WINTERS DAWN - Stelios, Thanos
\r\nWinters Dawn; definitely a name worth paying attention to. Their album “The Winter Is Dawning” will be out on the 15th of May 2009 and the very positive feedback so far intrigued us to do an interview with two members of the band, Stelios “Theo” and Thanos. Let’s see what they told us. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: Hello guys and welcome to Metalzone. Would you like to introduce us to the band?
\r\nStelios: yes, it’s Thanos - bass, Ilir and Anthimos – guitars, Fotis- drums and me on vocals. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: Stelios "Theo" has an amazing voice, which combines various styles. Is he also responsible for the writing of the vocal lines?
\r\nStelios: thank you so much! I’m honored!I don’t like to talk about myself. So, Thanos could you please tell her that I’m simply the best !(hahahaha) \r\n
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\r\nThanos : The man’s got a brilliant voice, what can you say ? On the one hand it’s got rasp and grit and on the other it’s melodic and sensitive. Combine that with a full vocal range and power and you’ve got a "street" metal-rock voice. I don’t get paid enough to say more, sorry. As for the vocal lines, most of the songs I send over are 99% done but occasionally he will modify or write a completely new one. It’s vital that we get the best ideas on the song, not just any ideas. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: Recently, you added a brand new lead guitar virtuoso in your lineup. Give us some details about him and his past involvement with music.
\r\nStelios: it’s Anthimos. His playing also combines a lot of styles!
\r\nHe used to play for Christos Dantis in the last few years and also performed the song “No Madonna” which was a candidate for the Eurovision last year! he’s an incredible musician and we are proud to have him on board!
\r\nAnthimos and Ilir are the ultimate double-axe-attack!!! \r\n
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\r\nThanos : They’re both ultra professional, no-frills musicians. It’s an honor to be on the same boat with them. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: Tell us a few things about the lyrics and your influences. \r\n
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\r\nThanos : Well, the "The Winter Is Dawning" is the concept story of a man who sees himself turning into this thick-skinned self-centered adult... The main character of the story finds himself facing guilt and reality (Raptors), watches the hope in his life fade away (Silent Mourning Sunsets), pleads for a last glance at innocence (A Last Sunrise), hits rock-bottom (Where The Shadows Are Free), feels there’s no changing coming about (Still Winter), begs for a light or sign to show him the way (Lighthouse), realizes that he still cares (Ash Eyes) until the turning point in our story (04:00am) which I will not divulge and let you people find out. \r\n
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\r\nStelios: we love lyrics that cause emotions to the listener:
\r\nfear, anger, disappointment, hope, pride, happiness, guilt.My influences are mainly the 80´s. bands like Queensryche,Judas Priest, Savatage, Crimson Glory, Skid Row, Leatherwolf, Fifth Angel etc. I love the magic of the 80´s and sometimes miss it in the bands today! \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: How would you describe your music to someone who is not familiar with it? \r\n
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\r\nStelios: I think it’s very powerful, partly fast and furious, and partly sensitive and romantic. Maybe the lyrics have a spiritual touch (haha)! \r\n
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\r\nThanos : We try to serve a vision behind the music... try to create songs that represent it and not just musical jerk-offs. We gather all the great time we had listening to our favorite bands - I said time, not music, and mould that into our style. You’ll find Annihilator, Coroner, Candlemass, Priest, Savatage and so much more in there, but not their music, their essence. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: The sound production is very professional. You did the recordings, mixing and mastering at your studio. Give us some details of the whole process. \r\n
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\r\nStelios: perhaps a few details would not be enough!(haha). I will not mention the financial part! but i know a guy who can tell you a story about the rest concerning the recordings! Thanos, would you explain please brother? \r\n
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\r\nThanos : The recordings were harsh and had to face a steep learning curve due to the distance and the slow process of purchasing and handling new equipment. We basically had 2 options. a) spend a ridiculous amount of money working with a producer, but we are skeptical about most productions of today and despise how the system works - get X producer to get signed, or b) get down to work and learn the damn craft. In the end, it took a ridiculous amount of time but it turned out decent, that’s all I’ll say. I am now producing for quite a few bands and the list is growing so I must be doing something right... \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: The singer lives in Germany. How difficult was for the band to compose, rehearse and record? \r\n
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\r\nThanos : Distance is the root of many obstacles that came our way. We made extensive use of the internet, Stelios had to fly over 4 times to complete the vocal recordings but to answer in one word, it was a drag. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: How difficult is for a band of your style, to get a record deal now days? \r\n
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\r\nStelios: it’s very hard for almost every band to get a record deal!
\r\nIt doesn’t matter what style you are playing. Especially Greek bands have to face this problem! There is almost no support from the companies, no promotion and a very bad distribution! You have to do all by yourself..... And believe me it’s a heap of work! \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: Except for your brilliant compositions and your amazing performance in this cd, there are also some guest appearances from two big names in the music industry; Chris Caffery (Savatage) and Jeff Waters (Annihilator). How did that come? \r\n
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\r\nStelios: we contacted them and just asked! Both wanted to listen to the songs first. Then, we sent them the songs and they said they would love to do it! We were surprised about the response and we are very proud to have them as well as the other guest musician, Theodore Ziras on the album!
\r\nThank you all so much guys! \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: Some years ago, you had released the "Nitro" mini-cd. How did the metal fans respond with it? How can someone buy it now? \r\n
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\r\nStelios: Unfortunately the “Nitro” cd is sold out. But recently we talked about repressing it because many people ask the same thing! Thanos what do you think? \r\n
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\r\nThanos : We love that recording, and will surely try to put it back in the system. A bit early to talk about it perhaps, but we are thinking of ways, yes. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: The cd will be out on the 15th of May via Heart of Steel Records. What are your next plans to promote your cd worldwide? \r\n
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\r\nStelios: We are already doing a lot of promotional stuff and we are also thinking about playing some shows although it’s very difficult for us `cause I live in Germany and the rest of the band is spread all over nothern Greece! (hahaha) \r\n
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\r\nThanos : It’s true that what others do at the spur of the moment, we have to plan months ahead. One thing’s certain; we’re paving our way ourselves and we’ll put all of our ingenuity into play to make things happen. And they will. \r\n
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\r\nMetalzone: The last words are yours. \r\n
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\r\nStelios: I would ask the people to give us a chance by listening to the album! Trust me...no one will regret it!Thanks everyone for the support. God bless you! \r\n
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\r\nThanos : Thanks a bunch for giving us the chance to present our work - we do need all the support we can get ! Those of you craving for that 80’s feeling of excitement and thrill, give this CD a chance, I’m sure you’ll find bits of yourself in there. Stay Heavy. \r\n
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\r\nBand link:
\r\nhttp://www.myspace.com/wintersdawnmetal \r\n
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