1. Hello, please introduce yourself to the readers.
I am Kostas B, creator of the one-man Black Metal band APOCALYPTIC LEADERS. Greetings from Greece.
2. At what age did you discover black and extreme metal in general? What is it about these genres that drew you in?
Black Metal for me began when I heard Bathory’s album Blood Fire Death in 1988. What drew me to this music were the truly fast guitars with icy riffs, the eerie vocals and the overall atmosphere that exists in this style of extreme music.
3. Who were the first bands and artists that you discovered? Who are some of the current bands that you have been listening to?
Besides Bathory, the first bands I discovered were Mayhem, Darkthrone and Emperor in the early ’90s.
Lately, I listen a lot to the entire second wave of Black Metal, as well as newer bands such as Mgła, Groza, Lamp of Murmuur and Hulder.
4. When did you first become interested in writing and performing music? What was the first instrument you learned to play? Are you self-taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?
The first instrument I learned was electric guitar. I started playing on my own and some friends who were in bands also showed me things.
I took guitar lessons from time to time, but I can say that I am mostly self-taught.
5. What instruments do you currently play? Are there instruments that you would like to learn to play soon?
At the moment I play guitars, bass, a bit of keyboards/synth and a bit of drums.
In the future, I would like to properly learn drums, but it’s difficult due to lack of time and it also requires space at home.
6. Kostas, you started Apocalyptic Leaders in 2017. What gave you the idea to start this band? Are you satisfied with how things have gone over the years? How did you choose the name?
I started APOCALYPTIC LEADERS in 2017. In previous years I played in various bands, from punk to extreme metal, but something always happened and we broke up due to musical differences. I decided to create something of my own without other members and to make all the decisions myself regarding my music. That’s how Apocalyptic Leaders was born.
I am truly happy with the response from the audience since the first releases and I believe everything is continuing very well.The name was influenced by horror movies with zombies and survival situations, as well as real-life conditions, where people suffer under leaders who start wars for no reason, causing innocent lives to be lost.
7. Who would you say are the band’s biggest influences? How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
My influences come from the second wave of Black Metal, as well as ’80s metal like Merciful Fate, Venom, Slayer, Black Sabbath, and Bathory.
I would describe my music as Apocalyptic Black Metal with atmospheric elements, but also thrash and speed influences, with blast beats that create a sense of tension, melody, survival and reaction.
8. You are a one-man band. Did you always plan to work alone? Would you consider collaborating in the future?
Yes, I am the sole member of the band. I started it that way and I think I don’t want to collaborate with other musicians. I don’t want to dilute what I have created with other people’s ideas - it is a personal matter, even down to the production.
9. If you had the opportunity to work with any musician, who would you choose?
Definitely with someone from Darkthrone - probably Fenriz (laughs). I believe we would match well in writing music and I respect him a lot.
10. Your latest full-length, Tenebris Nox Immortuae—how long did it take to complete? How long does it usually take to write a song?
The album Tenebris Nox Immortuae took about six months to complete, including music and production.
A song can take me around two days to write, depending on inspiration. Many times I finish the music first and based on the feeling it gives me, I then write the lyrics and vocals.
11. Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics? What themes are explored on the new release?
The lyrics often deal with paranormal phenomena, other times they have an anti-Christian theme, focusing on making your own decisions without being influenced by any religion.
On the new album, these themes of religious obscurantism are present - for example the title track reflects this. “Verge of Madness” refers to the final moments in the life of a mentally unstable killer, while “Skin Torn by Razors” is based on a true story about an abbess in Greece in the previous century who murdered young nuns using poison.
12. Are your previous releases still available for purchase?
Yes, many of my releases are available on my Bandcamp and on each album there are links so that any fan can purchase it from the label.
There are also some releases that are sold ou and this is updated both on my Bandcamp page and on Instagram.
Tenebris Nox Immortuae https://war-productions.org/product/apocalyptic-leaders-tenebris-nox-immortuae/
Egatalipsi - Evil Dead
https://ratcovenant.bandcamp.com/album/rat-220-egatalipsi-evil-dead
13. What does Black Metal mean to you?
Black Metal for me is a way of expression, reaction and freedom.
We listen to what we truly like and I’m glad that not every music listener can appreciate it - it’s for the few.
14. Are you involved in any other bands or projects?
I also have another personal project called EGATALIPSI, where the songs are shorter in duration - a mix of Black Metal, Punk and Crust Punk elements.
In general, I collaborate with two bands from Sweden, THYMATA and GRIMTONE, where I do the vocals and write the lyrics. Behind these bands, the main musician is Michael, who is also a good friend.
Recently, a split album featuring THYMATA, GRIMTONE and KRUZIFIX was released by Warproductions.
15. Thank you for your time. Do you have any final words for the readers?
I would like to thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to talk about my band and the music I love and believe in - Black Metal.
I wish everyone good health, to do what they believe in and to make their dreams come true. Stay true to Underground Black Metal.
Greetings from Greece, my brothers
Respectfully,
Kostas B
Apocalyptic Leaders
Band Links https://apocalypticleaders.bandcamp.com/merch https://www.facebook.com/apocalypticleaders/ https://www.instagram.com/apocalypticleaders/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbR8fZ8PXbaB4Q_CpAG2_Hg