Orion's Reign is one of the bands featured on this March 1st round of Battle of the Bands. The band is based in Athens,Greece. Michael, the band's guitarist, graciously consented to answer some questions I provided to him as well as forward some band photos. The band classifies itself in the genre of symphonic/epic/power heavy metal while much of the thematic content of their lyrics is considered "epic fantasy". Go to you tube and you'll also see a number of Christmas songs performed in their symphonic heavy metal style.
Before you get put off by any of the aforementioned labels, please continue reading the interview below and then listen to some of their music. You may formulate a whole new concept of what this genre of music entails. For those in the know, think Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Listen to one of those Christmas songs and you might be listening to songs of the season all year long! The "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" video is totally fun in a version unlike you've probably ever heard before.
And Now I Give You Orion's Reign
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| Orion's Reign playing their music. Let's meet the band! |
1.) What influenced your decision to record "Fur Elise"?
Most of the members of our band have classical music education and they love composers like Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart etc... Classical music is a very unique and intelligent kind of music and also some scientists claim it improves baby's IQ and human's brain! In our music you can find a lot of parts inspired from classical music, not only regarding the melodies but also the way of composing music. Some people say that heavy metal is the classical music of the 21th century and that if Mozart, Beethoven, Bach etc.. would live in our times they would probably play heavy metal ... So here we are haha! I would also like to point out that "for Elise" is not our first try, we have also recorded a metal version of Vivaldi's summer, that you can watch it on youtube!
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| Band members on the "Fur Elise" film shoot featuring Irinä Alexopoulou as Elise and video by Clement Delerot |
2.) Do any band members have classical music training or any other relevant background regarding classical music?
Yes, as I told you before, most of us have classical education. Our two guitar players and the keyboard player have classical education background (they own some relevant diplomas)
3.) What musical background, experience, or training do the group members have?
All of the band members began to learn music when they were young kids. Back then they attended some music schools and then, during their university studies, they focused on advanced heavy metal techniques and composition. Their university studies have nothing to do with music, but they probably found free time to practice a lot, to form bands and to experiment !
4.) What are some of the biggest influences on your band's music?
Every member of the group has his own favorite kind of music, groups and composers. I would say that the biggest influence of our band is the epic music, enhanced with some power metal and folk characteristics. I can name some composers and groups like Hans Zimmer, Bach, Nightwish, Rhapsody of Fire, Savatage, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen and the list goes on for ever... haha!
5.) Are there any plans to tour North America in the future?
No, there are not any plans for touring North America. We live in Europe (Greece) so it's very difficult for us to afford such an expense.
6.) Upcoming projects (new albums, etc.)
There are a lot of thoughts, but the free time is really too short. We are currently trying to finish our next official album and in the meantime we record some covers for our youtube channel.
Now to Introduce the Members of Orion's Reign:
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| Mike |
Classical, epic, folk music and power metal. Fav bands Iron Maiden, Nightwish, Yngwie Malmsteen, Deep Purple etc..)
Kirk : Keys and orchestra arrangements (main influences: Classical, epic, folk music and power metal. Fav bands Nightwish, Rhapsody of Fire, Luca Turilli, Soundtracks etc..)
Für Elise download: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/orionsreign25
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrionsReign
Are you surprised that this band lists classical music as an influence? Do you associate heavy metal music with classical music? Would you like to see Orion's Reign tour North America?
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Kirk : Keys and orchestra arrangements (main influences: Classical, epic, folk music and power metal. Fav bands Nightwish, Rhapsody of Fire, Luca Turilli, Soundtracks etc..)
Noel: Drums (main influences: New metal, power and progressive metal. Fav bands Amaranthe, Bullet for my Valentine, Iron Maiden, Him, Dragonforce, Kamelot, etc...)
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| Georgeeee |
George: Guitar and bass guitar ( main influences: Classical and power metal. Fav bands Gamma Ray, Dragonforce, Helloween, Symphony X etc..)
Want more info about Orion's Reign? Check out these links for starters and get to know these guys a bit better:
Digital Sales: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/OrionsReign2
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrionsReign
Website: http://www.orionsreign.com
My sincerest thanks to Michael for taking his time to offer this look at Orion's Reign to the readers of Tossing It Out!
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If you have not yet voted on the current Battle of the Bands post please scroll back to my previous post or click here to listen to your options and cast your vote.
Please return to Tossing It Out on Wednesday March 4th to meet the other Battle of the Bands competitor Sebastian Sidi.
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Just from their list of favorite bands and influences, I know I will like more of their music! And with the classical training, I'm sure it has strong echoes of TSO. Thanks for the introduction, Lee. You scored a good one with Orion's Reign!
ReplyDeleteI thought you'd enjoy this band, Alex!
DeleteLee
Wow, Arlee, I actually know of this band! I love their name. And I saw several of thier videos over the Christmas season and was staggered by their performance.
ReplyDeleteLife & Faith in Caneyhead
Their Christmas videos are great fun and probably not what most people might expect from this sort of group. These guys are talented!
DeleteLee
Amaranthe and Symphony X? If they sound like those bands, but husband would like them.
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with most of the bands cited above, but I like the musical style. Have your husband check out some of their YouTube videos--they're good.
DeleteLee
They sure can jump in their picture. lol I'm not surprised they have been trained in the classics. I wish I knew more about music. However, I am a good listener.
ReplyDeleteKnowing more comes from listening more. I grew up with classical music, but after taking some music appreciation classes in college and understanding more about the music and the composers then I began listening with a more educated ear an appreciating what I was hearing. Being a good listener is the biggest step in appreciating music.
DeleteLee
Ann, I was so gonna mention the same thing, Yeah, yeah, music is awesome, but the height they get in that jump is impressive!
ReplyDeleteI've certainly never been able to jump like that!
DeleteLee
Thanks for posting this about them. I did enjoy reading about them and look forward now to checking out more of their songs.
ReplyDeletebetty
enjoy!
DeleteLee
I'm not really surprised about the classical training. At some point in the past I learned that most rock musicians had serious musical education. Looking forward to Wednesday's interview too.
ReplyDeleteI like letting the naysayers of rock music that many of the musicians are very skilled at what they do and knowledgeable about music in general. The members of Orion's Reign are good examples of that.
DeleteLee
Further proof that metal is more than just mashing on a guitar and yelling nonsense into a microphone. It takes real thought, real talent, and often classical training. I don't like a lot of metal, but I do at least respect the hard work that goes into it.
ReplyDeleteMetal runs a lot of musical fans away, but I think it's mostly due to a misunderstanding of what the music entails. Good metal is good music.
DeleteLee
Cool interview! I like the classical influence.
ReplyDeleteAnd as most of my readers know, I'm a big advocate for listening to classical music.
DeleteLee
I think it's important that bands appreciate classical music, no matter what genre they are.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. It's a matter of musical as well as personal betterment.
DeleteLee
I have to check out their music because I like some of their influences.
ReplyDeleteI've liked the songs I've listened too. The Christmas songs are great fun and very well performed.
DeleteLee
A wonderful post Lee right up my street, Loved the interview and their choice of music.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to see that they have their great appreciation for classical music since I've discussed the genre so much on this blog.
DeleteLee
Very cool, LEE, that you have BOTB participants interviewed on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThe last I looked, Orion's Reign seemed to have a sizable lead over their competitor, Mr. Sidi.
I'm not a big Metal fan nowadays because most of it sounds very, very similar to my ears. But I did think OR's did a pretty nice version of the Beethoven classic.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
So far in the comments Orion's Reign is ahead, but there are far many more votes in the poll and Sidi has a lead there. We'll see how it turns out though--this contest is not over by any means.
DeleteLee
Wow! So cool to meet new musicians! Very informative interview.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Heather
Yes, I enjoyed hearing what Michael had to say.
DeleteLee
Really fun that you were able to have an interview with one of your BATTLE participants. I know you had to schedule this in advance, but it would be interesting to see what they have to say about the BATTLE and our comments, or maybe not.
ReplyDeleteI noticed your reply to STMc and realized yesterday that your poll makes it hard to predict this BATTLE. When I voted it said there were over 60 votes, but you didn't have that many comments. I almost warned you of 'voter tampering' until I figured out that some folks, probably newcomers, just voted in the poll and didn't leave a comment.
I'm interested to see how that poll thing works out for you in the end.
Good BATTLE and GREAT follow-up.
Yes, if you have clicked on the View poll results button you can see not only the current tally, but also a number of comments mostly from Sebastian's fans--he's got a solid loyal following. I think many people not familiar with blogs don't know about the commenting or get confused by the process so that's why I wanted to do the poll. I knew both artists had a fan base who would want to show their support.
DeleteMaybe by vote results day we'll hear something from the artists. I know they are following the progress though.
Wait til you see what I have in store for Wednesday!
Lee
I think heavy metal rock fits well with many of the classical music compositions. I thoroughly enjoyed the Fur Elise rendition. Orion's Reign is on my new music listening radar. Thanks for the great interview Lee, and Michael. Nice to meet you and get to know your influences.
ReplyDeleteI've recognized the symphonic elements of metal since I first heard Iron Maiden and other bands. It's such a big sound with power melodies. Thanks for letting Michael (and the other band members) hear your thoughts.
DeleteLee
Lee, this is great! I'll attempt answering your questions.
ReplyDelete1 - Are you surprised that this band lists classical music as an influence? A - I really was, since I have little to no knowledge regarding metal bands. My eyes are open now, and I want to check out those links, you provided.
2 - Do you associate heavy metal music with classical music? A - I have absolutely not before now. Would love to hear the other classical artists Orion's Reign mentioned in the interview.
3 - Would you like to see Orion's Reign tour North America? A - I definitely think there's an audience for them. As for me, I'll be listening to the links to get my own personal take on their other music. I'm usually not a one song follower.
Thank you Lee. Thanks to Orion's Reign.
Thank you for answering the questions with such thoroughness. As you know, I'm all about music education in many of my posts here. When Orion's Reign hits U.S. shores you can say you heard them here at Tossing It Out.
DeleteLee
Hey, you will be making t-shirts, right?
DeleteIf they tour they definitely should. They might have them now. Maybe one of the band members will tell us.
DeleteLee
I actually like what you're doing with this BotB, letting us get to know the groups more. I'm glad I voted prior though, so the interview can't influence my vote.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I got both artists to participate. It's been fun and informative. On Wednesday I'll be doing something I've never done on this blog before. It will be interesting to see what reactions I get.
DeleteLee
It's fantastic how you tied this in with BOTB! Though I voted yesterday, I now have a better appreciation for heavy metal! I'm also impressed that you went the extra mile to showcase both bands so close to A to Z!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Be sure to come back on Wednesday for even more. I've got a surprise tied into Insecure Writer's Support Group.
DeleteLee
I followed the link to their version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and ended up listening to 6 or 7 of their songs. I voted and was a bit surprised at the current tally.
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas songs are great fun. The Orion's Reign fans need to rally to pull the vote ahead in their favor on the poll, but they are doing okay here in the comments.
DeleteLee
Even though I am not a follower of heavy metal I am not surprised by them and other bands who know quite a bit about classical music and have trained in it and appreciate/enjoy this music. Once can hear the classical themes in so many pieces of rock music. It would be nice if they did receive more recognition so they could tour and have the funds to do so. One immediately thinks that all bands make a ton of money but, in this interview, it is apparent this is not the case. Great interview and wonderful way to tie in to your BOTB.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in our age of internet and downloaded music, with all of the competing music forms I guess it's tough to make it huge in music. There are bands recording top quality stuff but without the backing of big labels or a sponsor it's expensive to put together a show to take on tour. Orion's Reign is darn good at what they do and I hope they do get the wider recognition they deserve.
DeleteLee
Lee, my two favorites genres of music are hard rock and classical. I love Mozart and Metallica. The Nut Cracker Suite is classic Tchaikovsky but so is AC/DC. Couldn't do the thunderbolt with my keyboard.
ReplyDeleteThe two genres actually do go more hand in hand than some would think.
DeleteLee
No, I'm not at all surprised they've studied classical music. They've got talent out the wazoo.
ReplyDeleteThey are true artists.
DeleteLee
I like the interview style very much! Was impressed with Michael's answers and will definitely be checking them out.
ReplyDeletePS: Loved their Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer version! Great video too
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting, Michele. I'm very appreciative that Michael participated in this interview and I too was impressed by his answers.
DeleteLee
Really intriguing interview! I enjoyed their style :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking it out, Jemi.
DeleteLee
I'm not surprised about the classical training, but interested because some of the musicians I enjoy listening to are classically trained. I'm not musically talented or that knowledgable about how the classics affect the modern style, but I find it interesting to know the backgrounds of people in these groups.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that's exciting and totally non-musical that I like about Orion's Reign is they're an athletic bunch. :-)
I guess one analogy related to classical music training would be someone in some advanced science needing training in math courses like algebra or trig. I like a math analogy since I think music is very mathematical though many musicians would think in terms of traditional math.
DeleteLee
I really enjoyed this interview!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading!
DeleteLee
TSO, NIGHTWISH, and WITHIN TEMPTATION all have taught me how surprisingly educated in classical music some of the Heavy Metal bands are in Europe. I wish them the best of sales! Thanks for visiting my blog today. It meant a lot. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that these musicians acknowledge the influence of classical and hope the fans are listening.
DeleteLee
Unlike some people, those labels you mentioned at the beginning of your post attract me the most and NO, I'm not at all surprised that classical music is an influence. I love symphonic metal and this band is fabulous! ♥ Thanks for this great article, Lee. I'll be checking out all of those links.
ReplyDeleteI try not to let labels influence my thinking too much because sometimes the label that exists is the closest description some people can think of yet still not completely accurate.
DeleteLee
Good point!
DeleteNice interview!
ReplyDelete