They play in a power metal style, delivering an epic, cinematic and symphonic sound. They are called Memories Of Old, and they offer high-quality power metal that invigorates the genre and inspires its listeners. Founded and led by multi-instrumentalist Billy Jeffs, the band now presents their second album, “Never Stop Believing”, a release that impresses with its grand, crystal-clear production and powerful songwriting. Deeply excited by the remarkable quality of the new material, Dimitris Zacharopoulos had a lively and insightful conversation with Jeffs, who happily answered every question.
The new, sophomore album (“Never Stop Believing”) of Memories Of Old is out now! Which are your feelings about that?
We are so happy that the album is finally out. It’s been many years of hard work, and also we have to go through the painful promotion gap between finishing the album and the release date, but it’s always worth it in the end! We are really enjoying the response and it’s very rewarding to see the reactions from the fans!
How was Memories Of Old formed? Give us a short biography of the band!
Memories Of Old was born in my mind many many years ago, as early as the late 2000’s! I started writing a few ideas and knew that some day it would turn into something. That took some time however since I didn’t really start writing the first album until 2017. I met Anthony a year or so later and everything went from there. I finished writing in 2019 at the same time we were recruiting our first line up. We played our first show also in 2019 whilst we were in the process of producing the album. Unfortunately then we were stopped in our tracks by covid… but here and there the production was completed and we released in 2020. Following the success of the first album, I started writing the next, and here we are! I hope that was short enough!
Why did you name the band “Memories Of Old”?
The name came from a lyric which I wrote for my first metal band “Nightmare World”. I wrote the lyrics for the song “Euphoria”, and that particular line always stuck in my head. So when it came to me finally forming the band, it seemed only fitting that this be the name!
Five years have passed from the release of your debut album, “The Zeramin Game”. Why did it take you so long to come back with a new album?
A lot of different factors contributed to the long gap between albums. The pandemic was certainly a major one. It really disrupted everything, not only in terms of getting the band moving forward with live shows, but also personally. During that period, music had to take a back seat for a while. At the same time, I was in the middle of building our own recording studio completely from scratch, which took a huge amount of my focus and time. Once that was finally complete, the writing process began, and that’s something that can’t be rushed. Inspiration comes when it comes, and I wanted to make sure the new album was created for the right reasons, not just to fill a gap. It took a few years, but I’m proud of how it all came together in the end.
Give us all the interesting details about the recordings and the production of the new album! How was the experience of working with Alessio Garavello at Rogue Studios?
Tracking for the new album was done at our own studio close to where I live, which was a great feeling! It meant we had plenty of time to get everything perfect without time/financial constraints and pressure. I always track drums first, then rhythm guitars. Rhys comes down to track bass, and the keyboards and orchestration are pretty much already done, since I complete these whilst demoing the song. Recording can be painful, but exciting at the same time, especially once you know you’ve just laid down the perfect take! Then comes the fun part, going to London to see my friend again. This time we did the entire production in 12 days. This is pretty good going, and any less days and it wouldn’t have been enough. Especially since we were still trying to get Wayne onto the record since he had just joined us, and also I can never help myself recording more last minute backing vocals! Also we had some file issues with some of the stems, which meant I had to go home and re-track drums and guitars for an entire song! But the mixing process is SUPER rewarding as it’s the moment all of your hard work starts to pay off and you are hearing the final product. Alessio is an absolute beast of his trade and his knowledge and experience is what’s behind our beefy and polished sound. He is also a great guy and a good friend, and we always find time for beers! Any room is a funny place when he is around 😊
Where would you trace the differences between your debut and your new album? How much has the band progressed?
I think the biggest difference is really in the intent and structure of the albums. The Zeramin Game was designed as a full-blown concept piece, almost like a musical or theatre production with a story that had to unfold in a particular way. It was written to take the listener on a specific journey, so everything had to serve that narrative. Never Stop Believing was much more liberating to write because each song could stand on its own. It gave me the freedom to explore different ideas and emotions without being tied to a storyline. Soundwise, I’d say we’ve definitely grown. The guitars have a thicker and more powerful tone after we started using the Mezza Barba amps, and the production overall feels more confident and refined. Having new members involved also brought a whole new energy too!
How would you define the music style of Memories Of Old? Which are your main music influences?
I’d say we’re an epic symphonic power metal band with no real rules. We have traditional songs/sections, then we have some outside the box ones too, and there is even some pop influence along the line. I have so many influences when writing there are really too many to mention. But if I had to list some, I’d say Dream Theater, Megadeth, Freedom Call, Hammerfall, Helloween, Queen, ABBA, Yngwie Malmsteen, Motley Crue.. The list goes on. That’s for the heavier side of things and the cores of the songs, but then of course all of the amazing movie composers who influence my melody writing every time; John Williams, James Horner, Bruce Broughton, Harry Gregson Williams, John Powell, Danny Elfman… again, too many to mention!
Where do your lyrics refer to? Is the new album a concept one?
No, the new album isn’t a concept album this time, but it more has an ongoing theme of hope, positivity, rebirth and triumph throughout. We all went through a lot back in the early 2020’s, so I figured this is what the world needs right now.
How do you write music and lyrics in Memories Of Old?
Well a song can be born in many ways, sometimes when I am driving, when in the pub, or just walking down the street! Something pops into my head, and let me tell you my phone is FULL of embarrassing voice notes of me whistling or humming melodies and instructing myself on the shape of the song. I think I even have all of the voice notes from The Zeramin Game somewhere! It would be fun to dig those out some day. Then once I get into the studio and start to put things together, usually the song just flows and I get in the zone. Other times, it can take a very long time and I move onto another song. It’s all down to how your inspiration is doing at the time. Lyrics, I usually have the chorus lyrics come to me when I get the idea for a song, but the verses and bridges etc are usually always written after the music.
Billy recorded all the drums and many guitars on the new album. What’s it like to play both rhythm and lead roles in your own songs?
Well when I am writing songs, I create a demo which is very polished, so all parts need to be there even if a guitar solo will be later recorded or written by Wayne. Sometimes Wayne will write a new solo which honours my original, but sometimes I ask him just to go full on and do his own thing. Rhythms I always do since it’s really important to have that tight left and right guitar to create the huge sound. I’m proud of my solos which end up on the final realease, but Wayne is the one who brings the ultimate shred!
The orchestral layers sound huge on the new album. How do you approach writing those cinematic parts without drowning the guitars?
I use many different patch libraries and orchestra packages when I’m writing. Combining sounds is also very important and it makes the sound unique. Despite using so many different sounds, our signature brass and string sound must always be there to uphold our identity. Also the separation is thanks to Alessio’s production skills. To move them into the frequencies that don’t disturb the punchiness of the song in terms of guitars, drums and bass.
The album title “Never Stop Believing” sounds almost like a personal mantra. What does it mean to you on an emotional level?
As aforementioned, I wanted to make an album which would make everyone happy, and would give them a firm sense of hope. The words “Never Stop Believing” came to me in my ultimate darkest hour, and those words helped me through that. It was also at that time when I wrote the melody and chorus lyrics to the title track. It’s amazing when I think that when at my rock bottom, such a positive thing could be born from it. I wanted to spread the same message which saved me, to as many people as possible.
Do you try to convey any messages or feelings to your listeners through your songs?
I think most of this was answered in the previous question, but yes. My ultimate goal in life is to make people smile. I personally don’t write music in the hopes of making it rich, I do it to see people happy and enjoying the genre of music which I love with all my heart. At the end of the day we are fans of power metal, just making music for others who find it to be a comfort in their lives.
Billy and Anthony have built a strong musical partnership since the NightMare World days. What makes your bond as bandmates and persons so special?
Anthony has been there since the very beginning of my vision to create a power metal band. Yes, we met after he came to see me play a show with Nightmare World. There are even pictures and videos of Anthony on the front rail, right in the centre watching our show, and we didn’t even know eachother at the time! Once we had made contact, we realised that we had basically everything in common. This continues to this day. Many friendships go through different stages, in terms of ups and downs, but ours has always remained strong without conflict. He is my brother, and we will always work together.
The band’s line-up went through some changes since the debut album. How do you keep the spirit and consistency of Memories Of Old intact?
Many different reasons contributed to the line up changes. And you will find that many huge bands had a big turnaround of members in their early years in order to find their final identity. So for us it was no different. I strongly feel that the guys we have now are in it for the long haul. In terms of our sound, I think the fact that I have been the primary writer keeps consistency, but I look forward to how our sound will develop once the other guys get more involved.
Rhys Morgan (bass) joined in 2022 – what did he bring to the band’s sound and energy?
The energy Rhys brings to the band is vast. He is a beautiful man who is kind gentle and loyal. Also his playing is exactly what we need. He has technical skill, but above all his ability to play solidly and not detract from the job of a bassist is unmatched. He always has a smile on his face, and this is one of the most important things in being a member of this band.
How did you find the new voice of the band, Noah Simmons? Why do you think his voice fits the style of Memories Of Old?
I found Noah when doom scrolling through Facebook one night. I came across one of his cover videos, and was instantly interested. He is such a powerful, dynamic and epic singer, and I just knew I had to have him in the band if I could! After messaging him, I was humbled to learn that he was already a fan of our music, and was very enthusiastic in being involved. We had struck gold!
Wayne Dorman, former lead guitarist of British thrash veterans Onslaught, is a vital member of the band. How did you decide to bring to the band a thrash metal musician? How is your cooperation with Wayne?
Wayne’s roots have always been in power metal, and he jumped at the chance to return to them. Once he got in touch, I checked his work and was simply blown away. Wayne is a virtuoso, a genius and a vibrato god. His writing is also out of this world. I find it very hard to open up writing to others, but every time I’ve asked Wayne to write a solo, he has nailed it first time and I am left with my jaw on the floor. Again we are incredibly lucky to have found him and to have him as part of the MOO family. It can only be our destiny!
Do you feel modern technology helps or limits creativity in metal production today? How much important is it for you to mix analog warmth and digital precision? What do you think of the use of AI in music?
Modern technology will never help in the writing process, at least for me. I have my ways of writing and I don’t see how some clever tool will be able to change or enhance that. In terms of production however, some of the plugins and tools which are emerging these days are truly revolutionary. As long as it’s not in the creative process (ie, it doesn’t contribute musically), then I am all for it. At the end of the day technological advancements have always been a part of music production, and without it we would all still be recording to tape with 4 tracks… or even wax!! I truly believe that digital processing will always be a wannabe of that true analogue sound. Some things get pretty dam close, and can be a lot more convenient or cheaper to use… but there is just no other feeling like running your work through an analogue desk, a real tape machine, an actual reverb chamber or a valve guitar amp. Both have their uses, and this always needs to be a delicate mix. I stand strongly against AI use in music, as I believe that one day it could even be the downfall of the human composer. The music industry is hard enough to compete in these days without having computers writing and releasing music that people will actually listen to and pay for. I have never, and will never use AI in any writing process, music or lyrics. However, again… if AI plugins save me from spending two hours editing drums… I might be listening!
Tracks like “Guardians of the Kingdom”, “Fly Away Together”, “After the Storm” and “Journey to the Stars” carry that unmistakable epic feeling. What stories or emotions inspired them?
Well as mentioned, this album was more of a standalone marathon. “Guardians …” was a story that came to me before really writing for the album proper… and once I had written the song, I felt that it would add a nice contrast to the rest of the album. Fly away was the next song I wrote and was the delve full force into the positive vibe. After the strom, the same can be said. I wanted a classic rock style track on the record, and this was the one. Journey to the stars however was the end of the album, and a vision I always had in my head whilst writing the rest. I always like to make an album come full circle, and this song facilitated me in doing that.
Which song from “Never Stop Believing” best represents the soul of Memories Of Old today?
If I had to pick one, I’d say that very track, the title track. It has everything we stand for and showcases what we are all about. It has those traditional power metal moments, interrupted by some outside the box writing. But overall it has that positive message which is so important to us.
Your music is so cinematic, like the soundtrack of an epic fantasy movie! Do you watch movies? Which are some of your favorite movies of all times? Your favorite soundtracks?
I certainly do! As mentioned before, I listed a lot of my favorite movie composers and they always inspire me to write my melodies and movements. If I had to pick my top five scores of all time, they would have to be; “Star Wars”, “Titanic”, “Edward Scissorhands”, “Back to the Future” and “Jurassic Park”. But with special mentions to; “Chicken Run”, “Babies Day Out” and anything by Randy Newman in his early Pixar days!
Do you play live shows? Are you going to tour for the new album? How much difficult will it be for you to reproduce your studio sound on stage?
We started our campaign to take our music to the stage in 2019, and unfortunately we were stopped in our tracks by the big virus. Since then we have been concentrating on getting our second album out to the world, but now that the work is done we will be turning our attention to getting back on the road and being with our fans. Nothing is set in stone as yet, but we are looking to start things off with a few festivals next year. It shouldn’t be difficult to replicate the album on a live stage. Most bands these days run tracks to help with the many orchestral layers, and we would be no different. As much as we would love to tour with a full orchestra, we’d have to sell a few more copies first! Also it’s a compromise to give the fan what they are expecting, to hear the songs in their full glory when coming to see us live.
Do you think the genre of epic/symphonic power metal still gets the respect it deserves, or is it underrated compared to other metal scenes?
It’s always been a niche genre, and semi underground, but I think these days with bands like Beast In Black/Battle Beast, Sabaton and other similar bands… the genre is really booming again. I don’t think we are as commercial as them, but we want to remail unique and true to traditional power metal as much as we can.
How do you see the band’s identity evolving — more cinematic, more progressive, or still rooted in classic melodic power metal?
As I just mentioned, we will always try to stay true to classic power metal. It will always at least be cemented in our roots even if we explore other influences and chiches. In the words of Doc Brown, the future of MOO hasn’t even been written yet, and I feel like we can go anywhere we like. We will just have to wait and see what album 3 brings us all!
Are you still searching for a drummer for the live shows? How crucial is it for you to find the right person rather than just anyone?
Yes we are still looking for the right drummer to join us. It’s not an easy thing, because for me it’s not just about finding someone who can play the songs technically, it’s about finding someone who really understands the spirit of the music and fits in with the band as a whole. I’ve always believed that chemistry is just as important as ability. Since drums are such a huge part of how I write, and will always be my primary instrument, I have to be confident that whoever takes on that role can bring their own creativity, while also respecting what’s already there. I’d much rather wait and find the perfect person than rush it and end up with someone who doesn’t truly connect with what we’re doing.
Finally, after all the ups and downs, what keeps Memories Of Old alive and burning after all these years — what makes you “never stop believing”?
I think we listen to our own words and messages! Nothing you love is worth giving up for, and no matter how successful or unsuccessful we become, at least we will know that we worked our asses off to try our best, and that we made a few people happy along the way. In this day and age, hope, faith and positivity are the only things that will get you through.
