Interviews: Obscurus Rex

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band, Obscurus Rex, from Greece. Check out the interview and follow the project on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Obscurus Rex is Latin for the “Obscure King”. Although, one would easily think we talk about “the Devil”, it’s not that. The name practically symbolizes all the things that rule our lives but remain hidden behind prejudice and/or guilt. What’s hidden is not always evil. Life has both Light and Darkness. The choice is ours, but the King who governs our lives is always Obscure.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Heavy Metal is probably one of the most -if not the most- sincere genres of music in general. People who love and follow this music, embed it into their lives. Permanently! You love the songs and the bands and you are connected with them on a deep and personal level. It’s not just some music playing in the background. So, there was no thinking behind it. It was the obvious choice…

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

No, not really. We jammed with many musicians and one acquaintance led to another until the band came together with the current lineup.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

For Manos on vocals that would be Exodus, Helloween, and Crimson Glory and he is a big Accept fan. Constantinos, our axeman, is into Symphony X, Dream Theater, King’s X, In Flames. Panos on bass, love Black Sabbath, Megadeth, Soundgarden, and…Vangelis (yes, you read that last one right!). Last but not least, Dimitris our drummer -who has by far the most extensive collection of albums in the band- just can’t get enough of King Diamond, Pantera, Metallica, Nevermore among others.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Definitely the harder part of life and its complexity. The inner demons that keep us in the dark and the instinctive drive we feel to reach for the light, however, each of us perceives it.

6. Where was your last gig?

Oh, that’s simple: Athens, Greece.

7. Where would you like to act?

Well, although it’s not that we do it on purpose, our songs have this “grand music” vibe on some level. You know, grand songs. At least we get this reaction a lot from people who listen to our music. So, the bigger the place the better. It’s not easy, but arenas and big festivals would be the best! The sky is the limit, right?...

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

The easy answer is with all the classic legends that are still around. From Maiden to Helloween and from Priest to Megadeth. But there are so many other bands that are really phenomenal like Jinjer, Tool, Ghost, Mastodon, or even Kadavar.

9. Whom not?

Um… Britney Spears, I guess…

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

Nope. No such issues here. The best advice would be not to think about it. Be well rehearsed and then do your thing and enjoy it! You go out there and just fire away! And if you are afraid that you will make a mistake, so what? It’s not school exams! You learn from it and you move forward! The only one you answer to is yourself!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Each of us has his own diverse influences, but the bands that have, up to a point, influenced Obscurus Rex’s sound include -but are not limited to Queensrÿche, Type-O-Negative and Ozzy’s 80s solo work. How do these so different musicians inspire a band’s sound? Well, it can happen. Trust us…

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

We all wish we could tell a story with groupies etc. but no, nothing that spicy or exciting. The only thing and that’s quite some time ago with a previous band, a guy asked Panos (bass) to follow him outside and say “hi” to his 10-year-old kid! Cool, but…kinda weird.

13. What do you think of your fans?

There is absolutely nothing more awe-inspiring of a feeling than to realize that you have touched some sensitive strings in someone’s soul. To see that others understand the messages and emotions you want to communicate with your music. We are grateful for every ticket, CD, or merch we have ever sold. It’s an honor, and thus a great responsibility, to have people showing you trust and loyalty for what you do.

14. What do you think of our site?

It represents what we said in the beginning: Heavy Metal is a state of mind. It’s a way of life. And your site proves this. You cannot have Metal without passion. And what you do, just like a busy hive, is the result of passion. That’s why people follow you. It’s sites like “Breathing the Core” are the safe haven for all the bands who want to get their music out there from the chaos of noise to new audiences.

15. Something to add?

Support local bands, and people. If we want to prevent the music we so dearly love from going deep underground and eventually disappearing, we need to be more active. Trust us when we say this: There is a storm coming…