Hello guys, perhaps you can begin this interview by giving us a small presentation of the group and a brief band history.

 

 

JP :  That's right . We started by covering bands like Metallica , Judas Priest and Megadeth out of love and appreciation for these bands , and for the fun of it . Then we decided to make things more serious and take a step forward by composing our own music .

We wanted to make something original, and due to our many and various influences , we combined the styles we love ;from heavy, to doom, to death metal, and added more atmospheric and symphonic elements into it, and the result was the mixture of all these styles together into what we play nowadays .

 

 

JP : We describe it , as I mentioned above, as atmospheric/symphonic Doom Death metal , with a gothic feel . it is quite a combination ;

'many darker genres fused together at once. There's a bit of something for every Metal fan.' [Metal-observer.com]

 

JP : The original name of the band was 'Chimera = Grotesque product of the imagination'.It was suggested by a good friend of ours back in 2000. we loved it . Then later on, and before we released our single in 2004, we had to change the way it is written to 'Kimaera', since other bands had the same name .

What are the most dominant influences within the band?
JP : Musically, our main influence are doom/death metal bands, from Dying Bride to Anathema, to After Forever, to Death , etc ..
Other influences would be our own experiences, and things we went through and had quite an impact on our lives...

What about the lyrics? Is there a subject which achieves unanimity in Kimaera?
JP : As a mainly Doom metal band, we write about the darker/depressive side of things .
Basically our own personnal experiences and what's related.

Have you ever thought of using arabic lyrics in your music?
 JP : Not really. We never thought of it. we dont think it is a good idea. Personally, I dont think arabic language goes well with metal music.

Whilst on the subject of arabic lyrics, would you ever consider using traditional arabic instruments in your music?

It is a well known fact that making 'heavier' sounding music can be a difficult endevour in an Arab country. It seems to me, that it may be easier to do in Lebanon. What are your opinions on this?
 
JP : IT wasnt that easier in Lebanon couple of years ago. Metal was banned and metalheads were oppressed and miss-treated, but lately things are getting better, the government found other stuff to fuck up and keep themselves busy ! Hopefully with time to come, the arab world, including Lebanon will be even more open to such issues and give us the freedom and support to do what we love doing, there are a lot of good bands around .

What do you think of the Arabic rock n roll and metal scene in general?
 JP : I think it is progressing . In these last couple of years, many bands have released good materials and they are getting known worldwide, like Kaoteon, Oath to Vanquish, Nervecell, Litham, Cerebral mutilation , etc .. and more bands are working hard for it, so that is promising and will definitely give a big push for the scene .

 

Have you played any concerts outside of Lebanon?
JP : Unfortunately not yet. We had few invited though, to Egypt, Syria, Morocco and Algerie to play in the international rock fest that took place last year, but we were short on members and the line-up wasnt complete, so we couldnt go. Hopefully we'll make it up.

 

How did you go about getting signed and obtaining a contract  with a label?
JP : It was when we released our single 'God's Wrath' back in 2004. It had an excellent review on  www.metal-observer.com, and when Pedro Santos (our current manager) read it, got interested and approached us and offered his help. So we got in contact with the label StygianCrypt productions through him, they heard the rest of the tracks and decided to release our debut album, and so we signed the deal !

Can we expect a new release anytime soon?
JP : The new album is composed. The recording should start soon hopefully, but I dont think it will be released before next year.

Are you familiar with fellow Lebanese band; 'The Kords' , who have also played in Tunisia.
Yeah. They're one of the local pub-bands.

Have you heard any bands which are a part of the Tunisian or Maghrebian scene?
JP : I have heard of few bands, and heard stuff, cant remember their names though, sorry.
We would really like to visit Tunisie or Morocco to play gigs, and checking the bands there, it seems they have an interesting metal scene .

Would you ever be interested in playing a gig in Tunisia?
JP : Definitely, once we get the chance and a good offer, we will.
Is there anything you'd like to say before we finish this interview?

JP : Would like to ask all the readers to check us out on www.kimaera.org
and they can support the band by ordering our CD through www.stygiancrypt.cjb.net .
Tks for the interview.
Doom on !