I at first heard about this band because of Jens from Lonewolf giving me
the RAGING STORM flyer with their address. I sent a mail and they sent me
their first cd of divine epic heavy metal. Of course I wrote back and the
result is this interview with guitarist Chris Mosalos and bassist Harry Boudamour.
Let's start with the beginning of RAGING STORM... When was formed the
band and why have you decided to play in a metal band ?
The band was formed at the end of '97, and after
various problems we finally get a standard shape on July '00, and we had
released a rehearsal tape with our first songs, just for giving it free at
our gigs, letting more people taking an idea about our music. The only reason
to form this band was only the passion for pure heavy metal, this simple!
We're first fans of this music and then musicians. Also before RAGING STORM
we had played in other metal bands.
Before the album, you released a rehearsal tape and a promo cd. What kind
of response did you get with these demos ?
The response that we get from demo and promo was
really great for us, it gave us the strength to put it down and release a
full cd. Plus that more people started to giving their attention for the
band.
It seems you play often in Greece. Are there good places to play ? Have
you a crowd of loyal metal maniacs ?
Yes, we're playing often, but only inside Greece.
There only few places to play metal, but the response of the metalheads here
is getting higher and higher, and yes we already own a crowd of loyal metal
maniacs, and we're proud for them.
Brocas Helm played in Greece and you did support for them. How was the
reaction for RAGING STORM ? Please, tell also how were Brocas Helm on stage...
This live with Brocas Helm was our great moment
as a band and as metal fans. It was one of the best lives ever, you've got
to believe it!! The reaction for us was really great, a divine atmosphere
filled up with pure 80's metal and many crazy metal maniacs. This is heavy
metal!! Brocas Helm was the purest and most divine group we've ever seen...
They really kicked serious ass!!
You signed with Metalfighters. I don't know this label. Who are them ?
Have you a good deal ?
Metal Fighters is a new greek metal label, our debut
cd is the first release, and its second will be Crystal Clear (another kicking
greek metal band). Our deal is such a good for now, and we'll see for the
future...
Your first album is just released. It took me by storm! It's memorable
and great epic metal! Are you satisfied with the album ? Is the response
good until now ?
We really thank you for your good words, we're very
proud for this album, 'cause it's the music we wanted to be played, and having
the spirit of 80's. The production could may have been better, but it doesn't
matter a lot! The response is very good until now.
Do you agree if I say that RAGING STORM is a cross between US epic metal
and european traditional heavy metal ? Which bands are your influences ?
Yes indeed! This was the direction we've wanted
to follow! Some of the bands that we've been influenced and we worship are
: Brocas Helm, Cirith Ungol, Manilla Road, Omen, Manowar, Sortilege, Running
Wild, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Judas Priest, Warlord, Anvil, Thrust, Clovenhoof,
Defender, Heavy Load, Accept, Savage Grace, Heathens Rage, Dark Quarterer,
Grim Reaper and many many more.
Which are your favourite metal albums ?
This is a very difficult question because we like
hundreds of metal diamonds, but if you want to take an idea we say : Balls
To The Wall (Accept), Death Or Glory / Gates To Purgatory (Running Wild),
Open The Gates (Manilla Road), Master Of Disguise (Savage Grace), Into Glory
Ride (Manowar), Powerslave (Iron Maiden), Defenders Of The Faith (Judas Priest),
Black Death (Brocas Helm), Clovenhoof (same), Kingdom Of The Kings (Crush),
Forged In Fire (Anvil), King Of The Dead (Cirith Ungol), Battle Cry / Warning
Of Danger (Omen), Shadows Of The Night (Dark Heart), etc etc...
Do you miss the metal scene of the eighties ? Do you think now good metal
will stay underground ?
Always the pure heavy metal stays underground, this
is heavy metal, and this is why it is staying alive and kicking! The spirit
is going on in our days with bands such as Lonewolf, Metalucifer, Battleroar,
Dream Weaver, Sacred Steel, Wotan, Slough Feg, etc...
It seems Greece has very good metal bands (Dreamweaver, Stormlord, Mythal,
Four Seasons, Dark Nova, Sorrowful Winds...), but unfortunately it's difficult
for them to play and to be recognized on the outside of Greece. Why ? Which
are the reasons in your opinion ?
There are more really great greek bands (Crush,
Marauder, Battleroar, Clairvoyant, Blade Of Spirit, Stendor, Reflection,
Crystal Clear, Airged Lamh, Crystal Tears, Power Crue...). We think that
the reasons that the bands can't be recognised outside Greece are : not many
many people like classic heavy metal shapes, there's no promotion at all,
and there's not so much professionalism, 'cause the bands didn't have enough
time and money to do it this way.
Have you planned to tour for the album ? Or supporting a band on an european
tour ?
There's no planning for a tour, but we're supposed
to play this winter with such divine groups which are planned to come in
Greece for concerts such as Manilla Road, Elixir, Ostrogoth, etc... We'll
see...
Congratulations for the album and best luck for the future! Close the
interview as you want...
Thanks again and again for your good words brother,
and the opportunity you gave us for this interview. We wish you a great success
with the 'zine, and keep up your good work! Keep the banners of pure metal
high. Heavy Metal is our way, and it is here to stay!!!
Interview by Patrick Lefevre
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