Another great band hailing from Greece. Because their self-financed “Dragonship”
7’’ is impressive with its epic and solid heavy metal, this band had to be
featured in this issue. The questions were answered by guitarist Kostas Tzortzis.
BATTLEROAR was born in 2000. Why have you decided to form an epic metal
band ? Also, can you give infos about the original line-up and the new
line-up ?
Yes,we made the band back in the September of 2000.We
decided to form such a band because all of us were and still are fans of
epic,power metal.So,we wanted to play our favourite kind of metal just for
our personal pleasure.The original line-up came up normaly because, almost,
all of us were friends from the past and so we decided to make a band in
order to have fun and play a little music all together. After a year and
a half, in May of 2002, our bass player and our singer decided to go from
the band for their personal reasons.Then, Nick, Manolis and I took the decision
to carry on and find some new members. So, we knew both guys who are now
at the band and immediately we called them to join the band. Gladly, both
accepted the offer, even Marco Concoreggi who lives in Italy ! So, we have
the new line-up which is:Marco Concoreggi-Vocals, Kostas Makrikostas-Bass,
Nick Papadopoulos-Drums, Manolis Karazeris-Guitar and I, Kostas Tzortzis-guitar.
You released a five track promo cd in 2001. How was the response in the
underground ?
This promo cd is actually a live recorded rehearsal.
We made it just to have available some songs of ours in our concerts. The
response was great ! Everyone seemed to like it !
Unfortunately, the promo cd is not available at the moment. Already sold
out ? Will it be available again soon ?
Actually, we hadn't make so many copies of it. But
it was really sold very quickly. As for a possible re-release of it, I don't
think so, because it is recorded with the previous line-up and so, the songs
have changed a little bit, mainly because of the singer and so it would be
better for everyone to hear it in the new form.
You supported the BROCAS HELM and OMEN concerts in Athens. You will also
support the MANILLA ROAD concert. How was it ? Do you consider it's an honour
to support these bands ? In addition, these three bands are some of your
main influences...
We lived into a dream ! I consider that it's the
greatest honour in the world to support such bands ! I must say that I never
dared to make such dreams (I mean, of supporting these bands on stage). My
only wish was to see these bands live one day. We grew up with their music
and they were the main reason for us to make the band. So, when you
have the ability to meet such bands personaly, then it's something unbelievable
!
How did you get in touch with Holy Sword cd-rom zine ? Are you satisfied
with the live video track on the cd-rom ?
Antonis Adamakos, the owner of Holy Sword, is one
of the people who keeps the underground scene alive. He came to us one day
and he asked us if we'd like to introduce our band through his cd-rom zine.
We considered that as a great honour and we took the chance. Since then,
he is a very good friend of the band. As for the video track, it's from one
of our first shows ever and I think that we have better performances on stage
than this, but it's ok.
This year, you released a self-financed 7''. Were any small labels interested
by BATTLEROAR ?
There were few labels who were interested in releasing
this 7" but we prefered to release it on our own and to make it the way we
only wanted.
The "Dragonship" 7'' is a great epic metal vinyl with the anthem "Dragonship"
and the memorable " Swordbrothers". Is it well received until now ?
The 7" is very well accepted and up to now we have
sell the most of the copies we made. I think that it will be sold out up
to year's end.
I think you have plan for a first album. Are all the songs ready to be
recorded ? Will it be available on lp ? Is a label interested by the band
?
Almost all the songs are ready for recording but
we need some more time before we enter the studio, because there are few
labels who are interested of us and we must check their proposals or the
case to release it on our own, as the 7". Generally, I don't think it will
happen in 2002. Of course, we will try to release it on vinyl too, but it's
a little early to tell you for sure.
Can you say your metal albums top 10 ?
This is one of the most difficult questions ever
because I'm sure that I will leave out many of my favourites.Well...
1-Manilla Road:Open the gates
2-Omen:Battle cry
3-Running Wild:Death or glory
4-Manowar:Into glory ride
5-Manilla Road:Mystification
6-Bathory:Twilight of the gods
7-Bolt Thrower:For victory
8-Doomsword:Doomsword
9-Manilla Road:Crystal logic
10-Candlemass-Epicus doomicus metallicus
If you feel I forgot something, feel free to speak. All the best for the
future !
I'd like to thank everyone who has support us, you
know who you are ! IMMORTAL ALL THOSE WHO SAIL ON DRAGONSHIP !
dragonship@hotmail.com
interview by Patrick Lefevre
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