By Nicholas Jason Lopez
On May 5, 2020, Athens, Greece-based act Moaning Silence released their latest album ‘A Waltz Into Darkness’ via Symmetric Records, only a reminder of their long journey since their 2014 formation.
Described as a combination of elements of acts like My Dying Bride, Sentenced and Anathema, Moaning Silence blends male/female vocals with metal’s more emotional side.
The Music Bugle had the chance to chat with band founder Christos Dounis about ‘A Waltz Into Darkness’ and more.
Music Bugle – How did you guys get your name?
Christos Dounis – The story of the band’s name comes from a card from the famous card game “Magic The Gathering.” There was a haunting figure under the name “Moaning Spirit.” I immediately made a quick search on the internet in order to check if there was a band with this name. Unfortunately, the name was not available, so I changed it a bit to “Moaning Silence.” I have never regretted this decision! It’s this antithesis that I love most. It’s this antithesis that is present in almost all of our songs. Even our new album title, “A Waltz Into Darkness,” is somehow an antithesis. You can’t dance in the darkness! It’s the battle between all of our emotions. Imagine a haunting picture of someone grieving in silence. That’s the atmosphere.
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your album ‘A Waltz Into Darkness’?
Christos Dounis – After 2017’s ‘Fragrances From Yesterdays” EP, I started recording some music ideas, keeping in mind the exact musical direction of our new album. Soon enough, I came up with the perfect title for it, ‘A Waltz Into Darkness.’ Our own existence is like a waltz into darkness, a beautiful dance into the unknown. An expression of sadness with a glimpse of hope, that’s the common idea behind the majority of the tracks. It’s an atmospheric metal album based on the 90’s atmospheric feeling, with some fresh ideas and a very good production.
Music Bugle – What made you want to release “I Am The Sorrow” as a single?
Christos Dounis – “I Am The Sorrow” is a kind of ballad. It consists of all those elements that characterize our music.
Music Bugle – Does social media make it easier or harder to stand out as a band these days?
Christos Dounis – Uploading your music free on social media is quite necessary for the vast majority of bands, especially for the new ones. Many bands present their music only in digital files. That gives you free access to many homes. If the listener is attracted by your music, then yes, give him the chance to pay for it.
Music Bugle – What inspired the artwork for ‘A Waltz Into Darkness’?
Christos Dounis – The cover artwork of our new album, as well as the 2017 EP, is made by John Toussas – Graphic No Jutsu, a good friend and a talented musician – member of Foray Between Ocean and Narcosis – and artist. He managed to put in the canvas all of our thoughts and emotions. It’s haunting!
Music Bugle – What’s the biggest challenge of being in a band with multiple members?
Christos Dounis – Nothing special. Now, we are six members from four! This is really challenging!
Music Bugle – If you had the chance to chat one-on-one with one of your musical influences, who would you choose?
Christos Dounis – I am curious to find out what’s going on in the mind of Aaron Stainthrop of My Dying Bride!
Music Bugle – Looking back, what has been your favorite release?
Christos Dounis – Even though ‘A Waltz Into Darkness’ is our best album until today, our debut album ‘A World Afraid Of Light’ will always be my favorite. Our dream started with this album. It means everything to us.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Athens, Greece to someone who has never been there before?
Christos Dounis – A very beautiful woman dressed in rags.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Christos Dounis – We’re still alive!
