They are definately one of the most promising doom / gothic / death metal acts in Hellas! Their debut demo "The Sleep of Innocence" (DMN 004) says it all! Great compositions with the addition of real violin and a great sound! Influences from MY DYING BRIDE and PARADIE LOST! Of course that doesn`t mean that the band`s songs are totaly based on these two bands but they are the most close to their music. Listen a bit to the homonymous song but don`t get tricked by the sound quality! It`s only a fucking RA you know! Latest news is that LETHARGY shall sign on THRONE Prod. for an album.


"The Sleep of Innocence"

HERE WE HAVE A SHORT INTERVIEW WITH, LET`S SAY, THE MAIN - GUY BEHIND LETHARGY! READ HIS OPINIONS! I THINK THEY ARE VERY INTERESTING!

1) SO, GIVE US THE STORY OF LETHARGY SO FAR. WHY DID YOU GIVE YOUR BAND THIS NAME? BECAUSE OF THE DOOMY MUSIC YOU PLAY?
The band exists since April 1996, when it consisted of four members and had a different name (INTROVERSION). When later keybords and violin were added to the band, we changed our style and adopted a new name. We wanted something that could characterise our music and would be assorted with our musical preferences. The name LETHARGY came forth during the recording of our demo and seemed to be the right choise. Besides, "lethargy" is a hellenic word!

2) RIGHT!!! NOW GIVE US SOME MORE INFO ABOUT YOUR DEBUT DEMO.
"The Sleep of Innocence" (Demo `97) was recorded during the Spring of 1997, it is our first release and includes three tracks of atmospheric and melancholic death / gothic metal.

3) WHO WRITES THE LYRICS AND WHO COMPOSES THE MUSIC? WHICH ARE YOUR INFLUENCES CONCERNING YOUR MUSIC?
Most of the poetry and music is created by me (Petros - keybords) but also Thodoris (vocals) who contributes considerably to the final results. Our musical influences are bands such as MY DYING BRIDE, PARADISE LOST and THERION.

4) WHAT`S YOUR NEXT STEP? ANY LIVE APPEARENCES PLANNED?
We plan to circulate a second demo during the summer with two brand new songs and to devote ourselves to the promotion of our work. We are also going to take part to a music festival held in Edessa and to make some live performances in Salonica.

5) WHICH ARE YOUR FAVE BANDS?
Too many to remember... Let`s say MY DYING BRIDE, DEAD CAN DANCE, THERION, AMORPHIS, SENTENCED, PARADISE LOST, MOONSPELL, ANATHEMA and of course BLACK SABBATH, SLAYER, IRON MAIDEN etc.

6) WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE HELLENIC SCENE?
The hellenic scene is getting better and better all the time. We believe that it is one of the best underground scenes all over the world, especially concerning black metal.

7) WHAT ALBUMS DO YOU LISTEN TO MOSTLY THIS PERIOD OF TIME?
We are amazed by the new albums of TIAMAT and THERION and we think that "Ophidian Wheel" (SEPTIC FLESH) and "Seas of Eternal Silence" (EXHUMATION) are really unique works. Also, "Like Gods of the Sun" (MY DYING BRIDE) is one of the best albums of the year!

8) TIAMAT`S NEW ONE ISN`T THAT GOOD! THE OTHERS RULE IN MY OPINION AND ESPECIALLY THERION!!! ANYWAY! HOW`S THE SCENE IN EDESSA?
Unfortunately the true metal bands are few. To be honest, the majority plays punk, alternative and all this trendy shit.

9)DO YOU READ ANY BOOKS? WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I enjoy reading books a lot. I`m attracted by the dark side. I`m interested in everything which has to do with philosophy, poetry, art, music and theatre and meets the contempt, the denial and the hostility of the society. I simply adore condemned and marginated artists (gothic literature, impressionism, roman noir etc.)!

10) WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT RELIGIONS? WHAT ARE YOUR BELIEFS?
I believe that all religions are fruitless human attempts to explain (or create) a divinity. None knows wether God exists or not. If he doesn`t (which is the most possible acceptation), then religion is nothing more than a "mean" to vex and molest the people. But if God really exists, then he is the most adominable murderer.and the most adious apressor humanity has ever met! In any case, we belong to the legions of his enemies and we declare incurable atheists!

11) WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT OUR ANCIENT MYTHOLOGY AND CULTURE?
Although we have a unique tradition, who`s roots derive from our ancient culture and mythology, we tend to neglect, to ignore and to betray its splendour and magnificence. It`s high time everyone realised the burden of his heritage and got conscient of his duty to perpetuate it. Besides, hellenic antiquity is not just marbles!

12) GOOD ANSWER! YOU USE REAL VIOLIN IN YOUR MUSIC! THAT`S GOOD! ARE THERE ANY OTHER INSTRUMENTS PLANNED TO BE USED FOR THE FUTURE?
Yes, indeed! We intend to experimentate with some female vocals and perhaps with the use of flute!

13) WOW! HOPE YOU DO! END THIS INTERVIEW HOWEVER YOU LIKE!
We would like to thank you for the interview and your support and wish you good luck with your `zine, compilation tapes, MACABRE OMEN, and your other entire activity in the underground!
"Join us to the ethereal quest of inner search!"

CONTACT ADDRESS
Petros Doumtsis,
Pavlou Mela 25,
Edessa 58200,
/Hellas