Tradition goes a long way in heavy metal and SPITFIRE have a long and eventful history: Founded in Athens in 1984 the band is among Greece’s longest running metal acts and even managed to release their 1987 debut „First Attack“ through the Greek branch of EMI Records. As life goes, international stardom was not in the cards for this outfit and from 1990 onward things became real quiet real quick for this band. After a series of failed reboots SPITFIRE finally returned in 2006. 13 years after their comeback album „Die Fighting“ the Greek trad metal stalwarts just released their third effort „Denial To Fall“ and we seized the opportunity to speak to vocalist Tassos Krokodilos.
Hi and thanks for taking the time for this Interview. Times are rough, especially for those in the entertainment business. How are you doing?
Pretty fine I guess trying to make it through this whole pandemic stuff!
It has been 13 years since the last SPITFIRE-Album „Die Fighting“ came out. That is a very long time. What has been going on with the band in this period?
SPITFIRE are used in dark periods and this was one of them. Lots of turmoil member change didn’t allow something great to happen. Now all these bad factors belong to the past and our new album is out>!
Your new album „Denial To Fall“ has just been released. What can you tell us about the record?
This album is what Spitfire have to give in 2021! It is our statement that we deny to fall at any cost!
Are you happy with how the album was received by fans and critics?
So far the critics are great from both sides! We knew that we have a good album out and we couldn’t wait for you to listen to it!
How did the songwriting and recording for „Denial To Fall“ go down? When did you start working on new music?
We begin in 2015 working in the new material and it was finished early 2017. However some delays in the studio that didn’t have to do with the band took four more years for the album to be released.
Although the band has been active since reuniting in 2006, almost one and half decades have passed since your last record. Do you consinder „Denial To Fall“ another comeback album or reboot?
„Denial To Fall“ is definitely a reboot! We respect our old school roots but we want to deliver some modernized pure heavy metal and I believe we did it this time!
How would you say did your sound evolve over the years? Would you say the spirit of your 1987 debut „First Attack“ is still alive?
First attack spirit Will always be alive! As I’ve said above you must respect your roots to go further! We are trying to evolve through the years not only to catch up the music „trend“ but mostly to catch up on ourselves!
„Denial To Fall“ was released through No Remorse records. How did this collaboration come to pass?
A collaboration with no remorse records was the first thing we thought we must do for our new album to be released. Great company great guys keeping the heavy metal Spirit alive!
SPITFIRE are considered one of Greece’s longest running heavy metal acts. What’s your take on today’s metal scene both in your home country as well as international?
I like the way that the metal scene is evolving worldwide because I can see that every band that comes up respects the their past metal heroes! I’ve told you before I believe that respect is the key to succeed!
Let’s hope that concerts will be back in full soon. Are you already making plans for when touring is possible again? Any chance to see SPITFIRE in Germany soon?
Well if you invite us be sure that we will be there! I think that you have a very nice metal festival over there keep it true! Spitfire would be a great addition to its lineup!
How do you feel about entrance restrictions for live shows such as proof of vaccination etc.?
Well I believe that all these pandemic nightmare is not something that you have to take for fun… Everyone must follow health protocols so that the nightmare will end as soon as possible.
Thank you for the interview! Please let us do a short brainstorming at the end of this interview. What comes in your mind first reading the following terms:
Street Fighter: Pandillero!!! (EMI MEXICO First attack edition)
Up The Hammers: First bombing of the Spitfire
Lockdown: I hope a past but not future secret
Underground: Great song from Die fighting album! Hehehe
1. März 2022 Thomas Meyns
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