Dear Alx hi. First of all I would like to congratulate you for your new release, which is very impressive and feeds us with a lot of issues for discussion.

Thank you very much for your kind words! We are glad you enjoyed the album.

First of all what is the response for "Self Exile" by now? Judging from the press (at least the Greek press is raving) I see a very warm receipt.

Generally the press loves the album and that's encouraging. I really enjoy the fact that the press is taking by surprise! During the first listening of the album they don't know how to deal with it! It's a hard and diverse album! You must take your time with that album.

Although it seems a rhetoric question, what is more important for you, the response of the press or the response from the audience?

The response of the press is important concerning the promotion of the album and it's acceptance by the music scene in general. The audience's opinion though is more important to us concerning our ethical satisfaction. The comments from the fans and their opinion about our music are fuel for us. Besides our personal need, it's because of them that we move on and we keep creating music.

You are resembled to Pain of Salvation. This resemblance sometimes becomes an accusation. Are you fed up with this comparison?

Of course, POS are a big influence to our music, but nothing more. If you listen carefully to our albums, you'll find out elements from all the bands that we enjoy and also our personal character. We are proud that we are able enough to realize what's going on in the music scene today and filter it through our own perception. I believe that this is the most important element an artist should obtain. And that's it the ability of observing.

"Soulrain 21", as an album title, had a strong and sad meaning behind it. Is there a similar meaning behind "Self Exile"?

Personally, I wouldn't agree with the ''sad'' part. When you find yourself processing on a tragic matter through art, then the outcome is an optimistic view and a lust for life. "Self Exile" is about an esoteric view and a quest for self awareness. "Soulrain 21" was a political-ethical-social album. "Self Exile" is exactly the opposite. It is a journey to the inner self, our demons and the big existential questions that are not meant to have an answer. That's the purpose of the time given to us.

The strong emotional character of the music in "Self Exile" leads me to ask about its lyrical direction. What are the issues that you touch with your lyrics in "Self Exile"?

As I said, it is an inner observation. So, songs like "Strife for Definition", "Provoke the Divine", "E.Y.E." have to do with our mental origins and destination. "The Muzzle Affection", "Sleepwalk" and "4' to Abandon" have to do with human relationships and the essence of love combined with the essence of tragic and perdition. "Dance of Descent" is my opinion about the ancient Eleysinian Mysteries and the initiation process. "Willow Man" talks about the genuine child of our times. Confused, derailed and desperate. "Utopia Fragmented" talks about the Death of Utopia in our times. During the Renaissance the meaning of Utopia was in reach. The future seemed promising and fruitful. Right now of course this sounds at least funny.

Do you believe that -being in the roster of Sensory Records and having a strong management behind you- you have reached another level?

Of course! Sensory Records is 100% professional label that respects and believes in us and has the power to promote and support our vision. Intromental Management is why all these happened! They believed in us from day one and have the knowledge and professionalism to promote our music. A bunch of great guys working as a team!

What are the demands of this new environment? Do you feel strong enough to satisfy them?

We are entering the music industry, so we must behave in the proper way. This is what we wanted since day one. To work with professionals and become professionals. So far... we love the ride!

What are the privileges that Sensory Records offers and cannot be offered by a Greek label?

A decent budget, a decent promotion and once again the respect and professionalism a label should give the artist. Also, Sensory promote us worldwide through a large team of people working for them, something a Greek label doesn't have yet.

Personally I enjoyed the high production state and I guess that Tommy Newton is the one to address a compliment. How was your cooperation with him?

Well, actually, is Tommy HANSEN (not Newton) :-) (editors note: shit. I messed up with the "Tommys") The guy is just great! He is one of the greatest producers and it is an honor working with him! He understood from day one what we wanted to succeed. This live feeling in a studio work. Just to enter in the studio and see the gold and platinum records of Helloween's Keepers 1&2 is breathtaking. His hospitality was rather amazing and working with him seemed so easy and natural. Always on time in a really friendly environment! It was an experience I'll never forget!

To be honest when I saw your name in the setlist of the Black Sabbath gig it was kind of absurd (at least for me), since you were the only, let’s say, irrelevant band. However I would like to tell us your impressions from this gig and whether you had any hesitations about it.

No hesitations at all man! It was a great opportunity for us and a test for our nerves, guts and professionalism. Playing before 16.000 people was a feeling we've never had before! The energy was so great! I think it was a massive concert. The people were amazing and the comments we received were rather flattering. The best organized concert we've ever had. We were really flattered when Zakk Wylde and crew said that they really enjoyed the show and that they've never heard anything like that! Seventh heaven!

Do you enjoy playing live in gigs with a homogeneous list or do you prefer playing in gigs with irrelevant bands, probably because it’s challenging.

We just enjoy playing live! We've played both with homogeneous and irrelevant to our style. We only care about good music. Styles are just names! Progressive music after all is a big hug that can accept lot's of styles of music.

ProgPower festival is a new chapter in your history. Can you tell us your first thoughts when you confirmed your participation?

We passed out! :-) It's been an honor! It is so challenging for us and we want to give a show well remembered. Glenn Harveston, the guy responsible for the ProgPower is a fan of our music and popped the question through our management and of course we said yes! It is a big opportunity for us to make a stand out there and prove that there are no so called ''metal countries'' like Sweden or USA or Germany. Metal is everywhere and everybody willing enough can make it!

During the recent years we see a raise of the quality level in the Greek progressive metal scene. New and very promising bands, such as Art of Simplicity, Need, Fragile Vastness, Equal Vector and so on, have made their appearance. Do you think that you have contributed somehow to this scene?

I hope so! It is really encouraging for us to be a part of this really promising metal scene. After all we NEED to support the fellow bands who live and evolve right next to us!

Forgive me for this gossip-type question, but how are your relationships with those bands?

I really enjoy the fact that these bands are friends of ours and former bandmates! Matthew from Art of Simplicity was a Wastefall member and G. Tzavaras from Need was the guitar player in Dead Man's Tale where Domenik and I used to play! That's awesome! We really enjoy seeing friends doing their own thing in the music we all love.

What is done is done. What are your next moves? Do you plan a tour or perhaps you’ve set sails for a new release?

We are waiting for tour proposals in the near future and we are anticipating for this. Also there are some new songs emerging and we feel really optimistic for our new work. We will work really hard on the new one!

That’s all from me Alx. Thank you very much for talking to Metal Perspective. We wish you all the best.

Thank you very much for your interest and the fine questions! I wish you all the best and I hope you enjoy "Self Exile"! Take care!

Et in Arcadia Ego...