First of all I want you to introduce the readers in the universe of Dol Ammad: Members, Musical style, Releases.
Dol Ammad set their existence in the year 2000 and we have released two demo CDs, one in 2001 and one in 2002. We define our musical style as “electronica art metal” and there are no barriers in the amount of influences one can find in our songs. Apart from me as the keyboardist and main composer in the band, Dol Ammad consists of Jimmy Wicked (guitars), Nick Terry (bass) and the “Europa” choir a 12 member classical choir (vocals). For our debut album CD the Dol Ammad drummer is Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody, Sieges Even, Angra).
What is the meaning of the name Dol Ammad?
It is a space station in planet Europa! Of course this is fictional and it is taken from my favourite computer game Descent 3. Its roots however must be from the Tolkien world.
In my opinion the style of Dol Ammad is very original, how did you ended to play such an unusual type of music?
It was something very natural for me, as it was exactly the kind of music I had in my head and that I’d like to listen but couldn’t find anywhere! I combined my electronic and my metal influences and tried to create something fresh and unique mainly to satisfy my thirst and my inner force that led me to this sound.
Which are the genres that you like the most, favorite bands...?
Oh I definitely can’t make any distinctions in genres of music ...I like bands from all the fields of music. I can easily enjoy a hard rock band the same as a black metal one and a rave song as much as a laid-back ethnic tune! If I must point out some favourite bands however , I would have to mention Bal Sagoth , Symphony X , Rage , Angra , Rammstein , Amorphis and countless more in the metal world . My all time favourite electronic musicians are Jean Michel Jarre and Vangelis.
Please describe the latest work of yours: “Demo 2002”.
I think that the title of the demo “electronica art metal” and the music included is the perfect way for someone to get to know for the first time this new musical offering of Dol Ammad. It contains 6 songs, others more electronic, and others more metal but all highly descriptive and “arty” in their adventurous structures!
You are collaborating with and choir called “Europa” how did you found them?
The members of the “Europa” choir are members in one of my city’s biggest choirs. It was through a mutual friend, who was also a member of that choir that I came in contact with them and asked them for their participation in this ambitious dream! It was a great pleasure that they agreed to be a part of it!
One of the latest news from your band is that the drummer from the well known band Rhapsody will play the drums in your band, how did you meet him?
It was one of my dreams to work with Alex Holzwarth. Apart from Rhapsody his drumming in the “Angel’s cry” album of Angra was unforgettable to me. This record was also one of the motives for me to start playing drums! I am so glad that he liked the Dol Ammad music so much that he is now a part of it! What was even greater is that apart from an amazing drummer he is also a wonderful individual and it was a unique experience to meet and work with him!
To which sector of music listeners do you think that your music appeals?
I like to think that just as the Dol Ammad music knows no borders concerning music kinds and genres, the sector of our listeners would be also border-less. I hope that anyone looking for fresh, adventurous, powerful and melodic music should find something appealing in the Dol Ammad world!
Can you play live? I mean can you bring all the members of Dol Ammad on the stage?
It is something very difficult to do but not impossible. It is also a lot easier to do locally than abroad. We’ll have to see what the response will be but it is not something that bothers us a lot. After all, the ideal Dol Ammad show would require lots of expensive visuals to navigate the audio journey so we still have a lot to do to get there!
Do you have any other projects besides Dol Ammad?
For years now I am also working on something a lot softer than Dol Ammad. However Dol Ammad is my top priority right now and my “softer” side is something that I like to exercise in my spare music time! I am sure though that it will see the light of day sometime in the future!
How is the metal scene in Greece, could you recommend us some bands?
I think that the metal scene in Greece has focused a lot into extreme metal genres and that is why we have some great extreme metal bands like Septic Flesh and Rotting Christ. I would definitely recommend the latest albums from the bands Horrified and Nightfall which I’ve really enjoyed!
Tell me which are, in your opinion, the 5 best music albums that you have ever listened to.
Ok this is VERY hard! You are asking for the 5 best “music” albums so this is not restrained only in the metal world ....hmmm. I’ll give it a try:
1)“Chronologie” by Jean Michel Jarre
2)“Oceanic” by Vangelis
3)“Conan The Barbarian” – OST by Basil Poledouris
4)“In Sides” by Orbital
5) “Tales From The Thousand Lakes” by Amorphis
Add some closing words.
Thank you very much for the interview, I wish all the best to your webzine and your readers! I would also like to greet and thank all the supporters of the Dol Ammad universe and to promise to them that there are some great things coming up! Keep up and stay tuned to www.dolammad.com