Scorpio: Hello! Please tell us the history of OUT OF THE LAIR.
Spyros: Hi, The MetalList and readers. OUT OF THE LAIR was formed back in 1995 under the name WOLVERINE. After some gigs, recordings, and line-up changes, the band now consists of: Spyros V. (guitars, vocals), Dim (guitars), George Kantzios (bass) & Dionysis Nikolaidis (drums). This has been the line-up for 2 years, and we've played with CANDLEMASS, EVERGREY, SENTENCED, NEVERMORE, ROTTING CHRIST, PRIMORDIAL, etc. With this line-up, the debut CD "Psychotears" was recorded in 2003.
Scorpio: Your debut album "Psychotears" is self-released — are you rich guys?
Spyros: No, we just worked hard to make some money so we could make this dream come true.
Scorpio: Can you tell us how much it costs to release an album in Greece?
Spyros: Don't ask us. Contact studios and labels about that. It depends on the length of the CD, the musicians, and many other factors...
Scorpio: Have you contacted any labels?
Spyros: We have contacted some labels and we're still waiting for some answers. After all of them have responded, we should be able to choose the one that's best for us.
Scorpio: Whose idea was it to include the multimedia section on the CD?
Spyros: George had the idea. We all agreed and started thinking about the content. With the multimedia section, it's very easy for anyone with a PC to get to know the band, listen to the songs, and watch some videos without needing to go online for all that.
Scorpio: You did it yourselves. Are your jobs related to web design and programming?
Spyros: Yep, I'm in web design. I can handle some HTML, PHP, Macromedia Flash, and some photo processing programs. I'm the one who made OUT OF THE LAIR's website too. (outofthelair.com, currently offline due to server problems)
Scorpio: You also pay a lot of attention to presenting your work: professionally printed flyers, press releases, ad posters. Do you think this is really that necessary?
Spyros: Nowadays, with technology and media proliferating, some promotional efforts are necessary. We think our music deserves that kind of promotion.
Scorpio: Can you describe the concept of your cover art and who did it?
Spyros: Chris "magbox" Karietis is the designer of the main artwork (cover, leaflet, etc.). The illustrations were made by Fani, inspired by the lyrics of some songs. The logo and some trademarks were designed by Chris Matzieris. We think Chris did a very good and professional job for us. He understood what we had in mind. The cover describes our music. It's twisted enough — it's good and evil at the same time, it has something of vampires, tears, fear; in general terms, it's a "psychotears" cover.
Scorpio: Sakis from ROTTING CHRIST took part in the recordings of "Psychotears". Are you good friends?
Spyros: We've known Sakis for some time. After coming to our studio and listening to us, he agreed to help with some vocals. He's very professional, friendly, and sociable. He's a great singer and we really thank him for his contribution.
Scorpio: Another well-known Greek band, SEPTIC FLESH, split up last year. What do you think about this sad event?
Spyros: We've known SEPTIC FLESH personally. They're nice guys and excellent musicians. We're very sad they split up. Their music was great. We hope that someday they'll reunite and write some more great songs.
Scorpio: What studio do you dream of recording an album at?
Spyros: Our own studio.
Scorpio: Don't you plan to include more black metal vocals in your songs, like on Nosferatu?
Spyros: Including more black vocals isn't in the plans. We might do that, we might not. Some new songs we've written do have some black vocals, but none of them feature black vocals exclusively.
Scorpio: Are you proud to live in a country like Greece, a country with such a rich history, the country of Homer?
Spyros: Homer is probably not a relative of mine. Also, Homer's grandfather may have been illiterate. I don't think of myself as an offspring of ancient Greece. My great-great-great grandfather may not have been born in Greece, and my great-great-great grandmother may have been from Zimbabwe. I judge people by their mind and their behaviour, not by the country they come from. I do like living in Greece, though.
Scorpio: What can you say about your native city, Thessaloniki?
Spyros: It's a very nice city. Very friendly and with a low level of crime. Thessaloniki also has very good-looking women and great food. There are also many good heavy metal bands, and some really nice gigs take place here. It's worth paying a visit. More info about Thessaloniki on the internet.
Scorpio: Wishes to your fans and our readers:
Spyros: We'd like to wish all of you happy listening of our debut CD "Psychotears". To learn more about the band, visit www.outofthelair.com. We'd also like to thank The MetalList for this interview and for supporting us. Stay metal, bros.