Twenty years to their name, still making music to this day, Greek death metal act Obduktion are a death metal group unlike any other. They like others though, have released demos, EPs, and full-length albums, with touring and show playing in support of course. Never backing down, doing what they love, in making music, they have gone on to release their latest EP "Mors Janua Viate", with plans on celebrating their twenty year run, future plans, with more to come! Frontman vocalist Takis V.O.T. discusses the EP, plans for shows, touring, and more!
1. What type of band are you?
Takis: Obduktion plays old school death metal with some melodic parts and brutal attitude with fresh sound and productions of nowadays.
2. Tell us the brief history of your band.
Takis: The band founded back in 1995 by guitarist Obduktor mainly influenced by the 90’s death metal scene. Current drummer Giannis was a member of Obduktion’s first line up. After several demo and promo releases the first full length album “Encounter in a Dream” was released in 2002. I joined the band in 2004 and took over the vocals. In 2008 the second album entitled “II” was released. There were several lineup changes ‘till the recordings of third album “Pain Chronicles” officially released in 2011. Our latest work is “Mors Janua Vitae” EP out in 2014. Through the years we did a lot of gigs supporting band like Asphyx, Absu, Belphegor, Kaamos, Enthroned and gained experience which helped establishing our unique sound. The current lineup is Obduktor - guitar, Kostas - bass, Giannis - drums and Takis - vocals.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Takis: The band is based in Athens. Greek metal scene is really great and organized but it should be better promoted, especially abroad. There are lots of amazing bands like Dead Congregation, and Mortal Torment that fans should definitely check out.
4. What is the story behind the name, Obduktion, if there is one to tell?
Takis: Obduktion in German means autopsy. The first name was Obduction but changed since it was already taken by other bands. The difference is that is spelled with a K not C and is a common mistake, but we can live with that.
5. Who are your musical influences?
Takis: We adore the 90’s death metal scene from USA and Europe but since we are open-minded as a band, added elements from other genres in metal to our sound. Bands like Bolt Thrower and Obituary truly affected our music direction but through the years we established our own musicalidentity.
6. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)
Takis: I can’t say there is a specific concept. Playing death metal provides a variety of lyrical influences. The main ones are humanity, human nature and the thin line between life and death, analyzing it in its parts, mostly the negative and horrific ones. Some personal experiences can be a lyrical influence too.
7. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)
Takis: Yes of course, we work on our own material. Working in a professional way makes the whole composing procedure more simple. Everyone comes up with a musical idea and all songs are a result of teamwork. Obduktor is the main composer but we all add something to the final result. He comes up with a riff and Kostas with the help of Giannis fills it with the best rhythm section. After that I lay down some vocal lines and in the end, write down the lyrics. Through rehearsals our tunes take their final form.
8. What can people expect from your EP release "Mors Janua Vitae"?
Takis: It is a 100% Obduktion release for sure! They’ll find our death metal roots combined with all around metal parts and melodies, when listening to it. Fast riffs, brutal vocals, strong vibes and a powerful production! Check it out!
9. If you had to pick one song off the EP "Mors Janua Vitae", to show someone to introduce them to your music, which would you pick?
Takis: The first song “King of Terrors’ is the best way to introduce this EP. Speedy guitars, aggressive riffs, deep growls, slow and mid tempo parts and catchy melodies. A metalhead should really bang his head on this one!
10. How does it feel to have yet another release under your belts and added to the Obduktion name?
Takis: It feels great! We are excited about that and we will keep on going and looking forward to further releases. Maybe another 20 years, who knows…11. Why did you see taking the DIY approach the best way to release your music?
Takis: The best thing when doing it yourself is that you keep everything of your releases. All the legal rights of the songs stay in the band and you can promote the way you like. On the other hand the cost is much higher but you can reduce it with sales. All decisions are taken by the band and you choose the conditions in every deal. Of course there are labels that fund recordings or take over print and distribution and offer good terms in contracts but if you can get a good deal then do it yourself. It’s the best way!
12. Did you guys have any leftovers from this release that will be used for future releases or have you gone forth and already written material for future purposes?
Takis: Some material was written but not composed in full. We are still promoting the new EP and after that we’ll continue writing songs for the new album. If the past material is good enough we might try to use it, but we’ll work on new tracks anyway.
13. Do you play live as well? What can we expect from a show such as yours?
Takis: Yes we did many shows in the past and we’ll do some gigs in the near future too. We try to do our best on the stage, playing a strong setlist with passion and energy. We enjoy it and when the crowd enjoys it too, we enjoy it more!
14. What do you guys have planned for the future?
Takis: A special anniversary show will be scheduled on the 27th of February celebrating the band’s 20 years of existence, some other gigs too and a mini Balkan tour is in discussions for April. Then we’ll enter the studio once again to record our 4th album.
15. Anything else you'd like to add or would want to say?
Takis: Thanks a lot for the interview, I wish you much success! To all our friends out there, see you soon guys and spread the word! Cheers from Takis V.O.T. and Obduktion!
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