Doomed Confessionary: Thomas (Calliophis)
Calliophis is a death/doom metal band from Leipzig, Germany. Earlier this year, they released »Dawn Of A Lifeless Age« split album with Berlin’s Urza through Aesthetic Death.
Calliophis continues down their dark and sorrowful path, delving further into the realm of slow death doom metal. The band opens the next chapter in its musical career with these new songs, carrying on from their previous release, »Liquid Darkness«. The focus of »Trepak« and »Endure Your Depression« is an intense atmosphere where epic melodies collide with dark soundscapes and heavy guitars. Together with eerie growls and an intense rhythm section, Calliophis charted the course for their upcoming full-length album.
Calliophis consists of Thomas on vocals, Matthias on guitar, Andreas on bass and Florian on drums.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Calliophis was founded by Florian (drums) and me after the demise of our previous death metal band in 2006. After a break from 2012-2015 and some line-up changes on the string instruments, we now hope to constantly realise our musical vision of death doom.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
For me, it was the aforementioned line-up changes, because everyone who has left the band in the past is or was a good friend of mine. And even if you assume that nothing will change in the interpersonal relationship afterwards, it’s still different than before.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think, that we as a band can be most proud of getting confirmation from the listeners of our music that we are reaching them with our songs. Direct feedback during and after live performances naturally offers the best opportunity for this. In addition, it is wonderful to make contacts with other bands and organisers with this type of music, from which friendships develop and, for example, gigs in other countries become possible.
What was your biggest regret?
Unfortunately, I also missed some interesting concerts and bands in Leipzig this year for various reasons. These included the performances by Wayfarer, Kampfar, Afsky, Gorod and The Spirit.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
In my opinion, one of the best Calliophis experiences was just a few weeks ago. We were lucky enough to play in Malta and had a really great time there. Other highlights were certainly festival appearances at Doom Shall Rise, Doom Over Vienna, Torgau in Flammen or Haunting The Castle, as well as our first mini tour in France many years ago. What all these events have in common is that they were excellently organised and we were able to meet great people and make transregional friendships.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
My biggest musical surprise of the recent past is actually a rediscovery, namely King Diamond. Due to my focus on death and black metal over the past few decades, I’ve taken a rather casual interest in King Diamond. But since last year, I simply can no longer escape his magical musical universe.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Upon Stone – Dead Mother Moon
This Ending – Crowned In Blood
Officium Triste – Hortus Venenum
…and of course King Diamond!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Use in-ear monitoring!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Very good question, man. There are too many to list them all. But I can mention here: German gangsta rap, Lucha Underground/ECW, sugar-sweet port wine and scratch cards.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Leipzig?
Leipzig has now as before a fairly large scene with many bands from different metal genres. Many musicians are interconnected with each other or friends. After the pandemic, concerts of all sizes are taking place regularly again. However, as in all other major cities, getting a rehearsal room is a game of chance.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Unfortunately there are no gigs planned at the moment. But we are always open for offers.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Definitely to play more live gigs and release more albums with this line-up.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Yes, not to make any new year’s resolutions.
How can people best support your band?
Come to our concerts, listen to our music and hopefully accompany us for many more years to come.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Many thanks to everyone whom we reach with our music and with whom we can arouse emotions. Thank you for your support. Special thanks also to you Bojan for the opportunity to do this interview. DOOM ON!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well