Interview

Arrayan Path Discusses New Album "Chronicles Of Light"

Arrayan Path - champion of the Cyprus metal scene - is about to unleash fifth full-length album "Chronicles Of Light" through Pitch Black Records.

We just premiered the full album two days ahead of time, and also checked in with the band to get more background on this latest power metal opus came together.

Below you can find out about the band's choice of cover tunes, info on a secret link to a song not on the regular album, and how "Chronicles Of Light" shifted away from the typical ancient history concept to a more varied release.

xFiruath: It's been a few years since “IV: Stigmata” was released – what has the band been up to in the mean time?

I think after 3 albums in 3 years we deserved a bit of a break. So basically, we took a year off and then we took our time to compose and record a new album (or two). Personally, I participated in a few albums as a guest, plus a mini tour with Warlord. So I would say, that the band may have taken a break but not me haha!! Actually our bass player got into producing and mixing so he’s been busy as well.

xFiruath: Let's dive into the recordings – how did that all go down?

The drum recordings took place in Maranis studios in Germany, while rhythm guitars were finalized in Thessaloniki Greece. All the rest was done in our bass player’s home studio (Play on Ten studios). It was a really laid back process, unlike other albums. Especially for the guitars we really took our time. I would say that the biggest problem we had to overcome was the technical problems we had to face with recording in different studios and sending the files to our engineer in Germany. We also dealt with some export problems resulting to our drummer recording the drums on the actual demo mp3 instead of the exported guitars! But other than that it was a good experience and we really enjoyed producing the vocals ourselves this time.

xFiruath: How has the music changed this time around and what will remain familiar for long time fans of the band?

We didn’t stray too far from the path that we were following for the last album but we wanted to make catchier songs. My thoughts were, “I want to make every chorus of every song memorable.” One thing that is really different from the last album is the guitars. They are more modern and heavy whilst “Stigmata” sort of had a dirtier sound overall. But I think every album that we make falls under an “Arrayan Path prism,” certain melodies or things we do in the songs that betray our identity and probably there’s that familiar sound that you can even find in our debut album. I feel it’s still there.

xFiruath: I saw you decided to do a pop song cover of "The Sign of the Scorpio" by Stefanos Korkolis. What made you choose that track, and how did you go about turning into it an Arrayan Path song?

Well it’s not really a pop song. I think even the original song has a rock feel to it. And that’s why we did not change anything regarding the way it is played (well except the heavier guitars). This is a song I used to love during the 90’s and the composer/singer of the original song is one of the most talented musicians in Europe. I think what turned it into an Arrayan Path song is our personal touch and the way we play/sing.

xFiruath: Will there be different versions of the album available, and if so what will be different on each format?

I know that besides the physical version (CD), there will be the digital download of course and something extra that will be announced in the near future. The song “Scorpio” will be a CD only track and the CD will also contain the link to another hidden song!

xFiruath: Other than the cover song, what's happening as far as lyrics and themes on this album?

Pretty much everything! We did not make a concept album this time although we did decide to make more “positive” music while on the previous album there was a certain dark feeling in the atmosphere. So the first two songs continue on the biblical issues like on the previous album, then we have different stories like Genghis Khan and El Greco and of course some personal songs, personal experiences and a couple of songs I wrote for my two daughters.

xFiruath: Will there be a music or lyric video released off this album, and if so can you fill me in a bit on the recording or creation of those videos?

Yes I think there will be at least one video for this album. We have decided on the song but we are not in a hurry to do it. It will definitely come out after the release of the album. And yes, probably at some point there will be a lyric video too.

xFiruath: Who crafted the artwork and what's going on there in regards to how it connects with the music?

This was designed by a Brazilian called Caio Caldas. The funny thing is that for the first time there is absolutely no connection to the music! Our love for ancient Greece is still there although there is not a single song on the album referring to ancient Greece. Let’s say that we are paving the way for our next album! (wink wink)

xFiruath: What's happening for metal in Cyprus lately?

Not much is happening actually. Regarding foreign bands that come to the island, well maybe one or two every year! As far as our own bands, there is definitely some talent out there but there’s not much you can do in this country. There are not many fans here so that means you can only play 2 or 3 (the most) times per year locally. We have a festival called Power Of The Night and it is actually the only beam of light coming out of the nothingness of the scene haha! The guys organizing it give their best effort to make it more professional every year and some great bands have played at this festival. As for bands, I think most of the “big” bands in the island have put out a record this year but I only heard the new Blynd and it was awesome!

xFiruath: Anything else you'd like to say?

We want to thank you for featuring our album and we hope you’ll enjoy it! Play it loud!