The band has been busy with intensive rehearsals as we are finally preparing for our live debut. I was able to bring together the missing members to make this possible, and I couldn’t be happier. We now have a permanent drummer, Elend – a true veteran, having played with bands like Horrid and Mortuary Drape. On bass, we’ve enlisted our friend Theo from Exequiae Sacro, who will join us as a session member for the live shows.
2.On Halloween you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?
As you may have noticed, two of the seven tracks on the album were already featured on our previous EP Old Comet Transition. This was intentional, as the EP was initially meant as a teaser to present the band to labels and immediately showcase the seriousness and quality behind Araphel. Most of the tracks on The Endchanter were written around the same time as those on the EP, with a few exceptions. I also wanted to create a sense of continuity between the two releases by using the same studio and the same person for mixing. The overall sound has slightly evolved, as Old Comet... allowed me to better identify the sonic identity that currently fits the band best. The main difference lies in the people involved, who brought their own excellent touch to the recording while following my direction.
3.All of the band members are also involved with other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Araphel', that you have not been able to do with your previous groups?
That’s a great question. Despite all the bands I have played with, past and present, Araphel is my first fully personal endeavor – something born independently of the other members. In bands like Demonomancy or Thulsa Doom, which I co-founded and contributed to, the creative output was the sum of multiple viewpoints, and drawing inspiration from certain bands was a core principle of the songwriting. With Araphel, even if people tell me how close it sounds to the pillars of Greek black metal, I never set out to follow a specific compositional path. I have always let instinct guide me, using the music as a way to express my own perspective. For this reason, it wouldn’t be surprising if I composed something completely different in the future. Change is a part of everyone’s existence, and Araphel is built upon that – transformation, contrast, and critique.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters with the two releases?
The two releases are closely connected. As mentioned, the EP’s tracks were already meant for the album, and most of the music and lyrics were written during the same time frame – from 2021 through mid-2024. The most distinctive tracks are the instrumental Tempus Edax Rerum and Elysian Fields Ablaze. The first is built around a single melody, while the latter is the only song I composed starting from the guitars rather than the bass.
5.I know that the bands name means 'darkness' in Hebrew, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?
Yes, that is the most straightforward translation, but with deeper research you realize it refers to a very specific kind of darkness – the one in which God resides. It is where His presence is most pure, completely at odds with the Western notion of paradise or light. I am neither Jewish nor obsessed with religious terms, elected/chosen people bullshit, or esoteric concepts; my choice was guided by this precise meaning. I’ve always believed that the darkness surrounding us, or the one we carry within – in our most private thoughts and darkest moments – is not inherently evil. For me, it is a space where we can elevate ourselves.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The Endchanter is the true and complete introduction of Araphel. Nothing made more sense than placing our logo as the centerpiece, rising against a sky captured by a very talented photographer, Carlotta Valente. I’ve known her since we were teenagers, and as soon as I saw her cyanotype work, I knew it was a powerful and fitting representation of what the word “Araphel” evokes in my mind.
7.So far the band has not done any live shows is that going to change in the future/?
Yes, our live debut is scheduled for early October, supporting Mayhemic and Sijjin. We’re extremely excited to share the stage with two such excellent bands. There are talks of other shows, though nothing is confirmed yet.
8.Currently the band is singed to 'Nuclear War Now! Productions, how did you get in contact with this label?
I first met Yosuke Konishi around 2011, when we released Demonomancy’s first EP Rites of Barbaric Demons through his label. He even had us play multiple editions of the NWN! Fest. He has always proven to be professional and passionate. His label was one of my top choices for Araphel, as I knew from experience that he works quickly and seriously, respecting the band’s requests. I sent him the tracks that would become the Old Comet... EP as a promo, and it was actually his idea to release it as a standalone record before the album.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
The response to our first EP was very positive and came quite quickly, despite it being under 15 minutes long. Many listeners went beyond the idea of it simply sounding like classic Greek black metal, and recognized influences from a variety of black metal bands known for their powerful, proud, and tragic sound. I am very curious to see how the album will be received, as it offers a much more complete picture of what Araphel is meant to convey.
10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
I am currently active as a drummer in Giulia Doomed Warrior’s band Into Darkness and as a bassist in Gabriel’s project Eternal Mourn. We have just finished recording new releases with both – a full-length for Into Darkness, which has been active for many years, and a debut EP for Eternal Mourn. Both projects are fascinating and have something original to say. Gabriel is probably the most active of us all – I recommend checking out all of his bands.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
One thing I particularly enjoy about this lineup is how diverse our tastes are. We span from classic metal to early black metal, doom-death, and even dissonant music. During rehearsals we often discuss what we are listening to and recommend music to one another. These exchanges are very inspiring, and I must admit that our varied influences have added something unique to my compositions.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your review and this interview. Cheers
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