Interviews: Thymata

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal band, Thymata from Sweden, Greece, and Indonesia. Check out the interview.

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

The idea with a name in greek came from Kostas being greek. We wanted something different, and a name in greek seemed like something new, something not done too often. We tossed around a lot of suggestions, but Thymata jumped out and we quickly agreed upon it as our name.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Black metal speaks to me on an emotional level like no other music. The first time I heard Emperor back in the mid-90's I knew this is my music and this is where I belong. Black metal is something you either get from the start, or you never will. 

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

Yes, I knew Kostas a bit since we both released albums on War productions and Void wanderer productions. I knew his music, he knew mine and we had great respect for each other as musicians. Ekay played drums on the latest album I did with Nattmaran so I was very familiar with his abilities as a drummer. It was a no brainer to ask him to do session drums on the album.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Michael: For black metal I will have to say Darkthrone. I have such great respect for those guys. Outside of black metal it's Deep Purple.

Kostas: For black metal it's Emperor and outside of black metal it's Black Sabbath

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

A lot of things, but mainly nature. A walk in the woods or by the ocean always gives me new ideas for riffs and moods. But also stuff like architecture, history, the news. Anything that triggers me emotionally, makes me want to set music to a picture in my head or an emotion.

6. Where was your last gig?

Since we are spread out in three different countries on two continents, live shows are out of the question sadly. I'd love to play shows with Thymata, but it will most likely never happen.

7. Where would you like to act?

If we did some shows, it would be nice to hit the festival circuit with a big stage and lighting and all that, but black metal belongs in the clubs. A small sweaty club with dedicated fans knowing and loving the music.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Any honest black metal band doing it for the music, doing it for the right reasons. 

9. Whom not?

Sure there are bands I would not like to be associated with for various reasons, but I won't name any. I do my stuff and they do theirs.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I play shows with my other bands (not black metal) but I wouldn't say I suffer from stage fright, it's more like nervous anticipation. Especially if we play a big stage. It usually only lasts the first song, after that it's nothing but pure fun and energy. My tips would be to never play anything you're not 100% sure about as a band. Everything needs to be in your muscle memory. If you feel insecure about your playing you tend to focus too much on how to play and miss out on being a good live band. And we all make mistakes on stage, no one plays 100% correct an entire show. Focus on the 98% that are correct and never show the audience you made a mistake.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I'm heavily into the second wave on black metal and bands like Darkthrone, Emperor, Enslaved and the whole Norwegian scene from that time is still my favorite music. But I'm also a massive fan of classic 70's hard rock. Deep purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and so on.

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

Nothing weird at all so far, mostly they ask me to sign albums and/or write a personal note.

13. What do you think of your fans?

When I started writing black metal I did it only for myself, with no notion of ever getting fans, it was for my enjoyment only. Then I get contacted by people from all over the world, and it amazes me greatly that people on the other side of the planet are listening to my music and having emotional reactions to it. What I write and record in my small studio becomes important music to others, that's almost beyond comprehension for me. I'm eternally grateful to each and everyone who buys and listens to my music.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's a good site with lots of cool bands and news. You keep well in touch with the underground and it's an honour to be featured on your site.

15. Something to add?

Listen to our new album "Embraced by death" out June 16th. Thank you for having us and making room for us on your site.