1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band in the past year?
First of all, Hell Poemer is a black metal band from Ioannina, Northwest Greece. We have released 1 demo, 1 MCD, 1 split tape and a full-length CD.
Last year, we were focused on the promotion of our latest release with 2 live appearances, also the line-up changed once more with the departure of our longtime guitarist Neron. Nowadays, the line-up is: INFERNAL LORD: Vocals, synths, GRAGONITH: bass, KNAFOS :guitar, DARK ARCHON :drums and DEMONIOUS (Infected Blood, Obscene Evisceration) as session live guitarist.
2.A year ago you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Our latest release “Arcane mysteries of Dead Ancestors” can be described as an old-school melodic black metal album with minimalistic synths, primitive riffs and some epic atmospheres. Our previous MCD “worshipers of the apocryphal ages” released in 2010 was a typical sound of atmospheric Greek black metal with raw majestic influences and a little bit weak production, but it has good melodies. As for the first entitled demo of 2007, I would describe the music as a dedication to the early Greek scene of 90’s (Necromantia, Varathron, Rotting Christ), if you listen to it, the production reminds the dark atmospheres of the famous “storm studios”. Of course there is a Nordic touch everywhere in our music influenced by Dissection, Emperor and Old Man’s Child.
3.Your lyrics go very deep into Greek Paganism and Occultism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?
You are right, our lyrics are inspired by the occult aspects of Ancient Greek and Medieval religious practices that are connected to the fertility of nature, and the mysteries of the Underworld. Also, I would like to mention that Homeric and Orphic Necromancy as well as the ruins of the Archaic Oracles are the main lyrical concepts behind our latest releases. Finally, there is always a deep meaning behind our lyrics that is inspired by the darkest emotions of human soul.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Hell Poemer"?
The name “Hell Poemer” was an inspiration of the moment back in 2004 – 2005 by our first bassist Fivos who was a maniac with strategy games and dark magical card games. Of course as teenagers we were impressed by words like “hell” and to tell you the truth the figures of these cards were similar to some Bal Sagoth’s artworks, so it is a little bit funny if you consider this. During the years, the word’s meaning became metaphorical for us, however “Hell Poemer” is a nocturnal poet or musician who lives in his own dark World, disgusted by the rules of the sick societies and the mediocrity of modern human.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
During our existence as a band since 2005, we made 10 live shows with bands like Septic Flesh, Rotting Christ, Varathron, Twilight and some other great underground bands. Every show had its own atmosphere. Our stage performance is a normal live performance, nothing special or ritualistic apart from some background images and introductions.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future? Not yet.
7.The last album was released on Tenebrd Music, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Tenebrd music is a new French label that specializes in black metal. It was found by Noktu (Mortifera, Celestia, Drakkar productions) among others in 2013 with the goal to promote small underground bands. We sent a promo and the label was interested in releasing our album.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Generally, we get encouraging comments about our music. I believe that a big amount of typical black metal listeners can listen to our music, because it is a true effort from our heart. Of course there are always people who don’t like keyboards in black metal.
9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part off?
We have been involved in some other bands the last few years, like Varg Order (black metal in the vein of darkthrone/Carpathian forest), Chaotic Symmetry (raw majestic black metal in the vein of Mayhem/emperor/Drudkh) and Crowdance (industrial –electro).
10.When can we expect new music and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We have just recorded the keyboards/guitars for two new songs that will be a part of an upcoming split in 2015. More infos coming soon.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We were always influenced by the Second wave of Greek and Scandinavian Black metal, along with some ambient influences. Our main inspirations are bands like: Dissection, Varathron, Rotting Christ, Summoning, In the Woods, Emperor, Limbonic art, Immortal, Sorcier des Glaces and many others. Nowadays we are listening to many kinds of metal (thrash,death,epic) and music generally like ambient, folk music (like Loreena Makennit, Daemonia Nymphe),Classical Music, Traditional music of Greece and post-rock.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Mountain Climbing and hiking, beers, movies, literature, PC games, lake fishing and camping on isolated forests…
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks a lot for the interview! Infernal hails to Occult black metal zine and all supporters around the World! Support the Underground!
For more information about Hell Poemer:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-Poemer-Official/276164329161420?ref=hl
http://www.reverbnation.com/hellpoemerblackmetalgr
https://myspace.com/hellpoemerlegions
Infernal Lord besides of Hell Poemer
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