Interviews: SYMAKYA

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Metal/Progressive Metal band SYMAKYA from France. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

It was our singer Kevin who came up with the name SYMAKYA quite early on in the band's history. It came about both unexpectedly and as a matter of course. Symakya is the Greek word for alliance.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

When we started the band it was clear that we wanted to play this type of music. The 3 of us agreed on an aesthetic that would blend heavy metal, power metal, progressive and symphonic music. In fact, it was simply the music we wanted to hear. What could be better than doing it by ourselves?

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

I'd known Kevin for a very long time as our two respective bands (Seyminhol and Elvaron) formed around the same time in the 90s. We were a bit of a competitor, as we played more or less the same style in the same geographical area. Then we were able to do some shows together and in 2007 Kevin came along to do a featuring on Elvaron's album Gravitation Control System. From that moment on we knew we were going to work together on a joint project. We didn't know Thomas, but we met him through mutual friends. As for Julien, our new bass player, we've all known him for quite a long time, as he's played in several heavy metal bands in Lorraine and is one of the region's leading bass players. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

For me, if I had to keep only 1 band, it would be the Canadian trio Rush. Our drummer Thomas is a big fan of Ugly Kid Joe. Kevin, our singer, is still a huge fan of Iron Maiden's early days' records with Bruce Dickinson, from 1983 to 1988. Julien our bass player is still a #1 Metallica fan.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our albums are conceptual. So the first source of inspiration comes from the theme. For our new album, it's the moon. Our singer Kevin has a PhD in history and his concepts are extremely well-researched. So it's History that inspires us in the first instance. We started with the earliest accounts of the moon in ancient times, then went on to the testimony of the monks of Canterbury Abbey about transient lunar phenomena, and on to the space race against the backdrop of the Cold War. Alongside all this, Kevin details each song, allowing me to draw inspiration for the moods and musical direction. As for myself, I have a master's degree in musicology, and I've been able to synthesize my academic knowledge of classical music (analysis, writing, history) to incorporate it into my compositions. Of course, it doesn't stop there, I also draw my inspiration from the music I listen to, whether it's heavy or classical. I'm also very aware of my environment and the geopolitics of our world. I'm also very fond of SF literature and cinema, in all its forms and periods.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was in a French town, in Metz, but that was a very long time ago...

7. Where would you like to act?

There's no limit to where we can perform, no matter what part of the world we're in, as long as it's on a good stage and in good technical and financial conditions. 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We dream of one day performing on the same stage as our heroes: Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. But we have to be realistic, even if other bands like Symphony X, Kamelot, and Dream Theater would be fantastic, we're still lucid.

9. Whom not?

We don't have that kind of thinking, because it all depends on the circumstances. We prefer to share the stage with bands that are close to our aesthetic, but we're not closed in any way.

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

Of course, we've all been there and we still get stage fright before we perform. It's normal when there's something at stake and we want to do things right. A word of advice: be well prepared, both mentally and physically, know your songs, trust your partners, breathe, and let yourself be carried away by the music while remaining focused.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The inspirations are quite vast, covering 50 years of music. I'm a big fan of Rush and their music has always been with me since I was a kid, of course subconsciously that can be felt in my writing. Of course, the classics Iron Maiden and Judas Priest come to mind. I'm also very inspired by bands like Kamelot, Symphony X, Sons Of Apollo, Dream Theater, and Fates Warning.

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

We recently had a fan ask us to star in our new video and we agreed.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are very grateful to them because they have been both loyal and faithful. They had to wait 13 long years to hear this second album. And for that, we thank them warmly.

14. What do you think of our site?

Your website is very intuitive and well-organized. It has everything you'd expect from a good media outlet for our favorite genre.

15. Something to add?

Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to present ourselves on Breathing The Core. We hope your followers will check out our music and videos, and why not buy our new album Project 11: the landing?