Silent Winter stands among the best power metal bands of our times in Greece and worldwide. Their brand new album, “Utopia”, proves that big time and places the band from Volos in the power metal pantheon. Silent Winter’s new songs are incredible and send the listeners to a power metal utopia! Myth of Rock, mesmerised by the band’s new anthems, talked with Kiriakos Balanos (guitar), who kindly gave us his interesting answers. Utopia is here!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
You are now releasing your new album, “Utopia”. Which are your feelings?
We’re incredibly excited and proud to finally share “Utopia” with our fans. This album represents a culmination of hard work, creativity, and passion. It feels like a significant step forward for us, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the music we’ve crafted.
When did you compose the songs of “Utopia”? Which were the composers?
The songwriting for “Utopia” took place over the past couple of years. I wrote the music and lyrics, drawing inspiration from various experiences and emotions. My bandmates, Mike, Vaggelis P., Vaggelis T., John, and Maria, contributed their unique styles and expertise to bring the songs to life, making this album truly a collaborative effort.
Where was the album recorded? What do you remember from the recordings of “Utopia”?
We recorded “Utopia” at Kalovidouris Studio, a place that has become familiar to us over the years. The atmosphere was electric, filled with creativity and excitement. I remember long sessions where we’d experiment with different sounds and arrangements. It was a truly collaborative experience, and we all felt the magic happening in the studio.
Who did the mixing and mastering of “Utopia”? How did you decide who will be responsible for the mixing and mastering?
The mixing and mastering were handled by Steve Lado, who has a great understanding of our sound. We chose him because of his experience with the power metal genre and his ability to bring out the best in our music. We trusted his expertise to ensure that every detail shone through in the final product.
Does the new album follow the music style of the previous album? How much has Silent Winter progressed?
While “Utopia” retains the signature sound that our fans love, we’ve definitely progressed. We’ve incorporated more varied influences and experimented with song structures. This album showcases our growth as musicians and our willingness to explore new territories within the power metal genre.
Which is your favorite track off the new album?
It’s tough to choose, but I’d say “Hellstorm” and ‘’Silent Shadows’’ stands out to me. The energy, the melody, and the lyrical themes resonate deeply. It encapsulates the spirit of the album and highlights the power of our musical collaboration.
Where do the lyrics of the new album refer to? Why did you name the album “Utopia”?
The lyrics explore themes of hope, struggle, and the quest for a better world. We named the album “Utopia” because it represents our vision of an ideal future, a place where dreams can come true despite challenges. It’s a reflection of our personal journeys and aspirations.
Describe the album cover!
The album cover is a striking representation of the themes within “Utopia”. It features a fantastical landscape with elements of nature and technology intertwined, symbolizing the balance between our dreams and reality. The vibrant colors and intricate details invite listeners to dive into the world we’ve created with this album.
How would you describe the feeling and the atmospheres of the “Utopia” songs?
The songs on “Utopia” evoke a wide range of emotions, from powerful anthems that inspire strength to more introspective tracks that encourage reflection. There’s a sense of grandeur and hope that runs throughout, making it an album that resonates on multiple levels.
Are there any messages that you try to convey to the listeners through your songs? Why?
We aim to inspire resilience and hope in our listeners. The world can be a challenging place, and through our music, we want to remind everyone that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Each song carries a message of empowerment and perseverance.
The last few years you have played live and shared the stage with famous bands, like Judas Priest, Helloween, Rhapsody of Fire etc. How did it feel to open for such bands? What do you keep from these experiences?
Opening for legendary bands like that has been surreal and incredibly rewarding. It’s an honor to share the stage with musicians we’ve looked up to for years. These experiences have taught us a lot about performance dynamics and connecting with the audience, which we apply to our own shows.
Some of the big assets of Silent Winter are the melodic guitars of Kiriakos and Vaggelis and the high-pitched vocals of Mike Livas. How would you describe the performance of Kiriakos, Vaggelis and Mike in “Utopia”?
Their performances on “Utopia” are nothing short of exceptional. Kiriakos and Vaggelis have crafted some of the most melodic and intricate guitar work we’ve ever produced, while Mike’s vocals soar with emotion and power. Together, they create a rich, dynamic sound that truly elevates the album.
How are you going to promote and support the new album release?
We have an exciting promotional campaign lined up, including music videos, interviews, and social media engagement. We’re also planning a series of live performances to connect with our fans directly and showcase the new material.
How would you describe the contemporary power metal scene in Greece? How are things for bands like Silent Winter in Greece?
The power metal scene in Greece is vibrant and growing. There’s a supportive community of fans and musicians that fosters creativity and collaboration. For bands like Silent Winter, it’s a great time to be active, as we have the opportunity to reach wider audiences both locally and internationally.
Which are your ambitions for Silent Winter?
Our ambitions are to continue evolving as a band, creating music that resonates with our fans, and expanding our reach globally. We want to leave a lasting impact on the power metal scene and inspire the next generation of musicians.
Send your message to our readers!
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for our music! We hope “Utopia” inspires you as much as it inspired us to create it. Stay tuned for more exciting things from Silent Winter, and remember to keep dreaming big!
https://www.facebook.com/silentwinter.gr
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZMCB35JshJHANqlQ2-0bnQ
https://silentwinter.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/silentwinterofficial/
