SILENT WINTER is a band that will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, but the last eight years have established it at the top of the Greek Power Metal scene with three albums, each one better than the other, and many live shows in Greece and abroad. On the occasion of the recent release of “Utopia”, we had the opportunity to talk to Kyriakos Balanos, the soul of SILENT WINTER, who has worked with passion all these years, dedicating a lot of personal time.

– Good evening Kyriakos. Welcome to our magazine. Thank you very much for your time and it is an honor to have you here on the occasion of the release of your third full-length album, “Utopia”. Since it is very recent (released 22/11) let’s start with it. I want you to tell me what the first reactions from your audience were.

Kiriakos Balanos: Thank you very much for the invitation! It is always a pleasure for us to share our work with metalheads. The first reactions have been simply fantastic! Our fans have embraced “Utopia” and they are sending us messages from every corner of the world. It is moving to see how much the listeners connect with our new songs, both musically and lyrically.

-Who are the contributors to the album (composition, lyrics, recording studio, label, etc.).

K.B.: All the music and lyrics were written by me, with valuable input from all the members in the studio. The recording took place at Kalovidouris Studio, while Steve Lado took care of the mixing and mastering, adding his special touch to our sound. The album is released by No Remorse Records, which is the perfect partner for us for this release.

-Listening to “Utopia”, I immediately see the evolution of your sound, especially in some of the songs. I also distinguish influences from various bands. Like MANOWAR in “Hands Held High”, the very NIGHTWISH intro of “Silent Shadows” etc. So how is “Utopia” different from your two previous albums? Was it your goal from the beginning to differentiate yourself slightly or was it something that came naturally through the creative process?

K.B.: The evolution of our sound was something that came naturally. In “Utopia” we wanted to combine the classic Power Metal element with new, fresher influences. The songs are more mature, with more variety in the compositions. The influences from bands like MANOWAR and NIGHTWISH are definitely evident, but we tried to maintain our own identity. It was important for us to move forward, but without losing the essence of our sound.

-I guess the addition of the new member, Maria on keyboards, also fits into this framework. How did this collaboration come about and what new things do you think she brings to the band?

 K.M.: Maria joined the band at a time when we were looking for a new dimension to our sound. Through mutual friends we came into contact and agreed to collaborate. Her contribution is unique, as she brings an atmospheric and melodic approach that enriches our compositions. Furthermore, her musical experience has added depth to the creative process. She is now a member of our family.

-What is the theme of the album? As I come from Volos, I know about last year’s devastating floods and that “Hellstorm” essentially describes exactly that. A storm from hell. What else are you dealing with lyrically?

K.B.: That’s right, “Hellstorm” was inspired by the tragic floods. On the album, we deal with social and philosophical issues, from environmental destruction (“We Burn The Future”) to personal quests like in “Heart Is A Lonely Hunter”. The central idea, however, is the search for an ideal world, a utopia, as the title suggests.

-Another thing I noticed is that Mike Livas (vocals) seems to be experimenting with his endless voice. How important is it to have such a versatile singer in your band?

K.B.: Mike is invaluable to the band. His voice is excellent and his flexibility allows us to experiment with different styles and dynamics. He has the unique ability to add emotion and intensity to each track, which makes our songs stand out. Beyond his technical perfection, Mike is always willing to experiment. In “Utopia”, for example, we see him trying different approaches to each song. Whether he needs to create an imposing, heroic feeling, like in “Hands Held High”, or a darker, emotional approach, like in “Silent Shadows”, he manages it with incredible ease. This experimentation allows us to write songs without limitations, knowing that Mike’s voice can bring any idea to life. It’s a privilege to have a singer who not only supports our music, but elevates it.

-The last time we spoke was in 2021. It may not have been many years, but after the pandemic and in general with what we have been experiencing in recent years, how much do you think the music industry has changed in Greece and abroad?

K.B.: The music industry has changed radically. The pandemic has taught us to adapt, whether through livestreams or through an enhanced presence on social media. In Greece we are seeing a revitalization of the scene, with many new artists standing out, but challenges remain, especially in terms of support from record labels and concerts.

-I know you create your own fantastic album covers using some kind of AI. How do you see the use of AI in music evolving, not just in artwork or some improvements to the sound quality but in songwriting in the first place? Do you think there are any risks with all this?

K.B.: Our album covers are the result of my own imagination and work. I invest a lot of time in creating them and I try to capture the emotion and the theme of each album. I only use AI to add a few touches or improve details, but always from my own perspective. When it comes to music, I think AI can be useful as a tool, but human creativity is necessary to produce something truly special. The risks are there if technology replaces imagination and passion, instead of enhancing them.

-I imagine there will be a plan to promote the album. What can we expect from SILENT WINTER in the near future?

K.B.: Right now, the big event we have ahead of us is the live show with the legendary GAMMA RAY. It is a huge honor and opportunity for us to share the stage with a band that has been a source of inspiration for our music. At the same time, our goal is to promote “Utopia” as best as possible, both in Greece and abroad. We want to give the album the place it deserves, through live performances, additional video releases, and any other means that will bring us closer to our audience. We are investing time and energy to offer an experience worthy of the album, and we hope to see our friends on many stages soon!

-Where are your dreams and those of the other guys regarding the future of SILENT WINTER?

K.M.: Dreams for SILENT WINTER are like the horizon: always there, always a little further, calling us to continue. For us, the journey is just as important as the destination. We want our music to travel to every corner of the world, to become one with the lives of the people who listen to it, to inspire, to unite, to give voice to what cannot be said in words. For each of us, the band is not only our passion, but also a reminder that, no matter how difficult the times are, no matter how cold the winter is, there is always room for dreams. And these dreams have no limits; as long as there is love for music, as long as our audience exists, we will continue to look higher, further.

Interview / Translation in English: Kostas Boudoukos
Cover Artwork: Alexandros Soultatos
Design & Editing: Kostas Boudoukos
Date: December 3rd, 2024
External Link: SILENT WINTER – Facebook Page
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