New Long Fest, one of Greece’s most exciting and noteworthy festivals, is set to return this year in Nea Makri. Among the standout acts on the 2025 lineup is Drunk Jackals, the dynamic and talented heavy rock band. Myth of Rock had the pleasure of catching up with the band for an in-depth and compelling interview – check it out below!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
When, where, by whom and under which circumstances were you formed?
It all started back in 2015 in a jam session between Panagos (Drums) and Chris (Bass). They both played together since their teens in other bands. Then after some time came Bill (ex-Guitars) and finally Theo (Vocals) and the band came alive!!
How did you select your band name?
We wanted something to remind us of the whole desert vibe, and ‘’Jackal’’ sounded perfect to us. We complimented it with “Drunk” to show the Rock ‘n Roll nature of things!
Have you got any official releases? If yes, can you give us all the info about these releases?
We have four releases so far! One EP back in 2016 named ‘’7 Souls’’, two DIY releases, the LPs “Countryside” (2017) and “Buzz Addiction” (2019). Our latest one, the LP “Hatebox’’ is released via Ouga Booga and the Mighty Oug Recordings. We are super proud for all of them! They represent different mood and each one of them has its own character. If you listen to them back to back, you can see that we started on a boogie rock path and then the whole thing slowly became more aggressive, with garage rock and stoner rock influences.
How would you define your music style? Which are your main music influences?
We all come from different music backgrounds. You can hear our influences all over our albums throughout the years. We play heavy rock music, defined by aggressive guitars and big drums. Some of our favourite influences/bands are AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and some ‘’newer’’ ones like Clutch, BRMC and The Hives!
Who are the ones who write your music and lyrics? How is usually a song of yours written?
We all bring to the table different riffs, lyrics and thoughts. Sometimes a jam might turn into something and sometimes we work on the same idea looking at it differently every time. It is usually a slow process.
Where do your lyrics refer to? Do you try to convey any messages through your songs?
We always try to tell a story and paint a picture with our lyrics. Good times and not so good! Our latest LP ‘’Hatebox’’ is the darkest one so far. It explores themes of digital alienation, emotional detachment, and the rage cultivated through social media echo chambers.
How would you describe the Greek rock/metal music scene?
The level of the underground Greek scene is over the roof! Professional and passionate! Many rock and metal bands are touring Europe all year round. You can see bands recording and doing shows non – stop throughout the years. Also, many new festivals pop out every year, giving a chance to smaller bands to reach a bigger audience.
How do you make band decisions (as a band or is there a leader)?
As always, we gather around with some drinks and discuss everything. We usually agree on everything, we are good friends after all, in the same band, 10 years now.
No leaders.
Which are your band ambitions and goals?
Our dream is to tour the world. We want to keep on playing and living rock n’ roll.
We want to show the world our music and play our songs loud!
Which is your motto in life?
Our motto, the most common thing the 4 of us share is to have fun, life’s too short – so do what you love! You may fail but in the long run you have lived your life with good company, in the way you always wanted! It’s all rock n’ roll after all.
What do you think about the use of AI in music?
Everything is moving so fast nowadays but we think music is meant to be played live so you can see and feel the artist. We don’t think that AI is going to replicate that feeling!
Digital or analog? Vintage or modern? What do you prefer?
Everything has its strengths and weaknesses. We prefer to use both digital and analog with moderation. But the vintage vibe is on a level on its own! We are always leaning towards that direction…we are not ‘modern’ guys, we’re not even close.
How important are live shows/concerts for you? Which are the characteristics of your live performances?
Doing live shows is the most important aspect of being in a rock n’ roll band. We crave for the interaction with the audience. It’s a blessing! Our live performances are characterized by headbanging, sweat and loudness.
You are participating in New Long Festival 2025! Which are your feelings about it?
We are super excited for New Long Festival! It’s an honor to play alongside all those great bands and share the same stage! We are excited and grateful for the opportunity. NLF is one of the oldest festivals in Greece and everybody has nice memories from it. It’s gonna be a blast!
Send your message to the readers!
Guys, give “Hatebox” a spin and thank you all for the support all those years! Always have fun and always do what you love! Keep on, keeping on!
