MACABRE OMEN was formed in the summer solstice of 1994 A.B. by The One and hails from Hellas` "Isle of The Sun" - mainly known as Rhodes. There have been several underground assaults before the completion of the debut Masterpiece of an album "The Ancient Returns" which in fact took a decade to conclude! All previous releases are currently sold out but one should be on the lookout for them, especially WALHALLA, a highly acclaimed split cd "None Shall Escape the Wrath" (KRIEG, ETERNAL MAJESTY,JUDAS ISCARIOT) the split 7" eps with AD INFEROS, GODBLOOD and of course the eerie "Olympus" demo.

1) Greetings and congratulations for your first full-length release with Macabre Omen, it was really an enjoyable experience listening to such a great piece of work, I couldn't expect anything less after all these great splits, so what 's with this long delay I mean Macabre Omen exist in the underground Black Metal scene for about 10 years what were the obstacles you had to overcome to finally release the Ancient Returns.

Greetings to you too. I am not suprised with the result. I knew a long time now that this album would become an instant classic and am not ashamed of admiting such narcisism. The previous material was good with the split cd "None Shall Escape the Wrath" as one of the best material I have recorded with the band, but "The Ancient Returns" required much more. An actual line - up to achieve a solid result, a proper studio to create a mythical sound and most of all the time to be able to record these anthems in the standard they should be played in. Time also helps in maturing the material so when I went in the studio it was only a matter of a few days to finish the album.

2) Macabre Omen used to be a two piece band hailing from Hellas (Rhodes) now it`s only yourself and I have also read that you have relocated to the UK, provide us with the history of the band up to date.

Indeed, the band has been mine since the late 90s and it still is mine. Everything is supervised by The One but I shall keep the same line up on the album for future recordings as they are true MACABRE OMEN supporters since day one.

3) Tell us about 'the Ancient Returns' how where the recordings for the album? Where it was recorded and how many days it took until completion, are you satisfied with the final results?

It was recorded in Northern Italy in a quality studio with Gionata (HANDFUL OF HATE / FROSTMOON ECLIPSE) on drums and Claudio (FROSTMOON ECLIPSE / AERE AETERNUS) on second guitars. The result is indeed satisfactory, the whole project took just 4 days to complete with no rehearsals. My only concern on the album sound is the mediocre reverb I had in my hands at the time and some mastering issues. But as I said before I shall keep this line - up for any forthcoming assaults.

4) You re also the one man behind the black metal band called 'The One' and you have also performed with 'Archaicus' (their demo Beneath the Horizon is one of my all time fav) tell us about it.

THE ONE is indeed my creation and there is a lot more to be heard from this unearthly horde. ARCHAICUS I have just sessioned once at a gig, nothing more. Other projects of mine include the claustophobic dark ambient noise project called AERE AETERNUS with members of FROSTMOON ECLIPSE and CHEMIN DE HAINE. Album out by end of this pathetic year!

5) Tell us about the main musical differences between 'The One' and 'Macabre Omen'.

Very different yet so similar. Usually black metal projects involving the same individual sound the same. But not my material, this will never happen. I would say that lyrically both acts have the same concept yet presented differently while musically the main difference is that THE ONE is more raw and unorthodox while MACABRE OMEN has an epic mythical sound. Very grande indeed...

6) You re also the owner of Demonion Productions is that right? Any new releases?

Four VARATHRON albums out on tape version and the MACABRE OMEN / ORDER OF THE EBON HAND split 7". Total underground! No jewish money loving behaviour. When I started off ISO 666 half a decade ago the whole thing turned sour when the person I thought off to be a comrade turned into a Jewish money loving asswipe. Total destruction!

7) Are you in contact with any bands from the Hellenic scene or the BM scene in general?

The One used to be in contact with the whole Hellenic black metal scene but this is not the case anymore. I have absolutely no interest in that anymore, I cannot trust anyone after what my eyes have seen and my instinct has proven. I prefer to do things by my own and keep myself to myself. I am only in contact with NOCTERNITY at present whom along with MACABRE OMEN I consider as the truest of Hellenic black metal hordes at present!

8) What's your source of inspiration and your influences for writing music? I have noticed references to the traditional Hellenic BM sound as well as a strong Bathory feeling especially in 'The Ancient Returns'.

The references thou hath noticed are the black metal I grew up with. This modern NORMA - KULT crap that has come forth in recent months is not what I consider as true black metal. So I stick to what represents me and always in the war inspired way MACABRE OMEN has established throughout the years. My music is also being created through my travelling. I have seen many a places around the world and the power coming forth from these landscapes / historical monuments etc does in fact play a serious part in my music. Half the MACABRE OMEN album for instance has been inspired by Japanese landscapes... Places like Koyasan and its 300.000 tombstones and the mysterious Mount Fuji have contributed in both my lyrical and musical aspects. With THE ONE it is a different story as the whole album was created through total isolation and starvation. Generally speaking, by putting the body into several experiences The One is able to create different sounds. It has always been like this. It will always be like this.

9) Is there any new Macabre Omen album in the plans for the near future?

Most definitely. In fact the album is currently being created in this brain of mine and should be unleashed sometime by the end of the year 2006 A.B. I said it before and I will say it again. No numerous releases from my projects. Just an album every 2 - 3 years but that album will be a remarkable achievement. A milestone.

10) What s your attitude towards the National Socialist Black Metal scene that seems to rise in Eastern Europe in particular, do you believe that politics should stay out of black metal? Any bands that you appreciate from the NSBM scene?

It does not affect me and I do not have a problem with it. I am of the belief that everything on this earth is here for a reason and this "extreme" political gathering has the purpose to keep a balance between normality and abnormality. I am just not part of it and not only National Socialism but anything that has to do with human gatherings, social events, groups, circles and so forth. They are all here for a reason, to keep a balance and create war and casualties. The One has his own values that can be found somewhere far above any humanitarian way of living. There are a lot of NSBM hordes that I appreciate.

11) Do you consider Macabre Omen as an NSBM band in a way?

I am not part of any movement and NSBM is a movement. I am not against it but one shall not find me close to things like these. There are some values that represent me but I am not spending a minute participating in anything that has to do with human needs. I shall fight for my own values by myself and as long humans do not stand in front of me then so be it. Anyone that will block my path in any way will be eradicated. No discrimination...

12) What's your religious and political ideology? In your opinion what should be done with the immigration problem we so greatly have in all countries in Europe, should Turkey enter the European Union?

Both are very interesting subjects so I do my best to stand aside from such social humanitarian issues. These are issues that will always bother humans so by keeping a certain distance I can let the scum slaughter themselves in physical and non physical means and have myself bursting in laughter from upon high. I do have views on both subjects but one will not see me trying to manipulate humans into my beliefs. Let them desecrate each other as previously stated. Immigration is indeed a big problem, probably the biggest problem facing Europe at present. As for Turkey joining the EU it is something that should never take place.

13) The Epilogue belongs to you…

...and so does victory. Victory belongs to the brave.

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