Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 08:24 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
The sarissa or sarisa was a long spear or pike about 4–6.2 metres (13–20 ft) in length used in ancient Greek and Hellenistic warfare. It was introduced by Philip II of Macedon and was used in his Macedonian phalanxes as a replacement for the earlier dory, which was considerably shorter. Sarissa is also the name of the important and historical epic heavy metal band from Northern Greece synonym to the motto “never give up”… But let’s leave past behind and hear more about their new album “Nemesis” that was released before a couple of days.
Dimitris, first of all I have to apologize for delaying the upload of the review of the “Nemesis” release. Please, tell us a few words about this one. I must remind our readers that your last effort came out in 2004 (“Masters of Sin”).
D.S. – In the end of 2007, right after “Masters of Sins” circle was complete, I put Sarissa on ice. This “ice era” lasted until the end of 2012, when I came in contact with mister Chatzisimeonidis, who honored us by joining the Macedonian phalanx once again.
In what way did the changes in lineup and the return of Mr. Chatzisimeonidis affect the band?
G.C. – I essentially returned to the band that I created along with Dimitris and two more people in the middle of the ‘80s, only to find out that the chemistry we had back then is still present today and it actually works, resulting into this new record.
D.S. – The chemistry, the loyalty and the shared vision amongst the members of a band are very difficult things to achieve. I found all that stuff in Giorgos, so the machine called Sarissa stood on its feet again.
I’m guessing that the closure of your previous label made things difficult for you; although I think you kept being active and performing live at gigs. Am I wrong?
D.S. – Label and gigs do not always go hand in hand in Greece, however, to answer your question, yes, we were active.
Tell us some things about the recording process. Is it true that there are songs from 1994 and back?
G.C. – Most of the songs are new, but there are some tracks based on previous ideas, like “Into The Night” and “Warriors”.
D.S. – “Warriors” has been around since 1994, while “Into The Night” is essentially a spinoff of “The Winner”, from the 1994 release. The track came up during a jamming session with David Manos, ex – guitarist of the band during the “Masters of Sins” live lineup.
The epic elements have been pushed back while there is an inclination of mixing the modern sound (of guitars) with more hard rock elements, especially in the vocals. To what extent do you believe that you have achieved this, if you think that you tried to do that either on purpose or unconsciously?
G.C. – Clearly everything was done on purpose. It was the way to bring each of us closer to one another as musicians. We wanted to make a record with great songs and that’s what actually happened, so everything’s good.
D.S. – I would say more “Metal” and not “Hard”. I hadn’t worked with George for nearly 25 years, with the exception of 3 track demo in early 2001, so the best thing we could do is to follow a one – way road. HEAVY METAL!!!
Why did you decide to go down this musical path?
G.C. – As I said before, this was the glue that held me and Dimitris together. We started just where we had left of in 1987 and the result is justifying.
Lyrically speaking, what are your themes? Is there any concept on which the record is based on, like the ancient goddess Nemesis?
G.C. – The lyrics talk about things that torture us on a daily basis, expanding from the current political state to the joys of everyday life. There’s nothing about the ancient Goddess per se, more like the virtues of it, like the serving of justice. In a few words, what the record says is that the goddess must come and serve justice to all those who do us wrong. RETRIBUTION – REVOLUTION – TIME FOR JUSTICE – VENGEANGE HAS BEGUN !
Would you be interested in making a concept album or is it far away from your thoughts?
G.C. – Everything is possible. There are some things in the back of our minds, but only time will tell.
D.S. – “Master of Sins” is essentially a concept record; I mean the themes used are similar to one another.
How did you feel that almost 30 years later, the crowd responded to the re-release of Sarissa’s material (It was immediately sold out)?
G.C. – The release of 1987 you mean. IT FEELS GOOD!
Have any Greek albums or Greek bands in general stood out for you?
G.C. – There are several good groups out there and time will tell if they withstand the course of time. On the other hand, let us not hide behind our finger; there is a methodical effort of support and promotion of some specific groups, both new and older. There is a clique that shapes the things. It affects the crowd in one way or another. If you have a band and get along with them well, that’s good for you; otherwise, you’re always cast aside. Things are simple and known to everyone.
One last one question! I owe it to a friend of mine who insists on linking your band with rightwing / nationalist attitudes and ideologies and keeps ignoring me, believing that you belong somewhere politically. We’ll end up asking a certificate of believes from every band we listen to…
G.C – There’s no connection to anything and anyone.
D.S. – We’ve praised in some of our songs the history of our country and we are proud of our ancestors. The politicians of the last century in our little Greece, are sellout pawns, so there’s no admiration or support from our side.
Close this interview any way you want!
G.C. – Support the Greek bands buying their records and going to their concerts. Purchase their records, listen to their songs and judge for yourself. Do not allow others to choose for you.
D.S. – Most of the bands have NO record labels behind them, and those who have, 99% of them pay all the costs with their savings. How will a band enter the studio to record their work, how will they create their merch if you’re not supporting them? Things are simple. By going to concerts, buying a shirt, a cd, you set a basis for a step further. Thank God, the Greek scene is full of talents; however your support is crucial!
