'MORTICIAN' MAG Nr.5 / 1994 (HOLLAND)

*Interview by HAROLD DEKKERS

-DESP.:'The biggest hurdles that held us back and didn't allow us to release our demo when we wanted to, were that even though we've been around since '86 our line-up was constantly changing up to '88.Also two of our members had to undergo compulsory military service for 2 years.In addition, we had problems with our studio premises, which forced us to mixdown our demo almost 1 year after recording and lastly the extravagant cost of the necessary equipment which we had to acquire gradually, as we decided to be 100% independent as far as rehearsals, lives and recording are concerned.

We had attempted to record 1 track ('Spewn out from Hell') for a Greek compilation by FM Records, but it turned out to be a bad experience, as the whole thing was plagued by lack of organisation.It cost us a lot of money and the end result was very poor from every aspect.

So DESPISE with the present line-up and these conditions in mind has chosen to adopt a different approach, our aim being to succeed in releasing a demo independently, even though that would mean a certain delay.

Suitable people who would promote us and help us efficiently simply don't exist in Greece anyway.Therefore we think that our attitude has been beneficial, because the demo at least turned out to be as we wanted it.'

-DESP.:'Certainly we have been influenced by SLAYER, but we think that our style isn't just a result of strong influence, because the way we sound and the way we compose is something that always comes out spontaneously and expresses us.In the future we will continue to follow our own thrash instincts and feelings.We think our next piece of work will show a somewhat more complete picture of our band, as it will contain more songs and more recent material as opposed to the 4 songs of the demo, which were composed between '86-'91.'

-DESP.:'To begin with, we always composed intending to add a second guitarist and at one point we finally found someone for a little while, but we never could find a permanent person for the position.

All the guitars on the demo were played by MAKIS, so having no choice we have to omit some secondary riffs and details. Nevertheless the result isn't at all bad, just slightly different.

Our view is that when playing LIVE we should leave space for improvisation and surprises!As for the sound, our producer/sound engineer happens to be our guitarist/singer, so he makes sure (during sound check) that the total effect the band has is balanced even without a second guitar.'

-DESP.:'DESPISE is one of the oldest thrash bands in Greece, beginning in '86, the only permanent member being MAKIS.We consider ourselves to be maybe the only ones to play thrash the American way and this is the one thing which sets us apart, since this type of sound never flourished among the bands here.

Up till now we mainly played for ourselves and we didn't have any give or take with the underground press and taking into account the ongoing situation in Greece, we never seriously considered releasing a complete piece of work in the form of an album, so the vast majority of the people who know us, got to know us from our gigs.

This demo now enables us to become better known.'

-DESP.:'The truth is we are not into today's Black Metal, but we find it is a positive development for these Greek bands to be heard outside of Greece and gathering encouraging reviews, thus gaining further recognition.'

-DESP.:'Check out our demo 'State of Brutality' and hopefully we will soon be able to present our first LP!Your letters are welcome!Last thanx for the interview and your support on us.We hope to play sometimes in your area!!'

'KEEP ON THRASHIN' !!!'