Rheinkaos Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

I would describe Rheinkaos as an avant-garde black metal project with strong progressive metal influences. We formed in 2007 and released a demo CD in 2008, which garnered some positive reviews. Although we began working on our first full-length album shortly after, various challenges delayed its completion. This year, however, we released two new songs, which I believe represent the essence of our sound: a blend of intense, fast riffs, as well as doom-y passages, dissonant yet accessible melodies, all captured with a clean, polished production that I hope will appeal to a wide range of listeners.

2.Can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recordings?

My intent has always been to craft avant-garde black metal that draws inspiration from bands like Dodheimsgard and Ulver, while also incorporating elements of progressive metal, akin to Fates Warning and Cynic. I like to write with dynamics, both in terms of intensity and musical styles, and I think  that the songs reflect a broad spectrum of my influences. At the same time, I strive to create music with rich layers, textures, and melodies that encourage deeper exploration with each listen.

3.Until 2024 there was no music released since 2008, can you tell us a little bit more about the hiatus?

After the release of our demo in 2008, we began recording our first full album at Fragile Studios in Athens. Unfortunately, due to budget limitations, the album remained unfinished. While I continued to work on the project independently—mixing and recording the tracks—a series of setbacks, such as the financial crisis and the decline of MySpace, did not allow us to move the project forward. Eventually, I relocated to the Netherlands, where I struggled to assemble a band capable of performing Rheinkaos' complex music. As a result, the project remained dormant for several years.

4.In 2010 there was an unfinished album being worked on, are there any plans to finally release it in the future?

The album we were working on in 2010 was intended to feature three tracks from our 2008 demo, along with four new compositions. Two of these new songs are now part of the recently released EP, so there are still a couple of tracks that remain nearly ready to be shared with the world. Given the intricate nature of our music—not just in composition, but also in production—it will take time to finalize these recordings. However, I do intend to release them when the time is right.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Rheinkaos?

The name Rheinkaos is derived from Reinkaos, the final album by Dissection, which is often interpreted as “the return of chaos and acausal existence.” In truth, I was more drawn to the sound and resonance of the word than its original meaning. That said, I wanted to distance the project from Dissection's controversial history and ideology, so I adapted the name to reflect my own artistic vision.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new ep cover?

The stunning artwork for our new EP was created by Vadim Karasov, a talented Ukrainian digital collage artist. We actually collaborated with two other artists prior to Vadim, but neither quite captured the ethereal, mystical, and awe-inspiring essence that we were looking for. The moment I saw Vadim’s work, I knew it was the perfect fit for our EP’s concept. The cover perfectly encapsulates the theme of All My Being is a Dark Verse, both in its atmosphere and its visual depth.

7.On the recordings you work as a duo, was there ever any plans to expand into a full line up?

Yes, we do plan to expand the band in order to bring the music to life in a live setting. Our goal is to perform both in the Netherlands and in our home country of Greece. While we’ve enjoyed working as a duo on the recordings, we feel that bringing in additional musicians will help us fully realize the complex nature of Rheinkaos’ music.

8.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored with the music?

Our lyrics often center around an intimate dialogue with God, contemplating the futility of our existence within the context of a vast, chaotic, and ever-expanding universe. While the themes may align with traditional metal subject matter, this direct conversation with the unknown feels both empowering and liberating.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

Overall, I think fans of metal, in general, have embraced Rheinkaos. Our music contains elements from various genres, so listeners with diverse tastes can likely find something to connect with. We’re genuinely happy with the response we’ve received. That being said, traditional black metal fans—much like any audience with a deep attachment to a specific form of art—tend to be more focused on preserving the “purity” of the genre and its classic structures. For us, however, black metal is merely one of the many creative tools we use to shape our sound.

10.Are there any plans for newer music in the future?

If we do pursue new music, it will likely involve a significant shift in the Rheinkaos sound—perhaps even something more stripped down. The process of writing and producing this kind of music is extremely time-consuming. For instance, the two songs on our EP took two years to complete, from the initial riff to the final mastering stage. Hopefully, this would not affect the essence of our music though.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

As previously mentioned, bands like Dodheimsgard, Ulver, Arcturus, Fates Warning, and Cynic have had a significant influence on our sound.  But while writing the songs, we definitely integrated elements from whatever we were listening to these days ranging from video game soundtracks like the works of Tomáš Dvořák to the progressive jazz-pop band Reign of Kindo. These days, I find myself drawn to music across genres, but I've learned to recognize a certain authenticity in metal that resonates with me more strongly. Bands like Hail Spirit Noir and Wormwood are currently among my favorites.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

I simply hope that listeners will give our music a chance and come to appreciate the care and passion we’ve poured into it. Every note, every layer, every idea has been carefully crafted with the intention of creating something meaningful. We’re grateful for those who connect with it, and we look forward to sharing more in the future.

Website: https://rheinkaos.com
Bandcamp: https://rheinkaos-music.bandcamp.com/
Spotify Artist page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iH7RabtWj8kiICCowsPef?si=2uio9yWsTom3ogUgDZ0jGA
Instagram: https://instagram.com/rheinkaos
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Rheinkaos