Crimson Moon: How did the band get started?
Peter P.: ORRA (ΩЯRΑ) formed in the fall of 2019.We were previously in other bands and projects and have co-existed in some of them throughout the years. So, we kept in contact and when it came down to find new members for ORRA we knew where to search.
Crimson Moon: What kind of music do you play?
Peter P.: This is always tough to describe but we could say it is based in Hard and Heavy Rock Music combining complex, multi-layered arrangements, a psychedelic atmosphere, symphonic elements as well as more straight forward and melodic stuff.
Crimson Moon: How has the fan response been?
Peter P.: So far it has been great but Unbounded is our first release and our fan base keeps growing.
Crimson Moon: Where did the band name come from?
Peter P.: The name ΩЯRΑ is actually a paraphrase of the Greek word ΩΡΑ (time). It is written with two Rs, one looking to the left and the other to the right, symbolizing the past and the future.
Crimson Moon: Introduce the band members.
Peter P.: Guitars-Keyboards
Minornoiser: Bass on “Unbounded” album, also performed:
William V. Baldo: Drums-Percussion and Vasilis Axiotis: Vocals (session)
Crimson Moon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
Peter P.: Just one release. “Unbounded” is our debut album.
Crimson Moon: Tell me about some of the songs on the latest CD?
Peter P.: There are 6 songs on “Unbounded”. The opening song “Prometheus Unbound” is a trilogy based in Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Prometheus Unbound” which is a four-act lyrical drama(An adaptation of Aeschylus’ myth).It is concerned with the torments of the Greek mythological figure Prometheus, who defies the gods and gives fire to humanity, for which he is subjected to eternal punishment and suffering. Musically it is a very demanding piece of Music, with many changes, odd meters, an overall obscure atmosphere, and multilayered arrangements.” In Pulse” is the first song we put together as a band and is somehow a “blueprint” of our sound with also some powerful lyrics etc. Then there is ‘The Revenant” a more straight-forward heavy rocking song which lyrically re-tells the famous story of Jekyll and Hyde.” Redemption” and “In Time” are 2 melodic, down tempo songs which stand in contrast to “Modus Hex” a trilogy, probably the most demanding, obscure, and crazy piece of the album which is also the last one. It is concerned with the “adventures” of a Magician, a mythical, fantasy figure.
Crimson Moon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
Peter P.: Our main composer is Peter (Guitar). He also writes the lyrics. Then all of us handle the arrangements.
Crimson Moon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Peter P.: Lyrically, we draw ideas and inspiration from various subject areas (imaginary and “real”) combining different techniques (allegory, ambiguity, etc.)
Crimson Moon: Has the Covid Pandemic impacted the band at all?
Peter P.: It was easy with covid, in terms of creativity and we had the chance to be artistically focused without any restrictions in terms of preparing or recording our music. We tried to Turn Negative Thoughts Into Positive Actions.
Crimson Moon: Do you have any side projects?
Peter P.: Yes, we are. They include classical as well as more experimental-electronic styles of Music.
Crimson Moon: What is the music scene like where you guys are from?
Peter P.: Well, we come from Greece, which has built a strong and established extreme Metal scene. And there are also some individual cases of good musicians and bands, but it takes more than that to establish a scene. The majority prefers traditional, ethnic, and folk styles of Music. Change does not come easy.
Crimson Moon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Peter P.: We have a wide range of influences, which covers almost all styles of Rock Music, as well as other genres (orchestral, symphonic, experimental, etc.) From Wagner to Pink Floyd, from Metallica to Rush, from Black Sabbath to Mozart and everything in between…
Crimson Moon: What is the band like when you play live?
Peter P.: Alive, Unbounded, and non-downloadable!
Crimson Moon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
Peter P.: Yes, we did in the past, with other bands and ensembles. But as far as ORRA, no, not yet. We are looking forward to, though.
Crimson Moon: Do you do anything special warm-ups you do before you play live?
Peter P.: It depends on the conditions. It is usually a mix of relaxing, warm-up exercises, meditation, and drinking.
Crimson Moon: What made you want to be in this band?
Peter P.: An artistic freedom that we had some trouble finding in previous bands. Also, a different mentality and ability.
Crimson Moon: If you weren’t in this band would you still be involved in the music industry?
Peter P.: Yes, Music never stops for us.
Crimson Moon: As a musician what advice can you give to fellow musicians just starting out?
Peter P.: Trying to be original, find your own voice because your music is an extension of yourself. Practice, be patient and always keep it fun! It is all about evolving, moving forward.
Crimson Moon: What does the future hold for the band?
Peter P.: Who can tell? “Wait for the wisest of all counselors, time.”
Contact them at:
https://www.facebook.com/ORRA-band-101574509134682
https://orraband.bandcamp.com/album/unbounded
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0p_Nh9zOLp9Lh4Bl5MLSQw
ORRA-THE REVENANT(Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sAUihGvvPo
