SOURCE – Hey Sakis, thank you for taking the time to talk with SOURCE again. With the release of The Heretics drawing ever closer, how are things going in the Rotting Christ camp now?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – I’m always honoured speaking with Metal comrades that keep the spirit alive! Despite things being so very busy with our upcoming album, we are doing well.
SOURCE – Can you walk us through the themes and concepts you wanted to explore with The Heretics’s lyrics?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – The lyrical themes for The Heretics was inspired by quotes and statements from many noteworthy so-called “heretics” throughout history. The ones who particularly inspired these themes were writers, poets, philosophers, etc. whose ideas helped shape and move humanity forward against the resistance and oppression of their local church and political system(s).
The path we have chosen as black metal musicians is somewhat like the path chosen by those men who preceded us. We are Heretics and this album illustrates and embodies that.
SOURCE – Are there aspects to being in a band that appear harder as you get older to handle – or do you believe at this point you are able to handle the trials, tribulations, and changes naturally?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – You hit that right on the nose. Growing up for 30 years in the scene we obviously face and overcome issues in order to sustain the battle to play all around the world. It’s very difficult to be an “extreme” musician and to maintain until the age of 50, but I’ve never lost the passion or vision to keep my dreams alive. And I have a lot of them in my arsenal still. Until the end….NON SERVIAM.
SOURCE – Do you see the video medium being as important in the social media age as it was for those 80’s and 90’s years when Headbangers Ball was a staple on MTV?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – Yes, I do. Whether fortunately or unfortunately, we’re all getting used to watching instead of only listening. For that reason, we created eleven lyric videos for each song on this album! This is the future…or maybe not as we still make sure to release our albums in all available physical versions.
SOURCE – Looking back from the early demos that became Rotting Christ’s debut album to The Heretics, how do you feel both yourself as a songwriter and Rotting Christ as an entity have grown and progressed?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – I believe that I have both improved technically as a player as well as made steps in the composition and song-writing process as well. As I have gotten older, I’ve made sure keep the dark roots in place. Some may disagree, but I feel I’ve surely progressed.
SOURCE – What tracks from The Heretics are you particularly excited to debut live?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – I’m excited about Fire, God and Fear which we have already performed live on the most recent European tour with Watain. I’m also excited about Dies Irae which will be the fastest song that we’ve ever played in our live set! We will not disappoint you that is for sure.
SOURCE – Are there any up and coming, underground bands – either in your local scene or worldwide – that you are particularly impressed by?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – Yes, but so many that I’m afraid to mention some and forget others. Underground Metal is still alive and there are so very many good bands out there.
SOURCE – Thanks again for your time today, Sakis Tolis. Before you go, do you have any parting messages for Source Webzine’s readers?
Sakis Tolis (Guitar, Vocals) – Non Serviam, brothers! We’ll see you soon in your land! Thanks friend!
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