Hello guys, we are here at the Hellfest and of course… Sakis from Rotting Christ is here. So, how are you?
S: Okay, I’m fine. It’s one of the busiest Junes I’ve ever experienced in my life.
Why?
S: Because it’s a lot of festivals, we have just returned from our US Tour. We are still struggling with the jet lag. It’s not that easy, but you know, when I see people like this here, I forget everything.
So, let’s take a look at the discography. You re-recorded, right? It’s a significant decision to rework one of your albums again. What specific frustrations did you have with the original recording? What made you decide to revisit it?
S: Yeah, it’s okay. We have fifteen albums. I feel like some albums can be introduced to the new generation in a different form. With better production and so on. Just do it for hell of it. Just introduce them to the new generation. That’s all.
Do you plan to revisit all the albums?
S: No, no, I don’t have time for this. It takes a lot of time to re-record something because we want everything to be fine. So, maybe it’s time to write some new music now.
What’s your approach when you listen to the old album?
S: It’s exactly the same as the old albums, but the production is better. I played it exactly the same way. We didn’t make many changes.
So, it’s the same way?
S: Yeah.
It’s only the production then?
S: The production a little bit. Some solos, but a little bit because we always respect the original recordings.
And why did you choose this album especially?
S: Because I feel it, that could sound better. That’s all. Yes, I don’t touch the very first albums because it’s very difficult. I mean, I don’t want to touch the very first albums. So, I prefer to touch the middle era albums of the band.
Okay, fantastic. So, you are here at the Hellfest and of course you have a lot of songs from your discography.
S: Oh yeah.
So, how do you choose the songs? Do you prefer songs from each era?
S: It’s very difficult. That’s my nightmare every time I play. Because we have more than 200 songs and we have to choose 10. Do you know how difficult it is? So, we usually play from the middle era and later, but we have some special shows playing only the old stuff. We try to satisfy everyone.
Some bands usually they do a concert for one album.
S: Yes, we have plans to do like this too.
Ah, for what album?
S: I don’t know. Maybe it will be for the very first album, “The Mighty Contract”.
Yes, it should be great.
S: Yes.
So, you just completed the first full North American tour. Is there a difference between the audience of the US and the audience in Europe?
S: Yeah, it’s different. Of course, music is the same, but the people and their reactions are different. There is a lot of respect in the USA. There is also a lot of respect here. But on the other hand, we are Europeans, so our main basis is here. So, there are more fanatics here in Europe. On the other side, it’s a very great experience to play there in the USA. We have played many times there. The people respect very much the bands. They respect our effort. And we love it.
It wasn’t your first experience?
S: No, it wasn’t the first. We have played many times and always enjoy it.
You’ve been playing along with your brother. So, it’s nearly 40 years with him. That’s an extraordinary creative partnership between both. How do you navigate these agreements about musicals?
S: It’s not easy to work with brothers. But on the other hand, this is the only person that you can trust. Of course, there are disagreements. There are some fights, as there always are. But at the end of the day, we are friends and we go on with a band.
So, let’s talk about you, is there any new material. I don’t know if you have something.
S: Ideas come and go.
Do you have any recordings?
S: Not yet. It’s so difficult to choose a direction after 15 albums. I don’t know. 15 albums, more than 200 songs. I don’t know what else to write. I mean, I can easily compose one song right here, right now. But is this what the people are expecting? I mean, another Rotting Christ song. Anyway, I’m always inspired by everything I see and read. I try to adapt it into new music.
So that means that you don’t have nothing yet? A new Rotting Christ album in one year, or two years?
S: I don’t know. I don’t know yet. But on the other hand, I’m writing some stuff for my solo project.
Ohh, okay. What are your plans for your solo?
S: Just no labels, no management, no agencies. I’m doing everything myself and for myself. Just music. I release it myself, through my own channels. That’s all. I want to remember the good old days. I’m doing it for my soul’s satisfaction.
It’s a great project. Thank you very much.
S: Thank you very much for your interest.
I know, we’ll be there to see you.
S: I hope to not disappoint you.
No way.
S: We’ll do our best. That’s why you come here to play. This Hellfest is a very nice festival. It’s one of the best festivals around the world. It’s a big honor to play here. And try to do our best. Because we are fans first of all. And we want to make everyone happy. Thank you very much for your effort. For everything you are doing for the scene.
Thank you.
S: No fucking Serviam brothers!
Special thx to: Marc Fazio, Sakis Tolis, Season of Mist, Hellfest
