1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since
the recording of the new album?
1-After the recording, we were searching for a record label. In the end,
nothing could have been more honorable for us than signing our second album
with Darkness Shall Rise, and we are especially happy about it. The album is
already available for pre-order, and so far, we’ve received very positive
reviews from websites and magazines. The single that has been released seems
to have been warmly received by the audience, and we’re moving forward.
2.In October you have a new album coming out, musically how does it
differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
2-We should mention that the line-up on the new album is different. New
members joined after the songwriting had already begun, and we adapted to
include fresh ideas. The first album was a bit unique, but with the second one,
we wanted to maintain the deathly atmosphere while making sure the sound
was distinct. I believe we now have heavier, more powerful guitars, greater
emphasis on the bass, and more expressive vocals. We achieved a good mix,
and both the melodies and the rawer parts have come together perfectly to
express exactly what we wanted."
3.The lyrics on the new album cover the darker aspects of Greek
Mythology, can you tell us which mythological stories you have brought
into the songwriting?
3-Greek mythology has very strong references to the underworld of Hades, to
Charon, the ferryman of souls, and to various other elements connected with
Death. The band’s name, as well as the album’s title, are linked to all of this,
and we express it in our own way.
4.In a previous interview you also mentioned an interest in
Luciferian Philosophy, can you tell us which rule this also plays in
the songwriting?
4- The Luciferian philosophy comes before everything else—knowledge and
freedom should be guiding principles in our lives. The band stands for these
core values, and we are clearly against organized religions and dogmas. In
music, this gives us the freedom to express ourselves as we truly feel, without
having to submit to rules or conformist opinions
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Penthos'?
5-“Penthos”or Πένθος in Greek, translates as ‘mourning’ and many other
related meanings. The concept in general has to do with loss, grief, darkness,
and, of course, with the dead. We live in a world full of loss, death, and
destruction caused by humankind itself, yet some insist on ignoring it and
speaking only of the beauty of life. We disagree with all of this, and in our
music what comes out is both sorrow and hatred.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on
the new album cover?
6-The cover depicts Charon, the ferryman of souls. According to Greek
mythology, he carried the recently deceased across the river Acheron in his
boat, to the other side where the entrance to Hades was. It is an oil-on-canvas
painting by the artist Maximos Manolis. As an image, it is directly connected
with the themes of the album, and especially with the track ‘Charon’.
7.Out of all the shows and tours the band has done so far, which one
stands out the most?
7-We’ve played quite a few live shows here in Greece, and each of them had
something special. I think one performance we particularly enjoyed was at the
Greek underground black metal festival ‘Storming The Gates’ Vol. 3. It was a
very powerful two-day event with many bands and a passionate audience.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
8-We have already confirmed our participation in concerts in Greece, and with
the signing to Darkness Shall Rise production , we will also perform in
Germany alongside Cromlech and the legendary Gehenna. There will
definitely be more shows, both in Greece and in other countries. For all
performances, the band always makes official announcements.
9.On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your music by
fans of black metal?
9- I believe the band is now beginning to expand its reach to other countries.
Our first work went well, but it was an independent production that held us
back a little. I think now our music is starting to travel and we’ll be
rediscovered. From the overall reactions, I can see that some people really
appreciate the style we have in our music, and with the second album both the
audience and ourselves will be even more satisfied.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
10-Our main goal is to keep creating music. The direction will certainly be
black metal, but we write according to how we feel. This means that in future
albums we might explore different themes and styles, while always maintaining
the atmosphere that the band creates. We have many ideas from across the entire spectrum of black metal and a wide range of influences, but I believe we
spontaneously create our own identity."
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band
members are currently listening to nowadays?
11- They are quite varied and from different styles. We particularly like old
school Scandinavian black metal, but we also draw from other schools such as
Hellenic BM, USBM, and DSBM. In short, I would mention bands like
Burzum, Darkthrone, Mayhem, Necromantia, Gorgoroth, Carpathian Forest,
Sargeist, Profanatica, Xasthur, and many more…
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or
thoughts?
12-Thank you for the interview, and congratulations on the great work you’re
doing.
-Algos-
www.facebook.com/penthosband
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