Interviews: AMON SETHIS

We have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band AMON SETHIS from France. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

We get the idea when we formed the band in 2007 because we searched a name in direct connection with our concept album based on the story of ancient Egypt. I proposed the name of the main character “Amon Sethis” , the symbiosis of the two god’s names Amon and Seth with the suffix “is”. It cames naturally.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Because we wanted to create a different and original style of music. In fact there are only a few metal bands playing with oriental music and melodies (MYRATH, ORPHANED LAND, MELESCHECH, ARKAN...) and it was in relation with the lyrics of the concept-album.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Mostly not when the band was formed 14 years ago, only Julien and Olivier are former members of Amon Sethis right now. However Julien knew Sebastien (drummer) who played in different bands in Savoie (he played in BLACK RAIN, ASYMMETRIC ROAD). So when we searched for a drummer 3 years ago, he proposed him the job to be the new drummer of AMON SETHIS and he accepted! Ben is a good friend of Sébastien so he joined when we were searching for a keyboard player and we met Laëtitia during a concert where we were sharing the stage with her band TALVIENKELI.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Very difficult to cite only one band! Julien: Devin Townsend Ben: Dream Theater Sébastien: Architects Olivier: Circus Maximus Laëtitia: Steven Wilson

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Julien writes lyrics from personal ideas or books about ancient Egypt and we usually start from the theme / lyrics of the song to write the music. Once this done, anything can be a good inspiration, it can be movies, cartoons, feelings and whatever comes from the song’s theme.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was in our hometown Grenoble in a very good place called L’amperage. It was in november 2019. We’re so impatient to return on stage and play gigs!

7. Where would you like to act?

Hellfest would be an achievement!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

With Russell Allen or Devin Townsend, it would definitely be a dream! 

9. Whom not?

No names came to my mind. Ah maybe Jon Schaffer...ahahah

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Maybe at my first concert but it has disappeared really quickly. I think the communion between other members of the band before going on the stage is important. Traditionally, we wish ourselves a good gig shaking our hands before the beginning of the concert and it carries out all the stress you have inside of you! 11. What bands have inspired you the most? Julien: to me I think it’s IRON MAIDEN, SYMPHONY X, EVERGREY, and CIRCUS MAXIMUS. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

During the release party of the first album, a girl, fan of the band, wanted an autograph on her boobs!! SO WEIRD but not unpleasant!

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are so proud to have fans almost everywhere in the world! Since the release of Part 0, we have received many kind messages from ISRAEL, BRAZIL, MEXICO, AUSTRALIA, MALAYSIA, and so on and so far. Our fans are the reason we’re keeping up the work!

14. What do you think of our site?

A very good website! That’s particularly interesting because you’re publishing interviews and reviews of famous bands but also you’re writing stuff about more underground bands. That’s the spirit! Metal for everyone and for everything...

15. Something to add?

First of all, stay Metal! If you’re curious, listen to our band Amon Sethis on digital platforms and keep supporting metal bands in the whole world! Don’t hesitate to visit our bandcamp: https://amonsethis.bandcamp.com/