SOTIRIS VAYENAS

SEPTICFLESH

In the next part of The Ten Commandments we have Sotiris Vayenas presenting his music types. Violinist by education, guitarist and vocalist by profession. Associated mainly with names such as SEPTICFLESH and CHAOSTAR, also known from his cooperation with RAISM and DANSE MACABRE. As he describes himself – enthusiast for dreamy melodies and esthetic harmony. However, above all – passionate music lover.

I. BLACK SABBATH- „Black Sabbath”
I’ve been listening to it just a moment ago and I felt exactly the same as when this album touched me for the first time. Amazing experience! For me it’s a Fucking Metal Bible! I can’t imagine somebody calling himself a metalhead not knowing this album by heart.





II. IRON MAIDEN- „Number Of The Beast”
I love old MAIDEN releases but I have a special sentiment for this album. It’s a masterpiece, you won’t find there a single poor note! For me, as a heavy playing fan, everything started from BLACK SABBATH but IRON MAIDEN directly inspired me to start playing on my own. All those “double melodies”, the way of playing the guitar, the structures of compositions made me not only listen to music but also analyze it. It let me notice many things about which I’ve never had any idea before. This album is a cult for me!

III. MERCYFUL FATE- „Don't Break The Oath”
As far as I remember it was the first album on which I heard King Diamond’s voice. As most of the people having to do with this phenomenon for the first time, I was in a complete, total, absolute shock! It was as if you heard a singing ghost! I fell to my knees and I’m falling till now! It’s a pure black metal for me, its gloomy dark feeling can’t be compared to any of contemporary released albums. The True Fucking Black Metal is just MERCYFUL FATE on „Don't Break The Oath”!


IV. CELTIC FROST- „Into The Pandemonium”
I have a great, great sentiment for this album. I decided to place it here also because it’s the most experimental stuff in Swiss’ career and I’ve always liked such excesses. Of course I love all the albums of CELTIC FROST but “Into The Pandemonium” has always been like a herald of coming Apocalypse for me. Seriously, when listening to it I thought that the world would stop existing in a moment (laugh). The album, very inspirational indeed, is a badge of CELTIC FROST’s maturity for me. We play how we want and what we want. You don’t like it? Fuck off!! I’m impressed with such attitude to some matters...

V. BASIL POLEDOURIS- „Conan The Barbarian”
One of the most precious pearls in my album collection. I love film music and I’m proud that one of the best soundtracks in the history of contemporary cinema was created by my compatriot – the great Basil Poledouris. It’s an epic masterpiece with many features of Greek tradition cleverly intertwined into structure (laugh). This album lets you physically feel what the Proud and Strength is.



VI. BATHORY- „Under The Sign Of The Black Mark”
Although Quorthon wasn’t the best musician in the world, he created several best black metal compositions in the history of extreme music. „Under The Sign Of The Black Mark” almost abounds in such gems. When I first heard it, it struck me so much that I was speechless with surprise. I didn’t think that it’s possible to play faster and more brutal than SLAYER till that moment. BATHORY proved that nothing is impossible.



VII. SLAYER- „Reign In Blood”
Of course I had to do justice to the Gods (laugh). SLAYER is the best thrash band in the history of metal and it’ll remain unchanged. I don’t have to explain their presence on this list. Simply, because it’s SLAYER.






VIII. FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM- „Elizium”
Now here’s something strange or at least different from the other albums which have appeared here. I’ve always loved esoteric music and “Elizium” is in my opinion the album exhausting the subject. I was so much soaked through with this spirit, both musically and lyrically, that this fascination very often gave its way in SEPTIC FLESH. Actually, that’s the way it goes till now.



IX. DEAD CAN DANCE- Towards The Within
I love the works of DEAD CAN DANCE for the same reasons that I love Carl McCoy. Magic in its pure form! Although first alternative releases of Lisa and Brendan don’t appeal me, all that they created later enchants me. I mean their cultural receptivity, instrumental variety, remarkable Lisa’s voice... „Towards The Within” is not only the best works of DEAD CAN DANCE gathered in one pill. It’s also an example of how perfect, magic atmosphere you can create during a concert. Something unusual!


X. VENOM- „Black Metal”
I’ve never treated this album seriously. Ghastly sound, horrible musicians’ skills, raw and crude compositions. But despite this, parties accompanied by the music of this band - playing disharmoniously but awesome energetically - were always a great fun. And that’s why I’ll always love VENOM!





CV:
Real Name: Sotiris Vayenas
Stage name: Sotiris V.
Function: guitar, vocal
Associated: SEPTICFLESH, CHAOSTAR, RAISM, DANSE MACABRE, AENAOS