls to speak his mind and not sugarcoat his answers like so many so-called "maniacs" out there. If you are false don't entry!

Hails Kerasphoros! How’s everything going and what’s been happening in the Wargoat camp since the split with Black Ceremonial Kult? Can we expect any new material in the near future?

Hails and thanks for your support!

Wargoat is a band that is in no hurry when we talk about new material generally. We prefer to act and record stuff when we have inspiration, we prefer to concentrate on quality over quantity. A new 4-way split is on the way sooner or later with 3 other Greek bestial black metal bands(Unholy Archangel, Schizoparanoic Platoon, Katachthon) in Lp format possibly

What is the ideology behind Wargoat and do you still harbour the same ideals since you started the band?

We never changed and we will never change our ideals since day number 1. The only thing that changed is that our ideals and ideology are more mature as we grow older. We are ready to face all situations and consequences through this, black metal was meant to stay extreme and obscure in all forms and not for the weak. Our ideology has to do with quality and thinking people that they don’t care to show themselves all the time on the internet (Black metal kiddies and crybabies). People that act and not saying only words. Being extreme and fair at the same time. For those that don't have fear to face or correspond in difficult situations. They are stable on what they believe generally!

What are some of your biggest musical influences since the band was formed and do you still listen to the same bands?

I grew up mainly listening to extreme forms of metal and not the classic heavy metal bands to be honest. I’m still listening to my influences of course, bands like Necromantia,(old)Rotting Christ, Blasphemy, Archgoat, Goatpenis, Sarcofago, Beherit, Grand Belial’s Key, Mortuary Drape,(old)Varathron,(old)Deicide e.t.c are a huge influence for me till now, integral part of my life for sure.

I think it's cool that you do not use the same songs when you do a split with a band. Is that because you want to give value to each release?

I see no meaning in recycling the same songs in further splits, it is better not releasing a split at all. Every release and every song has a special meaning for me. I never underestimated releases like splits, standard musical recipe even in full length, even in split releases, not more not less. We give value to each track without hurry on this as I told you before, step by step.

What’s your opinion on the current state of the underground and which bands do you follow/support?

In this ocean of the so-called underground bands, very few deserve attention, and they usually don’t have it. I’m disgusted to see bands with nails paint and bad satanic attitudes to have profiles like “hugs and kisses”.Keep your life for you and not for everyone, childish behaviour at least! The mystic aura of the 90’s has been vanished, few demos have this feeling anymore, but some of the bands that I adore that, are having this feeling and serious profile, are bands like Bloodtomb, Fornicatador, Bethor, Witchcraft, Legion of Doom, Satanic Goat Ritual, Iasma, Dead Congregation, Goatvomit, Unholy Archangel, Black Ceremonial Kult, Phosphore Blanc, Ritual Genocide, etc., to name a few.

What are the chances of "Genesis of Epiklesis" getting a reissue? And how was the album perceived at the time? I think it went somewhat under the radar.

Genesis of Epiklesis will be re-issued on tape together with a compilation tape soon. It went down the radar indeed, but we don’t care for being the mainstream band, for those who care can find our stuff easily. It’s a part of our choice to keep it obscure!

What albums/bands/releases have you been into lately?

Many good bands and demos around. Invultation, Antichrist Siege machine, Wrath Division, Caixao, Goat, Demonomantic, Black Legion, Uthriah, Illkuln, Tomb, Bestial Warfare some of the releases that come in my mind

Can you tell us a little bit more about your label Goatmarch Distro and what you have released so far?

Goatmarch distro is a part of my expression, on how underground should be. I release only tape format and some t-shirts, especially stuff that I like. It’s not a matter of profit just to spread my message all around and make some unknown demos more known.

For further information about my releases you can check here

https://goatmarchdistro.weebly.com/

What are some things in the world that fuel your hatred for humans?

By the passing of time, humans have been proved catastrophic even with nature, even with each other, one tries to survive on each other in order to make his own dream, Egoism, hypocrisy and many other elements lead us to a worst future. Year by year we destroy nature, we burn forests, we face viruses, economical situations, pollution and many more that are a creation of human beings. Morality and values have been lost, and even for those who can understand these terms, they fight on their own, trying not to be altered in some way, from the outside world. Too many to write them here.

How do you see the future of your country and Europe? It looks like it's going downhill rapidly with the rise of crime and the decline of the economy. (Especially with this whole covid bullshit)

As a part of the European membership, Hellas and Europe fell into lethargy many years before, with illegal immigrants, financial corruption, etc. It was a join just for specific interest and not for historical purposes. As you can see there is no union, in order to support each other, in this European system, but every country tries to support its own interests. Covid and crimes came to do it worst now.Hope never dies, and not unless Europe wakes to its old values and morality searching for our roots, on this part of map.

I hope not to be so late till then.

Propaganda make it worse and this is a strong tool of the “jewish” governments

Has the band faced any problems with censorship yet? I can totally see how your band could be "cancelled" due to the fact that you have a song called "Fuck The Muslim God" from the first demo in 2007.

We have faced many problems indeed, due to our anti-muslim profile. Band won’t change ideas, we are devoted till the end. We had problems even with factory press on this matter, even with antifa press

Black metal is against organized religions and there is no fear to face every consequence. It seems that the truth is for few, many weak sheeps around, even in our circles. It’s easy to say fuck Christ, but not Fuck Allah? Fuck them both anyway

Thanks for your time! Any last words to properly close this interview?

What once was…

Great shall be again…

Kerasphoros

Album review: Adventum Diaboli - Ο Λόγος Του Σκότους: Chapter I (2021)

 

Adventum Diaboli - Ο Λόγος Του Σκότους: Chapter I

Greece

Independent

Aventum Diaboli from Greece plays atmospheric black metal with occult themes. The music emphasises atmosphere and sometimes borders on post-black metal with its ambient guitar sensibilities. The vocals are heavily distorted and sound kind of cool. The music is not particularly captivating, as I have heard dozens of similar sounding bands before, but it's not bad either. What I like about it is that the atmosphere gives off this ancient feel reminiscent of second wave black metal. The songs are pretty simplistic in structure, but still well put together and easy to get into. There's definitely a good bit of Norse black metal influences in their sound despite the fact they're from Greece. If the lyrics were not in Greek, I would probably have thought the band was from Norway. I had the patience to sit through the record in its entirety, so that itself should attest to the fact that the music isn't terribly offensive, although I've definitely heard better sounding black metal bands from Greece. (HT)

Interview: Chestcrush (2021)

CHESTCRUSH is a solo project from Scotland playing a dark and nasty fusion of Black, Death and Grindcore. The band had just recently released their debut album called "Vdelygmia" (read review here) and are ready to take the underground by storm. I got in touch with its creator and mastermind, Evangelos, to gather some info regarding its vile creation. 

Hails. How's everything going in Edinburgh? For those unfamiliar with Chestcrush, can you please give us an introduction and tell us what the band is all about? Also some info about the line-up would be helpful.

Evangelos: Hello. First of all, thank you for the awesome review on the album and for this in-depth interview. Edinburgh is beautiful as always but a little warmer than usual at this time of the year, but we had a fair amount of cold and snow this winter so I shouldn’t complain.

Chestcrush is my extreme metal solo project. It combines my musical creativity and my need to get some things off my chest. It’s not exactly a one-man band but I write all the music and lyrics and I track the guitars and bass as well. Thomas Blanc (vocals), Krzysztof Klingbein (drums) and Ben Jones (mixing and mastering) helped me to bring this beast to life.

Can you give us some details about the recording and writing process of the new album "Vdelygmia"? Were there any obstacles that you had to confront in regards to the creation of your new opus? Are you satisfied with the outcome?

Evangelos: This album took much longer than I expected and one of the reasons for this is that I didn’t have the time to sit down and track the guitars and bass. At some point I got infected with Covid-19 and I was isolated for 2 weeks, so I took the opportunity to record everything, and I tried to finish as soon as possible just in case I die. I didn’t (die). The other reason is that I wanted to mix it myself like I did for the Demo, but it was very challenging for me to mix real drums opposed to the drum sampler that I used for the Demo, so after weeks of mixing I got burned out and I decided to work with a pro. It took me some time but I found the right guy (Ben Jones). It took me a while to find the right drummer as well, I tried to work with 3 other drummers before Krzysztof, but it didn’t work for different reasons for each drummer. Thankfully with Krzysztof everything went perfect.

The writing process is a combination of improvisation, experimenting and editing until it sounds right. The songs usually are double the length of what they end up being. I just want them to be straight to the point and not repetitive. There is so much stuff I left out that I think I could make another album just with the leftovers of this one.

The outcome is good enough but it’s not 100% what I wanted it to be, there are always some minor things that I want to change that possibly no-one else would notice other than me.

Musically, what’s some of your biggest influences and do you think that it’s noticeable in your sound? What kind of atmosphere are you going for?

Evangelos: I don’t know man, I like so many different things, and influences are kind of subconscious, it doesn’t have to be my favourite band, it may be a random song that I listened to the other day that I didn’t even like. Also, if a riff I wrote sounds very familiar I just don’t use it, or I change it until it becomes something else. I really like it though when people compare Chestcrush with bands that I don’t even know or with genres that I might not be so familiar with. But if I have to name some bands that I think have influenced me I would say Slayer, Morbid Angel, and early Black Metal in general. Not very original on that.

As far as the music writing is concerned I wasn’t going for a certain atmosphere. I just keep the riffs I like the most and turn them into songs, but it seems there is a consistent atmosphere in all of the songs/releases. I was surprised to see some of the first reviews talking about a “horror atmosphere” or even “horror movie atmosphere” because I’m a huge horror fan but I wasn’t trying to make a horror atmosphere, it just happened naturally, my ear “clicks” on dark and ominous sounds. But as for the general aesthetics like artwork and sound production, I was going for a mix of Black metal and Grindcore. I wanted it to feel raw, bleak, very aggressive and real. It’s not a coincidence that the cover artist and the sound engineer mostly work with grindcore /power violence/Crust bands.

How would you describe your sound to those who haven’t heard it before? Do you think a band’s true depth can go unnoticed when the music is mislabelled?

Evangelos: Every review I had in the past mentioned the same 4 genres, Death, Black, Grind and Sludge. So I go with that.
It depends who’s listening and how much he cares about labels. I don’t really care, there are so many subgenres, sometimes I don’t even get the difference, but some people do, a little too much. I guess when something is labelled as “A” it creates some expectations, and if you go in and you listen to “B” you might get disappointed, or you might get pleasantly surprised, so I don’t know, as I said it depends on the person and the moment.

What prompted the name Chestcrush?

Evangelos: Chestcrush isn’t very original but it’s very appropriate for this project for two reasons. The first is because of the lyrics, as I said earlier, I want to get some things out of my chest, I write about things that suffocate me and infuriate me. Some are about my own personal demons that caused me a constant crushing feeling on my chest. The second one is that I literally had my sternum cut open wide because of a heart surgery I went through, and I’ll always have a nasty scar and a life lasting medication treatment to remind me of human fragility. So, for these reasons I found the name Chestcrush very fitting to the occasion.

What inspired the title "Vdelygmia" and what does it mean? Furthermore, where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics?

Evangelos: Vdelygmia was one of my potential band names. I don’t remember exactly how I came up with this word but it was on my notes. I keep notes on lyrics, titles etc. like I do with riffs and song ideas. At first I was thinking of not naming the album but I don’t know what happened and I changed my mind. Vdelygmia is a Greek word and it means “filth”, “abomination”, “repulsion” “disgust” etc. and it’s used to express hatred of a person or an action through a litany of invective criticisms. It is very suited to the lyrics. I draw inspiration from two things so far. I used to struggle with some mental issues (PTSD, phobias, severe panic attacks, night terrors etc.) and I use this sometimes for inspiration. The Demo (all lyrics and cover) was about this thing only, as a matter of fact the lyrics of all the songs on the Demo is actually one long song. The other thing that inspires me is my hatred towards certain manifestations of human depravity. I channel all this soul-crushing toxic energy towards this musical project as a kind of self-therapy I guess. It’s not as pleasant as when I grab my guitar and start playing riffs, but it ends up being the same, leaving lots of things out and polishing the edges afterwards.

What can you tell us about the artwork for "Vdelygmia"? What does it depict?

Evangelos: At first I tried to make the cover art myself like I did for the Demo. I finished a design but it just wasn’t good enough, it didn’t feel right for the album and it was the best I could do at the time. So I started looking for artists that could visualise the sound of the album. I was looking for someone that makes black and white images using digital collage, or mixed media, I didn’t want illustrations, I wanted an image that would feel real, bleak and hopeless. After browsing for endless hours I discovered two amazing artists on Instagram, CVSPE and PLA.G.U.E, with the latter one making the front cover art. I sent him some of the songs and lyrics and explained to him some of the backstory and told him to do his thing. He worked on a couple of ideas and the final result is this cover.

What can you tell us about the metal scene in Scotland? Are there any bands from there that you feel are worthy of support?

Evangelos: Unfortunately I can’t say much about the scene here. Nothing much (metal wise) happens in Edinburgh. Glasgow is the place for gigs usually. Some good Scottish bands that I discovered are Coffin Mulch, Hellripper, Grat Strigoi, Atragon, Cerebral Bore and Ageless Summoning.

Are you inspired by any films? What are some of your favourites?

Evangelos: I’m a big horror/violent/bleak drama/or just plain weird movie fan. I don’t think I’m inspired by any movies. Some of my favourites, old and new, are:
Golden Glove, I Stand Alone, Singapore Sling, The Thing, Naked Lunch, From Beyond, The Beyond, Hellraiser 2, TCM 2 (1986), Inside, Possessor, Father’s Day, The Taint, Adam Chaplin, Soul Kicking, Night Of Something Strange, Brawl In Cell Block 99, Gutter Balls, Baise Moi, The Strange colour of Your Body’s Tears, Brain Dead, Green Room, Snow Town, Calvaire, Evil Dead, VFW, I could go on forever.

What’s some new bands that you are currently listening to? What’s the last album you bought?

Evangelos: There are so many good releases that keep popping up that it’s hard to follow! Last album I bought was Gulch’s “Impenetrable Cerebral Fortress” on vinyl. It’s a fucking great album, powerful, nasty and short. Some “new” bands that I’m currently listening to are:

Caustic Wound, Black Curse, Body Void, Vermin Womb, Vitriol, Knoll, Cult Leader, Amnutseba, Journey Into Darkness, Death.Void.Terror, Graveolence, Gulch and Hyperdontia.

Being initially from Greece, what is your opinion on the Greek metal scene and what's some of your favourite bands from there?

Evangelos: The Greek metal scene is huge for Greece’s population, loads of metalheads and loads of bands/musicians but for some reason very few bands make a breakthrough, even for underground standards. Some of my favourites are Flames, Thou Art Lord, Homo Iratus and Dead Congregation.

Give us a list of 10 albums you can’t live without.

Evangelos: I ‘m not good with lists, I find it very difficult to narrow down my favourites. I’ll mention 10 of my 100 favourite albums that just came to my mind right now.

Slayer – South of Heaven
Morbid Angel – Covenant
The Exploited – The Massacre
Venom – The Singles 80-86
Impaled Nazarene – Latex Cult
Black Sabbath – Paranoid
Burzum – Hvis Lyset Tar Oss
Deicide – Once Upon the Cross
And a couple of non-metal albums..
Madrugada – Industrial Silence
Tom Waits – Bone Machine
The Cramps – …Off the Bone

Your thoughts on the following:

Drugs: Not all drugs are the same. Enjoy responsibly.

Crust punk: When reality hits you hard.

Christianity: Another depraved authoritarianism organisation that somehow survived after all these crimes against humanity and even though it’s so fucking absurd and illogical, especially for today’s standards, still manages to brainwash the large majority of people and take advantage of them for its own benefit.

Black Sabbath: I love early Black Sabbath. It’s probably the first metal band that I’ve ever listened to. What can I say that hasn’t already been said?

Existence: Great movie, Cronenberg is one of my favourite directors. Oh wait, you meant Existence, not Existenz…

What’s the songs “Different Shepherd Same Sheep” and “Let Them Crawl” about?

How come you’re asking me about these two songs? 

I think “Different Shepherd...” is self-explanatory. It’s about this mental state that some people are in that they need to belong to a group, to have a label to identify themselves, and they build their whole personality and life around this, around a manifesto, or a leader, and they become “blind followers”. Colour blind actually, because everything is black or white for them, and it’s either you’re with them or against them, there is no other option or point of view, and even if they see something wrong with it they will turn a blind eye because they don’t want to ruin the illusion.

I’m not talking about the kind of person who is passionately dedicated to a cause because he is aware, self-realized and knows what he’s doing. I’m talking about the kind of people whose fanaticism over a certain subject was just a matter of circumstances and coincidence and not research, they could have been on the “opposite side” just as easily. Their need to follow and to belong is more important than who, or what they follow, or worship. And if this doesn’t work for some reason, they will find someone else to follow and another label to stick on their forehead and identify themselves as this or that.

“Let Them Crawl” was originally called “Kneelers” and it’s not very different. It’s about another kind of followers, the humble servants who will excessively kiss the ass of their master and delude themselves that they’re in the same class, secretly wanting to stab them in the back, take their place, and be ten times worse.

What’s some of your hobbies and interests outside of playing music?

Evangelos: Illustration and graphic design even though I gave up on it recently due to lack of time. Also reading books has become difficult lately as well. I love movies as I said earlier. Rarely I’ll read a comic, last one that I enjoyed was “Crossed”. I also play some video games, mostly horror.

Lastly, what’s next for Chestcrush and how can people interested in your music get in touch? Thanks for your time!!!

Evangelos: Next for Chestcrush is promoting this album and writing new music. I’m thinking of making a single if the new album takes too long but it’s really too soon to tell. I already have some ideas but it’s a slow process.
People can get in touch via Bandcamp (chestcrush.bandcamp.com), Facebook (facebook.com/chestcrushband), or Instagram (instagram.com/chestcrush/).

I really appreciate your support. Cheers!