Interviews: InnerVersE

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Progressive Metal band InnerVersE from Greece. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The idea for the band name came up a few years ago, as I was searching for a name to promote my music. It is a wordplay with the words “inner” and “universe” and the meaning is something like “the inner universe” the inner space where an individual experiences and gets identified with the music, The inner cosmos where we subjectively live our memories, dreams,and hopes.’’

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

As I compose in symphonic style, with orchestral compositions and I also listen to a lot of metal, The style of symphonic progressive metal flows from my compositions easily. I listen to both symphonic and progressive metal, so my music has characteristics from both genres, as well as ethnic elements.

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

Currently, the band is formed by myself, Lampros Marantos (main composer), and Vasilis, my brother, who does the vocals. So we have known each other for a long time, hehe.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

Our favorite non-metal band for both of us is Dead Can Dance. From metal bands, my favorite is probably Dream Theater and my brother is Nevermore.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I find inspiration from various media, such as movies, news, and stories from the world, history, mythology, and philosophy, as well as the music of other bands. For example in our new album, “Awakenings”, we have compositions inspired by the power and dynamics of life such as “Lust For Freedom” and “Source Of Life”, and others that are inspired by the mystical bonding of love between lovers like “Flying in the dark” and “The Promise”, Compositions that relate to the feelings of loss of another person and mourning like “Fractal Of Loss”. “Cry Of Lucifer” has a religious/mythical background, “Ishtar” is inspired by the homonymous goddess of the Babylonian pantheon (and features ethnic elements), And lastly, “Radical Revolution” deals with the cycle of the world ages and the evolution of collective consciousness.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Well, since this is our first album, we have not performed a live show yet. However, we are in search of band members who will play their instruments at a certain technical level (as this is progressive demanding music) and also fit with our music view.

7. Where would you like to act?

We already have ideas for a live show, and our band name and music are quite broad in scope and they can integrate various visuals and aesthetics for a live show. We have memorable and awe-inspiring live places here in Athens Greece, such as the Irodion and Lycabettus Hill, as well as many clubs for live shows. But we will have to wait for a time period until we are ready to perform with a full line-up.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Well, I have many favorite artists from the metal scene as well as in general, I like Ayreon very much as a band, maybe in the future we will collaborate with Arjen Lucassen, its main man, who knows? There are many artists I would like to collaborate with.

9. Whom not?

Well, no one in particular comes to mind.

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

I have played piano for a theatrical play, live on stage, but I didn't have stage fright. It came down pretty well. We played in various theaters in Athens and it was a very rewarding experience. Some exercises for concentration and breathing techniques always help to reduce the amount of stress you have.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

From the style of progressive metal, bands like Dream Theater, Symphony X, Opeth, Ayreon. From symphonic metal, masters such as Therion and Epica, as well as avant-garde metallers Arcturus. From power metal to bands like Angra and Blind Guardian. I also enjoy listening to classic 70’s prog rock bands like Camel and Eloy. In addition, bands with ethnic elements like Dead Can Dance are always in my playlist.

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

Since this is our first release, we have yet to receive some weird input from fans.  

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Well, the goal is to acquire a dedicated fan base with our first album release, to reach as many fans of this kind of music as possible. I believe that people who listen to progressive music in general will be delighted with our first release!

14. What do you think of our site?

It appears to present and review bands from the whole spectrum of Hardcore and Rock / Metal. I am always in search of new music, both from the underground as well as the mainstream, so I will be checking it to get some new releases that escaped my music radar. It has a nice presentation as well.

15. Something to add?

Enter the InnerversE! A whole music world of emotions to be experienced.