1. What is your Band Name? Abyssus
2. To kick things off: Tell our audience a bit about the origin story of your Band.
The band was founded by me back in 2011. A year later, Panos joined on rhythm guitar, and since then the band has carried on—despite several lineup changes over the years—releasing a steady stream of EPs and split releases in between our two full-length albums, Into the Abyss (2015) and Death Revival (2022). That brings us to the present day, just before the release of our third full-length album, The Reign. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with bands we have always admired and respected, such as ASPHYX, POSSESSED, ROTTING CHRIST, GRAVE DIGGER, PESTILENCE, DEAD CONGREGATION, SUICIDAL ANGELS, AURA NOIR, SINISTER, TANKARD, and many more.
3. If you had to describe the sound of your Band to someone who hasn’t heard you yet: What would you say?
I would describe our music as traditional old-school death metal in the spirit of the genre’s golden era, enriched with strong thrash metal influences and other elements.
4. How has the songwriting evolved with the band over the years? What does that process look like for you lately?
So far, Panos and I have been the band’s only songwriters. We either come up with individual riffs or complete song ideas, then we get together to discuss, arrange, and shape the music until it reaches its final form. Once the music is completed, I take over the lyrical side and write the lyrics. During rehearsals, the songs may still go through a few additional changes before they’re considered finished
5. What was the inspiration for your band name? What meaning does it have behind it?
From the very beginning, I wanted a band name that was straightforward and instantly meaningful—something that anyone could understand, a word or phrase with a universal feel regardless of language. One day I came across the Latin phrase Abyssus Abyssum Invocat from the Book of Psalms, which translates as “Deep calls unto deep.” It immediately caught my attention, and I decided to adopt Abyssus as the band’s name. It felt dark, powerful, and undeniably metal.
6. What are some of the recurring themes or messages you find yourself exploring in your lyrics?
For both me and the band, the lyrical aspect has always been just as important as the music itself. We don’t see lyrics as something secondary—they carry equal weight. Our songs often deal with war and its horrors, sometimes drawing inspiration from real historical events and famous battles. I also write about historical and fictional characters, while embracing classic metal themes such as sorcery, murder ect. At the same time, many of our lyrics reflect personal emotions, inner struggles, and thoughts about the human condition.
7. What is one song you’ve written that you feel captures the absolute core identity of the band?
If I had to pick one song that best represents where the band stands today while still staying true to our roots, it would be “The Meaning of Pain.”
8. Do you find your energy translates better in an intimate club style venue or a massive festival setting?
Every stage has its own charm, atmosphere, and unique character, but if I’m being completely honest, I still prefer playing clubs. That’s where I believe death metal truly belongs. The connection with the audience is more direct, the energy is more intense, and the whole experience feels much more authentic.
9. Which show performance stands out as your all time favorite? is there a specific reason?
he most memorable show of our career would have to be our performance with Possessed in Athens. We were the only support band that night, playing in front of a packed venue. At that point, we were still relatively unknown, but that show really established us in the eyes of the Greek metal audience. What made it even more special was the reaction of the guys in Possessed themselves. They told us they were genuinely impressed, saying we were the best support band they had throughout the entire tour. They even shared videos of our performance on their social media, which meant a lot to us. Looking back, that show felt like a real milestone—a moment of validation that all the hard work had been worth it.
10. Which Artists or Band inspired you to be in a Band?
I honestly can’t name just one band. There are simply too many. From Black Sabbath to Obituary, and from Manilla Road to Immortal, every one of them has left its mark on me. After all, what teenager discovers this kind of music and doesn’t dream of picking up a guitar and playing like his heroes?
11. If you could sit down and collaborate with any Artist or Band right now, who would be at the top of your list and Why?
Since Chuck Schuldiner and Lemmy are sadly no longer with us, I’d say I’d love to share the stage with either Slayer or Bolt Thrower. Both bands have had a massive influence on me and on the way I approach heavy music.
12. What’s the current Pulse of the Metal Scene from your perspective?
I think the metal scene is in a healthy place right now. There are countless talented bands releasing great music, and thanks to the internet it’s easier than ever to discover them. On the other hand, that also means the scene is oversaturated. Every week dozens of new albums are released, making it difficult for bands to stand out. That said, there’s definitely a lot of momentum in the scene. New bands continue to emerge with excellent releases, while many veteran acts are still proving they have plenty to offer. Bands like Asphyx, Vomitory, and many others continue to release outstanding albums, showing that old-school metal is as vital and inspired as ever.
13. Are there any endorsements or gear brands you’re currently working with that you’d like to shout out?
No, unfortunately not yet.
14. What does your tour calendar look like? Any big shows or festivals we should be made aware of?
Right now, we’re eagerly awaiting the release of our new album. To celebrate it, we’ve already lined up a major release show in Athens alongside Pestilence and Dead Congregation, and we’re really looking forward to that night. We also recently wrapped up a mini-tour across the Balkans, taking us through several countries before reaching Austria. It was a great experience and another chance to bring our music to new audiences, something we always enjoy doing
15. What is your very first Metal album you ever bought ?
Black Sabbath – Paranoid
16. What was the very first metal concert you ever went to?Â
Iron Maiden, Athens, 1999 (when Bruce Dickinson returned)
17. Where’s the best place for fans to keep up with you and dive into your community online?
On our facebook page or through e-mail at: abyssus_gr@hotmail.com
