Interview with Paladine

The Paladins made their presence felt in metal events of our country with the release of the debut album them, "Finding Solace”, in 2017. After significant changes in their composition, the Greeks metallers they hand us the new one, second album their, the “Entering The Abyss", through the No remorse Records again, and shake the foundations of Greek metal scene. THE mastermind of Paladins Christos Stergianidis (bass), together with Nikos Protonotaros (vocals) and Sotiris Paraskevas (guitar), answer our questions, show us the way to the abyss and let us understand why the journey of Paladins it is so beautiful and interesting.

Welcome to Metallurgy!

We welcome you, we are Christos, Nikos and Sotiris from Paladins, and thank you very much Metallurgy for the opportunity it gives us to say a few words about the band and the new album!

Tell us about the name of the band. What does it mean to you? How did it occur;

(Christos) The name Paladins it is taken from the world of her fantasy and novels Dragonlance. Is the world, from which the band draws all its lyrical inspiration. The name is of a god of this world, a god of justice and honesty. It means a lot to us. Firstly, it's a name, that anyone who knows about this world, can automatically understand what stories the band tells about, and secondly, we are very much in favor of honesty and justice, hehehe. It was relatively easy, because we wanted something similar to this world and at the same time to be resonant and a word. We didn't have to look hard for it. Paladins, so.

These days the new, second one is released album of Paladins, "Entering the Abyss". What are your feelings? What are your aspirations for this new one? album;

(Christos) I'm excited both for the result of the record and because people will finally hear it. So far we've gotten a lot of positive feedback from the two tracks we've released and from press reviews. I have very high ambitions for it album this, because I think it is worth a lot.

(Nikos) The feelings are mixed and many. But the bottom line is that since I composed most of the tracks on the record, combined with the endless difficulties and problems that came with moving to England, the whole process made me a better person for many different reasons that I don't need to mention. I discovered many aspects of myself that I am proud of not only musically but also on a personal level. So at the end of the day the feelings about the record are only positive and not only about the result. This will be judged by the world, in any case, the worst record someone releases, they consider it their child and will have the best feelings. The positive feelings are mainly due to the fact that through the whole process I learned a lot, I deepened human relationships more than ever and I completed a personal bet that I didn't even know until now that I had placed on myself. My personal ambitions for the record are for it to travel as far as possible and reach as many ears as it can. Music has always been my way of communicating with people and it gives me unlimited joy and fulfillment.

(Sotiris) The “Entering the Abyss” is my first record with them Paladins, but also my first album with a band in general, so I'm really excited about it coming out. I especially love this one album, not only because it is my first complete musical project (something I really wanted to do) , but also because I spent a lot of time, to make it a reality and therefore I can't wait for people to hear the tracks of the record. If I have any ambition, it would be to “Entering the Abyss” to overcome the proband's lead albumFinding Solace". Of course I really like the tracks from the previous record, which I haven't been a part of, but I think the goal of a band is to evolve every time they release a new album. Also, if the second album surpasses the previous one, this will be an indication that those of us who are new members of the band, have contributed, even a little, to its improvement.

Where would you spot the differences between the “Entering The Abyss” and the debut album you,"Finding Solace";

(Christos) First of all in the song compositions. More modern, with much more musicality and style. Now on the second disc the band was able to show its true self and what it can do. Our true identity was revealed. Second, the derivation. A very significant flaw we had on the first disc and now it's improved tremendously. And third, the new members together with me and Nikos who remained from the first record have made the band very close and compact.

Who are the main composers of the new songs? album; Who wrote the lyrics?

(Christos) The main composer of the second record is Nikos Protonotarios, who has written six of the nine tracks and all the vocal lines, and Sotiris Paraskevas who has written the other three tracks along with all the alone except one that was written by John Kats. All the lyrics and generally the whole setup of it concept it was my business.

Only Christos Stergianidis and Nikos Protonotarios have remained in the band since line-up of the first disk. How did these changes affect him musically? line up the end result of your new record?

(Christos) The changes in line up he was a very pleasant addition to the band. Very creative and very strong. The three tracks have been written by a new member of the band and in general all the new guys who came helped in their own way. I thank them very much.

(Nikos) Whatever I can say about this matter is little. The truth is that I entered the first album very abruptly and I had the need to correct many of the mistakes that existed: compositional, playing, organizational and above all communication. New line up of the band, without exaggeration, fucks and beats!! It is the best line up that the band could have. On the first disc, since the technical level was not very high for them demands of the band, I had to re-record some lines and take over everything alone of the disc. This process threw me off balance as I had a lot of things to do in a short amount of time. Coupled with the fact that I was moving abroad in the middle of the record, it was inevitable that we would bring new guitarists into the band. And I confess to say that the new guitarists are more than worthy of expectations. They are diamonds. For the new one drummer we need no introduction. The scene already knows him from Fragile Vastness. I am very proud that he is in the band with us, because apart from being an excellent musician, he is also a very good person. So that line up of the band is better than ever on all levels. And this is something that makes us infinitely happy and makes us already feel a sense of fulfillment. Because at the end of the day nothing is more important than human relationships.

In the new album Nikos Protonotarios only took over the vocals, not the vocals lead guitars, like on your debut. How was this decision made?

(Christos) It was a decision that was made long before the creation of the second record. From live to Q5. Both me and Nikos wanted him to take over the vocals only, to pay much more attention to them. Besides that, with the addition of the two excellent guitarists in the band, the lead now passed into their possession. More space was given to Nikos to work on his voice, but also to have space on stage to do his performance.

When and where was “Entering the Abyss”? How did the recordings go? How did you manage recording the album during lockdown?

(Christos) The 'Entering the Abyss' was recorded around the beginning of 2020, after it had become suitable its pre-production album the previous year. Guitars, bass, keyboards, but also drums were made in home studio of Thymios Krikos and the voices in home studio of Nikos Protonotarius in England. All acoustic guitars were recorded at Devasoundz Studio. The recordings went exactly as we had planned. Based on a plan, dynamically and very seriously. I can say that the quarantine helped the further process, because all the actors who dealt with the recordings were not working due to the quarantine and had too much time to deal with the recordings immediately and when they were asked. Indeed, if the quarantine had not existed, the whole process would have been delayed. As ironic as this sounds.

Thymios Krikos produced and mixed the new album. Why did you choose to work with Thymios again? How was your collaboration with him this time?

(Christos) Thymios was always in the band, ready to help as much as he can. His collaboration on the first album was ideal and why not also on the second one. He was also present in the pre-production and the very good thing about working with Thymios is the very good and friendly atmosphere in this whole process. The big difference in the collaboration between the first album and the second one is that in the second one, Thymios did not put his hand in the composition of the tracks at all, as he had done in the first album.

How would you describe Paladine's music? Who are your main musical influences? Are there any particular musicians or bands that you look up to as role models?

(Christos) The Paladins they play epic heavy metal of European specifications with some elements and from US metal. Key influences… Heaven's Gate, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Manowar, Judas priest, Iced Earth, Symphony X … all the cream of it metal and not. I believe that we are not making a copy of any of them, but an amalgamation, a union of many different elements with influence from all these behemoths.

(Nikos) The music of Paladins he didn't invent the wheel, and he doesn't pretend to bring a new genre to the hard sound. On the first two records we focused more on concept, so the concept basically it led us to the kind of music played by Paladins and it is none other than epic/ metal. Now to the question of whether I have role models I would answer much more satisfactorily at the age of 25. Personally my hard sound listening mainly includes modern bands with more progressive and experimental sound and performances. They also include other genres of music that I'm looking for and generally experimenting with. So the biggest challenges for me it was about putting in as little of my influences and my real strengths compositionally as possible to stay true to the vision and sound the band wants in relation to concept. This one from the next record might change and take the band very high.

(Sotiris) The music of Paladins fits the epic genre heavy/ metal, but it is descriptive music, in a way a form storytelling. More specifically, our subject matter is based on novels in the series Dragonlance by the authors Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickmann and the way we compose our pieces is guided by this theme. We try to describe, through the lyrics but also through the music, the events of the story. In short, the goal is to convey aural images to the listener that will create different emotions in each piece, depending on the part of the story being told. In terms of the band's musical influences as a whole, we've taken cues from bands, as it is oι Judas priest, Heaven's Gate, Iced Earth, Manowar, Riot and many more. Now about my personal influences, of course I like all the bands I mentioned above, but being younger in age, I mostly listen to more modern bands like Epica, Nightwish, Kamelot and Symphony X. Can their music Paladins not exactly reminiscent of the previous forms, but these bands have influenced me a lot in the way I compose music in general, and therefore a lot of their elements have been used in our tracks, but applied to a different style of music. Of course I also listen to classical music metal bands and my main influence among them are Iron Maiden, which have obviously influenced a very large part of it metal scene. Also, since I play guitar, I couldn't help but mention my favorite guitarist, who is Michael Romeo by Symphony X. I really like this particular musician, not only for the alone his, but also as a composer in general. If I had a role model in music, it would be him. Finally, some other guitarists I really like are Marty Friedman and Kiko Loureiro.

What are the main musical characteristics of the songs of Paladins;

(Christos) The power, the musicality, the style, the epicness and in general the feeling are the main characteristics of Paladins. In terms of music, definitely the massive ones riffs, the anthems refrain and the very neat ones alone it's something very characteristic of the band.

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The lyrics of Paladins refer to fantasy novels by Dragonlance Chronicles. How did this theme come about? Can someone, who has not read the novels, understand their verses Paladins;

(Christos) Very good question. I wouldn't say that we only refer to Chronicles from his world Dragonlance, but generally from all over the world. The subject matter arose from my personal love for these novels, being a small child. I love them, I grew up with these stories and still to this day, I read, but I also engage through role playing games, as far as this world is concerned. I always wanted to write music with this theme and the Paladins was the driving force behind this. If someone who doesn't know about this world and its stories can understand our music? The answer is yes and I'll explain. The lyrics may recount stories and adventures of heroes or events from this world, but the stories are allegorical and listeners can relate them to real-world stories and events that might even happen to them. Something like parables. Yes, they can understand the music as well, but also delve into the greater meaning.

What would you say to someone who told you that fantasy/sword and sorcery is subject matter outdated?

(Christos) I would say that every person's inspiration is not fashion. Only that.

(Nikos) I would personally answer that he is right! Undeniably the epics concept they are overplayed and trite, but we were never concerned with that in the band. The band is authentic and plays with its soul, writes with passion, loves what it does and is who it is. The band from the moment he loved it concept of Dragonlance and since there is no musician project in the harsh sound associated with it, it was inevitable that it would follow. Anyone who listens to the second record will understand and notice that the main characteristic of the band is that it evolves. This means that in the future we will offer even better material and, if the band agrees, we might break the banal and play around with fresher stuff. Anyway, the musical and technical level in the band is excellent.

(Sotiris) This particular type of subject matter has certainly been used by many bands in its field metal and not only. But, I don't think it's right to judge a piece of music, just based on its subject matter, without listening to the content. If the subject matter is presented in a unique way through the music and creates unique emotions in the listener, then maybe it doesn't matter if others have written about similar stories. Personally, I think the track “fantasy/sword and sorcery” can be described musically in many different ways and will probably stay alive for a long time to come as it has more to offer. I wouldn't call this topic "outdated", but simply "used many times".

That's it cover of "Entering the Abyss” is again a work of Jimmy Ling. Can you give us some information about this graphic designer? Why did you choose to design your cover again?

(Christos) O Jimmy Ling he is an accomplished graphic designer and painter from Singapore and a very good friend of mine from the old days. He is the founder of the school Lionheart Studio in Singapore. He works at Apple and to Wacom as a chief graphic designer and was also involved in graphic design for many renowned companies video games like freelancer. I was very pleased with his first work with “Finding Solace” and the recipe that wins for me does not change.

The new album yours, like the debut, was released by the Greek No remorse Records. How did you choose to work with this company again?

(Christos) To tell the truth, initially we would not cooperate with her No remorse Records, because with the quarantine all the record labels were and are very restrained with new releases from new bands on the scene. I approached several companies, but without success and after some time we spoke again with Christos from the No remorse, we found them and said OK. Quite happy with the final choice, because it's a company that doesn't mince words, the people behind it are very responsible and I'm really happy to work with them.

In support of your debut, you gave several successful shows live. How do you remember these live today; How important are the live for a band like Paladins;

(Christos) Ta live it's all for one heavy metal band. The live what we did, the few live, were very successful. We got very positive feedback and gained a lot of experience as a band. Memories are amazing, and we remember them over and over again. We're not a band with a lot of live shows under our belt, so it's very important to us that every live to be a very good experience.

How do you see domestic power metal, but also the wider Greek metal scene today?

(Christos) I like that the taboo 'Greek band' has begun to be overcome, because the level has risen so much and is equal to very big foreign names. It is amazing what is happening in Greek business. Especially in metal scene, new bands are doing very good work and well done, because all the kids are struggling under adverse conditions, either financially or due to the fact that there are few professionals and everyone has their personal jobs and they are not given the right time. Nevertheless, the level is tremendously advanced from what it was fifteen years ago or so, with very good derivatives as well, worthy of the biggest names in the world. I'm really proud of the Greek scene, because I'm an old camper and I've lived it since its beginnings, when all Greek bands were counted on the fingers.

(Nikos) As I mentioned above, I am a permanent resident of England. From my experience so far, what I conclude is that the Greek musical level is much higher than we think. Little Elladitsa has musicians and bands diamonds!!!! The downside of the case is that these diamonds are rough ... which obviously has to do with the culture and the domestic industry, since, as we know, Greek artists do not have the same benefits compared to other countries abroad and ' expansion and the same motivations. On the other hand, abroad you may not see bucketloads of super talents, but the bands groove more, their competition is non-existent and their professionalism dominates in all areas, since it is part of their culture. Certainly things in Greece are not as they were twenty years ago. Derivatives, know-how and professionalism are growing and the difference is very noticeable, but no matter how we do it, many countries abroad have a huge lead, since they did it very well before us. Anyway, it's a matter of perspective and taste. In the end, the dilemma of whether you prefer a rough diamond or a well-polished copper is something that everyone perceives with their own perspective and taste.

(Sotiris) Today the metal our country's scene is perhaps stronger than ever! We have enough metal bands that have been successful both in Greece and abroad. The presence of musicians from Greece did not he is not missing even from the biggest festivals, such as his Wacken. But, equally pleasing is that more and more new ones metal bands appear and in fact, many young people choose to deal with this music. Lately I've been constantly learning about bands that are just starting out and that can only be a good thing. Let's also not forget that there is now another way of self-promotion through the Social media, the YouTube, but also the internet in general. After all, many musicians make careers exclusively on these platforms and our country is not absent from this type of work. So the season favors the emergence of new artists from our country, even if some don't want to play music outside their home!

How has the coronavirus pandemic affected you as professional musicians and as personalities?

(Christos) As a professional musician, forgive me for saying this, it didn't affect me at all, because I'm not a professional musician, haha. My profession is a butcher and for me there has never been a quarantine, and not only that, my working hours have been much longer than before the quarantine. So I'm not caught up in this question. But I understand and sympathize very much with all those who the quarantine and the corona virus did a lot of damage to, I am mainly referring to musicians, entertainers and focus. It was truly the biggest blow they had ever received.

Tell us your top five albums for you, from the whole spectrum of metal.

(Chris) Perfect. 1. “In Control” – Heaven's Gate, 2. “Painkiller” – Judas Priest, 3. Operation Mindcrime -Queensrÿwhat, 4. "T"- Crimson Glory, 5.”Thundersteel"- Riot

How about a new shape that is now starting its course?

(Christos) They want very hard work, to be themselves and not be influenced by others. To always write what they love, without looking at fashions and lines. Continuous practice in the band pieces, but also in music in general, because the levels have gone up and the musicianship must be strong. To do very careful work, always to do pre-production because it is necessary and not to get their minds blown by every success but also not to be disappointed by some bad criticism and failure. Humble and dedicated.

(Nikos) Not to listen to advice but to accept guidance. It is no coincidence that advice is free, while guidance costs money. The music industry is probably the most difficult industry in the world these days, as music as a product has been completely devalued. It's not good or bad...it is what it is...for the bands it's certainly bad, but for the consumer it's an elusive dream, as abundance in music is now the new reality. The point is that even so, nothing can ever imprison one's inspiration and love to create. So the most important thing is to love what you do and be real and honest with your material.

(Sotiris) Maybe I'm not the most suitable person to give advice, as I'm also at the beginning of my musical career. Nevertheless, from my experience with music so far, I would like to say that it is definitely something worthwhile, as through it you meet people who think differently than you, you learn about yourself better and you do something creative. Really, the pieces you've worked on feel very different from all the rest. It's a part of you! Now there is also support through Social media, so playing music is worth a chance, since the chances of success are greater than other times.

We'd love for you to send our readers a message!

(Christos) For starters, may everyone be healthy, safe and strong. After that, gather strength, because I believe things will change, they will recover and, when the live stages open, the bands will need your great support. We will need you more than ever. Support the Greek scene as much as you can, our local scene, because it deserves it very much. Thank you, because without you we wouldn't be us.

(Nikos) Always wear a mask… no kidding. As hard as we are going through all this time, as much as we see bad things happening around us and as much as depression is knocking on the door of more and more people, I suggest that we try to take a breath every now and then and remember who we are ! Remembering that we are humans above all and as humans we are programmed to see the tree... In fact, if we look at the forest, we will notice that the world we live in is better than ever and getting better and better with the passage of time in all its sectors. The graph of human evolution is an arrow pointing permanently upwards since the dawn of civilization. This arrow may not be a straight line, but somewhat saw-toothed, so if one happens to be born on the saw-tooth, he thinks that everything is going to hell. In fact, this is not the case. So try to see the rays of sunshine, wherever they are coming from and embrace them and you will see how life takes on more and more meaning as it becomes more beautiful through the way you now look at it.

(Sotiris) I would like to say that, because the times we live in are difficult due to the pandemic, it would be good to support the musicians we like, even with a view in a piece of them at YouTube. After all, we all found company in music during the quarantine days when we were sitting at home. Finally, let's not rush to judge a record or a musical work in general, before we sit down to listen.

(Christos) Many thanks to Metalourgio readers and listeners for taking the time to Paladins. Be well and safe everyone because above all our health. Support our local scene as much as you can when this is all over for good, because we really need your support. We don't exist without you. Thank you so much and keep the flame always burning.

Dimitris Zacharopoulos for the Metallurgy