Serement is a noteworthy force in the Greek extreme metal scene! Blending elements of death metal and black metal, the band is making a bold statement with their participation in New Long Fest 2025. Myth of Rock had heard much buzz about them before, so we reached out to the band – and they were kind enough to respond to our questions with honesty and courtesy. Read the following interview and get to know Serement up close!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
When, where, by whom and under which circumstances you formed?
Serement began in 2022 as a project from members of Blessed by Perversion [Andreas Moschopoulos (Vocals), Manolis Kouelo (Guitar), Vasilis Nanos (Drums) & Vaggelis Nanos (Bass)] and evolved its own sound, music style and direction. After some changes, the line up today consists of Vagelis Vasilopoulos (Drums), Christos Karatzalis (Bass) and original members Andreas and Manolis.
How did you select your band name?
We knew Cerement was used by another band and it meant “burial shroud” but we liked the way it sounded, so we replaced the “C” with “S” and “Serement” came to life. “Serement” also, means “vow” or “pledge” in an old French dialect and it definitely fits the essence of the band.
Have you any got official releases? If yes, can you give us all the info about these releases?
Yes. Our first official work is “Deviation from God” EP, released on November 27th, 2022. It consists of two songs, demonstrating the Black and atmospheric elements that became the band’s foundation for the future. The original lineup is involved in this recording. On May 17th 2024 we released our first full-length album called “Abhorrent Invocations”, with Vaggelis Vasilopoulos now on the drums. It contains 7 new songs and 2 re-recordings of the ones on the EP, now in a lower and heavier tuning. It reflects better the way we imagine our sound and songwriting goals and we are very happy on the outcome, also production-wise.
How would you define your music style? Which are your main music influences?
We play death metal combined with elements from black metal. Our main influences are the US death metal bands of mid and late 90s and of course the bands that bridge the gap between the two styles.
Who are the ones who write your music and lyrics? How is usually a song of yours written?
The music is mostly written by our guitarist Manolis and the lyrics by our vocalist Andreas. Manolis usually brings the main idea for a song then drums and bass are added in the rehearsing room giving it a structure and after that Andreas writes the lyrics trying to capture the feeling of the music.
Where do your lyrics refer to? Do you try to convey any messages through your songs?
Our lyrics include a wide range of themes, with the most common being socio-political criticism, as well as religious & general authority issues and our opposition to them. They can also be arranged in stories inspired by a film or a novel, always with an extreme element of reflection or horror. Our main purpose, is to enable the listener to experience as much as possible the situation we are trying to convey, through our descriptions and the images we create.
How would you describe the Greek rock/metal music scene?
The Greek metal scene is something that has remained active and strong throughout the years, since the inception of metal. There have been many great metal bands originating from Greece and people seem to love them, both here and abroad. People also seem to enjoy attending metal events more and more (especially after the quarantine years), which is always something that makes us happy and gives us energy to push for higher goals.
How do you make band decisions (as a band or is there a leader)?
Band decisions are made as the name suggests, coming from the band. Sometimes we share the same thoughts on a topic and others we might have different and possibly contradicting opinions, but in the end of the day we are just a group of friends who love Death Metal music and work together for it.
Which are your band ambitions and goals?
We all share the same goal, which is making solid, aggressive music, that best describes us as a whole and being able to play it in as many places and festivals we can. As for ambitions, we are currently working hard on writing new songs, through which we want to express ourselves in the best, most brutal, technical and atmospheric way possible.
What do you think about the use of AI in music?
We believe that AI can have a lot of valuable applications in some generic or industrial tasks, but it definitely does not have a place in the music world. Musicianship is something deeply connected with emotions and expression, concepts that have nothing to share with AI generated shit.
Digital or analog? Vintage or modern? What do you prefer?
A combination of both is really the best choice for us. Digital and modern is quicker and more convenient to use but vintage and analog have a quality that cannot be replicated with digital media.
How important are live shows/concerts for you? Which are the characteristics of your live performances?
For us, apart from the production and the quality of studio works, live shows are the most important aspect of our music journey. It’s the most direct way of communicating our music and what that contains. For example, emotion, energy and feeling. In our live performances, we aim for a tight and crushing death metal sound, combined with a dark atmosphere and characteristics of an occurring ritual.
You are participating in New Long Festival 2025! Which are your feelings about it?
This year’s edition contains tons of metal of various kinds and we are very excited and honored to be participating in it! Playing in an open space festival is something we wanted for a long time and we have worked hard to give you the best possible performance! Join our ritual early at the 2nd Stage of New Long Festival on Sunday 27/07!
Send your message to the readers!
We would like to thank every single person that supports us! Keep supporting the local bands and the underground scene in general!
