Gospel Of Grief

Black metal scene is very active in Greece. New big bands such as Gospel Of Grief with their  debut album ‘’Our Symbol Is Death’’ became one of my favorites.Here is an interview with the frontman of the band 108.

First off, I'd like to thank you for taking time to speak with me today. Since this is your first time on Subexistance, would you care to introduce Gospel Of Grief to our readers. A sort of brief history?
We would like to thank you too my friend...Well Gospel Of Grief were created back in 2005 by Kaun(guitars)..The band was released a demo in 2006 "Black Origins of the Universe" and a year later a 7" inch split with the Americans Strigoii Vii..After some difficulties and my entrance to the band we have started recording our first full length album "Our Symbol Is Death" which has been released in 2010(March)...

Which is the current line up of the band?
The current line up is the following:
108  (Me) : Vocals
Kaun : Guitars
A.Z. : Guitars
A.C. : Drums
Torm : Bass

How would you describe the lyrical content of your music?
Well the lyrical content is a little bit strange...Kaun has written the lyrics for the half of the tracks and after my entrance to the band i have written the lyrics for the other remaining songs.The subject of the lyrics is our opposition to christianity and in the other hand the arrival of new man that will spring..

Lets talk about your debut "Our Symbol Is Death"What was the source of inspiration behind the creation of it and does it come up to your expectations?
As i said before the source of our inspiration is our hatred towards christianity...Nothing more,nothing less..Simple as that.

Is there any sort of promotions going on at the moment? Are you guys touring in promotion of this release?
Well the things here in Greece are too difficult for the bands.If you don't try a lot you will not do nothing at all.We have done a lot of shows..We have played in Athens,Larisa,Patra and Crete.And of course we are trying to arrange some shows here in Greece but also in Europe..

Are third party opinions (press, fans, etc.) on your music important to you? Or  your music and the band are the only things that matter?
Of course there is a lot of feedback for our music..We speak with a lot of people telling us their opinion for our music and most times it's positive.Also there are a lot of zines and radio shows that are intrested in talk with us.

What represent the fact of being on stage for you? Is it the best part for a musician?Can you recall one performance, which you just wish you could not forget?
Personally being on stage is something out of my self.Expressing my emotions and play with my band it's something extra-ordinary..Paranoia it's an emotion that i feel when i am on stage...haha..One performance that i will never forget was our support to a Naer Mataron gig here in Athens one year before.

What could be the greatest compliments you would hear about your live shows and what are the things you would never want to hear?
There are a lot of people coming to me an ask for autographs or photos..But i don't feel comfortable do these things..I am a simple man as they are.The fact that i play in a band and i have released an album doesn't make me special towards others..I used to tell to those people that want an autograph that i prefer to drink some beers with them and some shots of Jack Daniels..hahaha

What song from the debut album are you looking forward the most to perform live?
One of my favourite songs from our debut album is "Temple of eternal night"..I think it gives the sense of blasphemy and it fits to me..haha..But usually we play all the songs of our debut album..

Lets get back to the album.What were the goals that you had in mind when you started recording it? Did you have a certain idea of what you wanted to do? Any elements you definitely wanted on the album?
No we didn't have any specific goals except that we play music because we love music...I don't give a fuck about any other elements.Gigs,Beers and Jack Daniels..hahaha

What emotions do you hope to bring across through your music?
Hate towards christianity..Nothing more..Nothing less.

Are you satisfied with your label?
Well we are in a small label and i believe that it does some things to help us..And i am quite satisfied.If you don't try on your own you will not succeed.

Can you tell us your impressions about the progression of the Black Metal scene in these years?
The things are too complicated..I prefer to listen to the old good stuff such as Venom,Bathory,Celtic Frost,Darkthrone,Pentagram and a lot of black/thrash and black n roll things.Of course a lot of too old rock n roll..Here in Greece i believe that are a lot of good bands...Omega,Burial Hordes,Ravencult,Enshadowed...

What is planned and what do you hope to experience as a band in the future?
Lot of gigs in Greece and also in Europe and having good times with friends and other bands.

Would you like to add anything?
Our Symbol Is Death...We will return
Thanx a lot.
Hailz.108

Thank you.
Kostas Sotiriou