Dear readers, it is our pleasure to offer you in this article an interview with a Greek band with a Dark Progressive Metal sound, whose debut album was released in July 2024. We welcome Fading Echoes.
Hi, how are you?
“Weâre doing well, thanks! The past months have been surreal! It all is a brand new experience for all of us! We’re really excited to share our music and connect with people who resonate with the stories we’re telling through our songs.“
Your sound incorporates elements of Progressive Metal with a Dark touch, where did your passion for this musical genre come from?
“Our passion for Progressive Metal with a darker edge comes from the emotional depth and complexity it allows. Each of us has a unique musical background, but we all gravitated toward this genre because itâs intense and expressive. The darker tones let us explore deeper emotions and more complex themes, adding a raw, authentic layer to our music that we think resonates with listeners on a powerful level.“
After a single released in 2022, you released in July 2024 your debut album Shadow Of Another, how would you describe this work?
“Shadow Of Another is an exploration of the feelings of loss, grief and healing. Each track tells a part of this journey, capturing emotions like anger, regret, hope, and resilience. The album starts by exploring the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Each of the first five songs represents one stage and we’ve tried to capture the essence of these feelings. Each song has its own energy and atmosphere and it guides the listener through a very personal experience, thus making it easier for anyone to connect to what’s being told through the lyrics and music. Three more songs conclude this concept album, with The First Step Forward, Rumination and The Final Act. People have been telling us how they were surprised by the songs’ structure and how they really felt that the emotions described were indeed channeled through the compositions.“
Elaborate instrumental sections and intense vocals, what themes do the lyrics deal with?
“The lyrics delve into the complexity of loss and grief and how they influence who we become. Themes include longing, self-discovery, and resilience. We wanted each song to feel like a snapshot of emotions people might struggle to put into words, creating an album thatâs as much about the stories as it is about the music. Itâs an intense emotional journey, but one that speaks to the shared experiences we all have.“
A mixture of vocal parts and instrumental sections, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“Our creative process usually starts with a core idea or emotion we want to explore. Sometimes it’s a lyrical theme; other times, itâs an instrumental riff or melody that sets the tone. From there, we collaborate intensively, layering in elaborate sections, harmonies, and transitions to let each piece breathe and evolve. We take our time shaping each song so that every part adds to the journey, allowing the vocal and instrumental sections to blend seamlessly.“
Your sound is energetic and engaging, will there be a chance to hear you live in the near future?
“Yes, absolutely! Weâre thrilled to announce that our live endeavours begin on December 6th, in our hometown of Volos! Soon after that, we’ve booked a concert on January 17, 2025, in Athens. Weâre working hard to make it a memorable experience, combining our music with a dynamic visual experience. We’re eager to connect with our audience and bring the full intensity of Shadow Of Another to life on stage.“
How difficult is it (if at all) to make a name for yourself with a more sophisticated musical genre such as yours?
“It can be challenging to carve out a space in the music scene with a genre thatâs complex and emotionally dense. But we believe the authenticity and connection we feel with our music are what make it worth it. While it may take time to reach a broader audience, we’re committed to staying true to our vision and building something that resonates deeply with our fans.“
The music market is constantly evolving, how do you see today’s scene in your country and more generally in the world?
“The music scene today is incredibly diverse, and while that brings competition, it also opens up many opportunities. The digital age has made it easier to connect with fans worldwide, and we’re inspired by the growing acceptance of unique, genre-blending sounds. In our country, we see an appreciation for experimentation and depth in music, which encourages us to push boundaries while staying true to our roots.“
What advice would you give to young artists approaching music by proposing a more elaborate genre such as yours?
“Our advice would be to stay true to your vision. A more elaborate genre can be challenging, but it also offers a unique voice that can really stand out. Focus on building something authentic and don’t rush the processâgive yourself the freedom to grow, experiment, and develop a unique sound. Connect with others who share your passion, as community is key in this journey.“
Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside music?
“Some of us do have creative outlets outside of music, including visual art and writing. These passions often influence our work with the band, adding layers to our storytelling and helping us explore new perspectives. These creative pursuits also give us balance, allowing us to come back to our music with fresh energy and inspiration.“
I thank the band for the interview and wish them all the best for the continuation of their artistic career.
“Best regards,” – Dimitris from Fading Echoes
