Interview to MACABRE OMEN (Greece) by Metal Music Clan (Spain).

 Between the early and mid-90s, on the legendary island of Rhodes, MACABRE OMEN was born, an impressive epic Pagan / Black Metal band worthy of the ancient gods of Olympus.
After his previous and brilliant work "gods of war - at war" (2015), a compendium of the darkest and most excellent Hellenic battle hymns, MACABRE OMEN presents his new work "Anamneses" (2020).

It is an honor for Metal Music Clan to offer you an interview with a great band like MACABRE OMEN and the words of its creator Alexandros.

1.Welcome MACABRE OMEN to Metal Music Clan. Could you tell us a bit about the history of the band and why did you decide the name MACABRE OMEN? When, why and where was the band formed?

XAIPE! The idea to form this band was sometime around 1993 but it only became a reality in 1994. The band hails from Hellas` Isle of the Sun - Rhodes and the motivation behind it were three young individuals obsessed with the black metal scene of those days and the hunger to perform that art itself at any cost. There is a lengthy and detailed biography in the booklet of the new release "Anamneses" with anecdotes from those long forgotten years.

2.Which is the current line-up of the band? Could you do a brief presentation of the members?

Currently as it stands the band consist of myself Alexandros (Everything) as the original member and driving force of this horde and TJF Vallely (Drums and percussive instruments) who has been a member for almost a decade now. There were other members that were part of this establishment in the past but I believe that the line up now is the one that compliments the band mostly.

3.Present us your recent album "Anamneses" (2020). What can we find in this work? Are you satisfied with final results?

"Anamneses" is a type of mini album that contains only one new brand long epic track entitled "Anamneses from the Past (Sirens Calling)" and all the demo and 7" material from the mid 90s in remastered form. The idea behind this release was to celebrate the 25 years of the band`s existence and at the same time introduce a new track (the longest one yet for the band) to use as a bridge between the previous album "Gods of War - At War" and what is yet to come. I am personally satisfied with the results which for me is the primary if not only goal. The music is for myself/ourselves first and then for anyone else who wishes to join through this epic journey through the "ancient".

4.What are your inspirations to write music and lyrics?. Why a band inspired by Greek mythology?

The inspiration to write music is and has always been pain, hate, sadness, honour, power, darkness and spirituality to name but a few factors. I can most definitely not compose any music when I am in a pleasant / positive mood but this is seldomly the case anyway. I was born and raised in Hellas and the ancient history, values, mythology and ideas have always fascinated me from a young age. Combining inspiration with this type of interest and last but not least life experiences accumulated over the years seems like the right formula to craft my art and express those feelings.

5. How about your concerts? Talk to us a bit about your concerts and live experiences.

There have never been any concerts or plans for a concert at this very stage.

6. Please, could you give us a brief explanation about the next lyrics of MACABRE OMEN "Anamneses"?:

This is an interesting question and albeit a unique one even for me. Unfortunately I do not want to go too in depth with lyrics of tracks since they are personal most of the times and are written for my own benefit. However for this occcassion I will write some brief words against those tracks. 

1.Anamneses from the Past (Sirens Calling) [brand new track for 2020]

This is a very personal song but one can most definitely read the pain and sorrow through the lyrics but also the catharsis achieved through them until the very last word. One needs to get to the lowest stage (the Underworld) in order to reach the top of any Mountain. I feel like I am on the top again after crafting and weaving this track for the past 3 years.

2.Olympus, Mountain of the Ancient Gods [Promo 1996]

The Ancient Gods are here and look upon us if we look towards them.

3.Anamneses from the Past (Sirens Calling [Promo 1996]

The one and only track composed by one of the previous members not in the band any longer. The track was experimental during those early years and a one off.

4.The Waltz of the Nereids, of the Dryads, of the Nymphs [Split 7" 1997]

A track inspired by loneliness and sorrow.

5.The Past, is the Future, of the Present [recorded in 1998 for Split 7" 1999]

Without a solid Past there is no Future or Present for that matter.

6.Voor Donker Zullen We Heersen [recorded in 1999 for Split cd 2000]

Simple... Before Darkness We Shall Reign.

7.We Won With War [recorded in 1999 for Split cd 2000]

A track showcasing the resilience of the Hellene over the years, we all need to be fighters to survive this world we live in even for a brief time.

6.MACABRE OMEN is a band inspired by history, paganism and the Ancient world.

Could you give us a personal opinion about the following?

-Nature: If I seek answers in life I find half of them in nature. The other half I find by gazing through the fabric of spacetime. 

-Ancient Gods: We are Them, we just don`t know it.

-Modern day civilization: Most definitely not for me but Nature will destroy that at some point, Nature always prevails.

7.Tell us:

-A historical place of your country to visit: The Isle of the Sun Rhodes, the "Spear" of the Dodecanese, I would start there and visit the ancient cities and Necropolis.

-A traditional drink and food in your area: Souma of Rhodos with fresh fish from the Aegean grilled on charcoal.

-A book to recommend: A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

8.Have you any website for info, merchandising, etc? Where can we get your stuff?

I would recommend to communicate with the label itself Ván https://van-records.com/

They carry all latest merch and handle the album releases and represses.

9.Future plans and projects?

For now the main aim is to focus on the forthcoming 3rd opus which I would personally wish to be the biggest and most epic album I could possible create. Once this is achieved I would probably close the chapter for this band and move on to future projects whatever they may be at that point in time.

10.Is there something to add to the readers or editors of Metal Music Clan?

If you enjoyed "Anamneses from the Past (Sirens Calling)" you should revisit the previous album "Gods of War - At War" for an hour`s worth of Epic Black Metal War. My gratitude to your Clan for the support. Till we meet again.