Interviews: Apotheus

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band Apotheus from Portugal. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

Back in 2008, we were looking for a “big” name. Something that could resonate with people, but still describe our sound fairly accurately. We came up with “Apotheus”, which is a made-up word by combining “Apotheosis” (the elevation of someone to divine status) and “theos” (Latin for gods). The fact that our latest stories and lore revolve around these concepts, is probably not a coincidence. The name is something we’re very happy with, and already a part of our identity, for sure.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

From the beginning, we were passionate about music and metal. Over the years, we found that our passion for story-telling could be integrated with our band to provide another dimension to it. Isaac Asimov was probably the main literary influence. In short, we feel that we have something interesting to show and tell the world. We want to leave our little mark on this work.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Not everyone. Daniel and Luis joined us a few years after the band formed. (Miguel) and Albano are the only founding members in the band who knew each other before. We know each other very well at this point. Feels like we’ve known each other forever. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

This is never an easy question. We can only tell our current favorites/the ones we listen to more at the moment. But here it goes:

Miguel - Vola

Luís - Gojira

Albano - Within Temptation

Daniel - Tool

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Since “The Far Star”, we have created our own “universe”, where events happen. We first come up with those events and then we write songs about them. As I mentioned, Isaac Asimov and other sci-fi writers certainly are a big influence on the story side of the sound. Musically, I would say that the story itself is mainly driving the music. But of course, we also draw inspiration from our favorite bands over the years. You are a collection of what you consume.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was at Comendatio Metal Fest, a prog metal fest in Portugal, where we played with Caligula’s Horse, Unprocessed, The Ocean, and others. Amazing gig!

7. Where would you like to act?

The plan is to start nailing the medium-sized metal festivals in Europe. Let us know if we should play at your festival!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Leprous, Tesseract, Vola, Pain of Salvation, Soen, Haken, Opeth, Gojira

9. Whom not?

No one in particular. We can blend in very easily. 

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I think that many people might confuse “stage fright” with just pure adrenaline. If you’re going on a stage and you know you have to give your best, it’s expected (and good) to feel some blood pumping. 

That’s how I know I am still pushing my boundaries. But I do recognise that it is possible for this “fear” to overcome you, which is a bad thing. For that, just rehearse the show until you’re very confident. Believe in your music, and always assume that someone is there to hear you. It will be recognized eventually.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Nowadays, I think Leprous and Tesseract are big influences and very innovative. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Well, not to ask, but we had one guy at one of our gigs who showed up with a haircut with our A logo. That was pretty wild!

13. What do you think of your fans? 

They're the best. Usually, people who appreciate the finer details of our work. It’s so good to be acknowledged like that. Thank you all for your continued support! 

14. What do you think of our site?

Feels very organized and with a lot of great content.

15. Something to add?

We should mention that our new album "Ergo Atlas” is about to be released on October 6. Don’t miss it, as well as our music videos (many more to come). You can also listen to our story audiobooks (narrated by me) for free at thefarstar.apotheus.net. And, of course, stay updated by following us on social media! Thank you breathing the core, for the interview. It was a pleasure.