NIGHTFALL
This is interview with Nightfall's vocalist
Efthimis K.
Nightfall is a post-Doom/Death Metal band from Greece.
Interview taken by Helldusk
for Metal Vision WebZine on August 24, 2000.
Helldusk: Nightfall
is a loud name on the Greek Metal scene. And you also known
here, in Russia. So can you tell us about history of a band?
Efthimis: The band was formed back in 1991 in
Athens, Greece. A few months later we
signed to the French label Holy Records - we were its first ever act actually -
and stayed
together for no less than 9 whole years, producing 5 albums and a couple of maxi singles.
Helldusk: What's the band current line-up?
Efthimis: Right now is:
Efthimis K. - vocals
Mike G. - guitars
Phil A. - guitars
Mark C. - drums
But don't count too much on that as the only stable members up to now are E. K.
and M. G. ; the rest come and go quite often for various reasons. And if you
ask
my opinion about that, I'd say that I do like
working with new guys each time
cause the whole process is becoming more interesting and the outcome unique!
Helldusk: From some resources I heard that current band's label is
Century Media...
Did you satisfied with the label or want to comment something?
Efthimis: No, it is not correct; our label is Holy Records. It has
always been that,
as, as I told you before Nightfall was the very first act of that label. Yet, things
will
change very soon ; Holy is releasing a double Best
of Nightfall CD - due to
September or October 2000 - and then we are free to go onto another label. So,
stay tuned for more news soon.
Helldusk: What bands mainly influenced on Nightfall? What the band's
favourites
nowadays? Your musical tastes personally?
Efthimis: We all have that typical heavy metal background,
certainly, and I guess you
can trace some of these aspects in our productions. However, we try
now to sound
like, or to copy any other band from the past, or not. Nowadays we pay great attention
to unique and depth studio productions of any kind. As musicians ourselves we like to
listen detailed and interesting productions that have something to "say" to us,
and not
just another "good" album out there. You know, it is true that once you
enter the music
industry for good, music never sounds the same again to your ears. Sad but true.
Helldusk: What do you know about Russia? Have you heard any bands
from there?
Efthimis: I think I know a lot from the political point of view but
not too much about
the music scene there. And, by the way, allow me to express my sincere sympathy
for that tragic sub accident some days ago. It was awful, really.
Helldusk: Do you want to go in Russia with concerts?
Efthimis: Of course!
Helldusk: What do you think about the Metal scene nowadays? What
bands do you think
have future, bands that deserving attention?
Efthimis: I strongly believe there is no "underground" any
more; at least, there is not
any like the one we used to know once. Nowadays, for a band to become popular it
needs a good management, a good promoter, a good
photographer/stylist, very
good production etc. I remember 10 years ago we could be happy
having a demo
tape with some rough recorded material of ours in it ; now, it must be a
colorful CD,
otherwise mags might refuse even to review it ! As
for the bands who deserve
attention, hm, personally I prefer those who have the guts to perform experiments
all
the time, producing unique pieces of art: There are not many, really.
Helldusk: Tell me about the latest Nightfall album "Diva
Futura".
Did you satisfied with it?
Efthimis: We are satisfied with the production and the
tracks overall, but we believe
Holy treated this album in a very unprofessional way. That is one of the main
reasons
why we wanted to finish our deal with them
immediately. Diva Futura is a unique
album that sounds like no other out in the
market right now. It has depth and that
simply means that each time you listen to it you discover new things previously hidden
here and there. You might call it a
cerebral excursion, rather than an album for
unstoppable headbanging.
Helldusk: Banal question: do you know personally Septic Flesh &
Rotting Christ?
What your relationships with them?
Efthimis: We all come from the very same town and we all started
together - more
or less. We are friends and we use to hang around for a few beers and stuff.
Helldusk: What do you think about their music?
Efthimis: It is nice. Generally all Greek bands have a nice sound
that differs from
many European and American bands. Unfortunately, though, there are not
good
producers here to promote that sound best, so we are "forced" to record our
stuff
abroad.
Helldusk: From your videos I know only "Lesbian Show". Do
you have more clips?
Efthimis: We also have Diva, from Diva Futura.
Helldusk: Tell me more about your releases?
Efthimis: We have released:
Parade Into Centuries, 1992
Macabre Sunsets, 1993
Eons Aura (maxi single), 1994
Athenian Echoes, 1995
Lesbian Show, 1997
Electronegative (maxi single), 1998
Diva Futura, 1999
The characteristic of all these releases is that none sounds like the other ;
even though they all are Nightfall releases and have the trademarks of our
band, the result is always unique and original.
We like to expand our
horizons and to grow up as artists so
we go the experimental way.
Releasing "sequels" is a tragedy for any artist.
Even worse, is trying to
repeat an old commercial success: pathetic.
Helldusk: You know, we got here a lot of illegal (pirate)
production... You can
buy the CD here for about 2$, Video for 2-3$, T-shirt for 4$. And Nightfall
CDs presents here too. What do you think about all this stuff?
Efthimis: Let people enjoy the music!
Helldusk: What countries have you visited with concerts?
Efthimis: Mainly south, west and central Europe. Next station is
south America
(and Russia hopefully).
Helldusk: How you would characterize your type of music?
Efthimis: Oh, this is a difficult question, really. I am afraid I
can't help you here,
my friend Helldusk, this is a job for you. Nevertheless, people who have tried to
categorize Nightfall but failed to do in the end, are many!
Efthimis: What Nightfall lyrics about? Especially "Lesbian
Show".
Efthimis: Lyrics flow from the poetry I use to write.
For those interested in, visit
http://listen.to/nightfall , all songs are there.
Lesbian Show deals with people who
feel like his life is nothing but a tragedy. I created a pleasant picture in the minds
of all male listeners, a lesbian intercourse, and presented "life" and
"fate" as the
two females "playing" together and letting
the(ir) guy out of the game. I like
playing with words and this is what I did in Lesbian
Show, for one more time.
You have always to remember that each word you
hear in Nightfall albums is
metaphorical, though ! Lesbian Show is about lost souls!
It also illustrates the
phrase "there are always two sides in each story" ; something that looks
good it
might not be so good at the end of the day, or when you get closer to it, and vice
versa. Moreover, there is a "moral" from the
whole album, and that is to enjoy
each fucking moment of your bloody life like it is the last one. I know people
who
have dedicated their entire lives in trying to achieve one single target, and
when
they did it after tremendous efforts, they realized
how many things they lost as
time went by, and how silly their target is proved to be. It
is a tragedy to realize
how foolish you'd spent your life, isn't it?! Seize life and never forget that
vanity is
her best friend ! The title is provocative for most "death" fans, and that
is another
thing we liked; provoking is a funny game, isn't it?
Helldusk: What do you think about the commercial Black Metal bands
such as Dimmu
Borgir, Cradle Of Filth? Do you like their music?
Efthimis: It is not my cup of tea I have to say as those acts spend
more money in
photo shootings than in the real thing, that is music production.
Yet, I have no
problem at all as everybody is doing what he wishes.
Helldusk: What do you think about the modern (I hate this word)
alternative bands
like Korn, Limp Bizkit which you can see on MTV everyday?
Efthimis: I'd like to meet their promoters ;-]
Helldusk: Who are drawing your covers?
Efthimis: We don't have any specific person in charge since the
beginning. The truth
is that I prefer photographic works instead of drawings.
Helldusk: Are the band rehearsing often?
Efthimis: It depends; recordings and tours require hard work,
indeed.
Helldusk: When you will start to record your next album? What are you
planning to
do on the record?
Efthimis: I can't say anything right now as we are not free from Holy
yet. After the
release of that Best of Nightfall this autumn we'll reveal everything.
Helldusk: Your final thoughts, words to our readers?
Efthimis: Thank you for your time & support. Stay wise and true
to yourselves.
Adios, EK/NIGHTFALL
Also see the
Efthimis' questionnaire
Nightfall Web Site: http://listen.to/nightfall
