On the occasion of the recent release of Triumpher’s second album, “Spirit Invictus”, and after its presentation on Forgotten Scroll (here) the time has come for an exclusive interview with Antonis Vailas (Mars Triumph), the frontman and leader of the band. Eight questions, inspired by the eight tracks of the album, whose answers bring us […]
On the occasion of the recent release of Triumpher’s second album, “Spirit Invictus”, and after its presentation on Forgotten Scroll (here) the time has come for an exclusive interview with Antonis Vailas (Mars Triumph), the frontman and leader of the band.
Eight questions, inspired by the eight tracks of the album, whose answers bring us closer to the person leading the band and help us understand the personality required for a recording success akin to Triumpher.
Overture to Elysian
According to our mythology, the Elysian Fields are the blessed, final resting place of heroes in the Underworld, a place of eternal light.
For the artist, that daily hero who saves our souls in a mundane reality, is there perhaps some eternal light that draws and inspires them? Is there such a final destination?
“The Apollonian light is a guide for those who wish to follow it.
Let’s say that artists are the vessels that carry images and divine word to all of us, allowing us to perceive the forces in the earthly realm.
For us, the Hellenic worldview is the starting point of our poetic and musical chariot; we don’t sing about imaginary heroes nor do we compose lazily while seated.
We live by chasing the light in a heroic, adventurous life and invite our audience to unlock their own heroic selves, to undertake heroic acts, to test their limits, defeat death, and become one with the whole.”
Arrival Of The Avenger
Revenge. A theme that often fuels epics and heroic stories. Justice. Honor. Purification. Revenge can serve many purposes. But it can also plunge the one who seeks it into deep, dark places. What is your favorite story of revenge, mythical or real, and why?
“My favorite story of revenge is, of course, the slaying of the suitors, because it is portrayed in all its essence, in a way that will never be bettered.
Let me clarify that I don’t believe in fairy tales of absolute good and evil; everything is a component of cosmic movement, divine forces arrange, and we take our position and make our decision.
So, revenge may hide darkness for those who have committed hubris, but it holds boundless light for those with a just cause.”
Athena (1st Chapter)
The owl of the goddess Athena is both a skilled and deadly hunter and the ancient Greek symbol of wisdom. What does it mean to be wise as a musician? What kind of wisdom is required of a music craftsman?
“I believe that whatever you choose to pursue, you must first be a philosopher.
In the arts, philosophy is the direct connection with the Muses, unlocking the intuitive field so that the musician, for example, can see beyond the perceptible world and bring divine and radiant things into our realm.”
Spirit Invictus
Spirit Invincible. If you had to name the musical, literary, philosophical, or personal sources that inspired and instilled this Spirit when envisioning Triumpher, which would you choose as the most important?
“It’s truly a vast chain of personal experiences, travels, reading, music, and other arts that brought me to the point of shaping TRIUMPHER.
It wouldn’t be fair to mention just a few, but for the sake of brevity, I would refer to the great Vangelis Papathanassiou, who from a young age transported me into the vastness of the universe through his notes, combined with the Homeric epics, Hesiod, the Orphic Hymns, and our heroic history, alongside our beloved, rich Metal music.”
Alexander
Alexander III of Macedon, one of those we call the Great in history. Leader. Frontman. Commander. Is there truly such a figure in a band? Is there someone with this role in Triumpher?
“I am the head of Triumpher and have the role of leader, but comparing any mortal to gods is an act of hubris.
Therefore, I would avoid any such comparison, even in terms of role.”
Shores Of Marathon
“Fighting at the forefront of the Greeks, the Athenians at Marathon laid low the army of the gilded Medes.”
All the wealth of Persia couldn’t secure a victory in that world-altering battle between the two ancient civilizations at Marathon. For five days and nights, the two armies faced each other without attacking. Finally, the Athenians charged.
What is it that makes an artist take that crucial first step, perhaps against gods and demons, to dare to leave their personal mark? What overcomes all hesitation and doubt? And how significant is the factor of funding, considering we’re talking about wealth?
“’Money has one and only value: to buy the ship that will take you to Troy.’ – Marcus Aurelius.
I begin with this powerful statement to emphasize that money has value only insofar as it serves your goals; it can never become an end in itself.
One must dare first, and then the material world will follow, depending on how skillfully you handle it.
In modern society, where wealth and materialism are everything, great battles are seldom won, and emptiness greatly afflicts people.”
Triumpher
Triumph. What is it, really? Do you have an example of a musician or band you believe truly triumphed, and how do you perceive that triumph?
“There are many examples, but I mainly highlight those who started with meager means and triumphed by their own sword.
A local example is my good friend Sakis Tolis, who started from the slums with fire and iron will, and ended up building his own musical ’empire,’ against all odds.
We, as Triumpher, share the same vision with all those who live life intensely and fight to enter the fortress through the main gate as victors.
We don’t seek backdoors or hidden gates to avoid the battle.
Triumph means war, and war is the father and king of all things.”
Hall Of A Thousand Storms
A Thousand Storms. Do difficulties ultimately strengthen or weaken an artist? What you’ve achieved with two consecutive albums in such a short time is a feat in itself. What’s your promise to all the band’s fans, what are your future plans, and what’s the next goal?
“There is no weakening or complacency in the hall of a thousand storms.
The feat is our main purpose, and I can give only one promise: as long as the Gods permit, the movement will be upward.
We thank our already large audience in every corner of the world, who have given tremendous strength to our cause, and we hope to give them at least some of this strength for their own daily feats.”
Thank you very much, Antonis! Please, feel free to close with any final words you wish.
“YOU ARE TRIUMPHER!”