On the occasion of Primordial's upcoming performance in Greece, as headliners to the Arcane Angels Festival, Rock Overdose and Dimitris Aloras came in touch with singer Alan Averill to know his thoughts over various subjects.
Alan, kind as usual, gave us the news of writing new music for the first time in ages, showcases that groups must write music that means something to them and believes that they are much appreciated in Greece, maybe because we see them as an outsider band!
Rock Overdose: First of all, and before we start, I want to give you my personal congratulations for Dread Sovereign's latest album, ''For Doom The Bell Tolls''. I'm really digging it further as days pass by. Where do we find you at the moment and which are your latest actions?
Alan Averill: Nothing special. First weekend at home in a long time, Primordial is rehearsing new music for the first time in ages and I find myself sitting answering this interview... so, nothing special really.
Rock Overdose: It's been seven months since your ''Gods To The Godless'' live album. A great sample of how the band sounds on stage. Are you satisfied with the way it came out? I know that live albums don't usually get that much attention, but since Primordial fans are always loyal, what's been the response for it so far?
Alan Averill: Sure. But I don't know really. I don't pay much attention to sales anymore. Some reviews seemed cool, but I don't read forums or any comments. It wasn't something we planned, it just happened. Maybe something off the bucket list, I guess. We grew up with the nostalgia of live albums, so it was nice to contribute our own. And the vinyl definitely looks really nice.
Rock Overdose: Remaining on the live front of the band, I'd like to personally state that no matter how great the albums are, every time we see you feels like there are things that might have eluded us during the albums' listenings. Also, there's a feeling of completion inside the fans after your gigs. Do you also see it in the fans' eyes after the gigs? What's the secret behind it?
Alan Averill: I don't know. We just give a fuck, I guess. Write music that means something to you and hopefully people will find themselves in it. Playing live is about the ultimate expression of something very visceral and instant. Where we should live absolutely in that moment.
Rock Overdose: Almost three years have passed since ''Where Greater Man Have Fallen'', an album that for many people in my country was the best of 2014. In an era when bands seem to lose consistency, sales, fans' following and stuff like that, Primordial seem to me kinda invincible on the matter. You are one of the very few who gain more people by your side. How does it feel?
Alan Averill: Yeah, it is a very positive feeling. To be in a band where people were only interested in the debut must be a demoralising situation. So much modern music is nostalgia driven. Of course, I understand less people are coming to shows practically, so playing entire albums makes some sense on some level. But I’m glad Primordial hasn’t had to do that and be stuck living out the album I wrote when I was 19.
Rock Overdose: I know you are about to do a free gig in Belgium in Herbakkersfestival. We'd like to know how you came up with this. Is it something as a way to support the fest, or is there any secret behind it?
Alan Averill: I have no idea. i don't know a thing about it.
Rock Overdose: We know you are very open to music tastes. Your music choices from your dj sets in Greece have remained legendary. First of all, we'd like to know how you were shaped as a fan back in the day and, mostly, if there are any new bands or albums you'd recommend people to listen to nowadays.
Alan Averill: Well, I am open minded to a point, but also quite strict about the kinds of things I like. I just happened to have a few avenues open. I think I was lucky and had parents who had some vinyls and good music in the house. They weren’t avid collectors, but I grew up hearing the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Fairport Convention, etc. As for new albums? Sure, right now I’m digesting Lillium, Soror Dolorosa, Mogwai and the last of Leonard Cohen…
Rock Overdose: Alan, did you ever expect when you were forming the band that you would always remain in the sphere of interest of your fans? And, above all, playing above names that you might love as a fan, like it took place with Onslaught, for example, at a festival some days ago? How much of hard work people may not understand takes to achieve uniquity and great response, especially in 2017?
Alan Averill: Well, I dont know. I never thought we would be here 25 years later, but here we are. It stands to reason that things change and sure we have played after bands that we grew up with. Just like I imagine those bands in the '80s played after bands they grew up with from the '70s or early '80s. It happens. But yeah, I don't think people realise how much work goes into, for example, a weekend of shows and travelling. You do more in that weekend than most people will do in a whole month. You earn everything you get when after no sleep for the 2nd or 3rd day, you push through a 2’30 set, after spending all day in an airport or a van… it's what we do.
Rock Overdose: Do you feel there was a small feeling of incompleteness regarding Blood Revolt? I still believe you had further stuff to express yourselves with, albeit I really liked ''Indoctrine''. Same goes for Twilight Of The Gods' ''Fire On The Mountain''. Is there any thought of a new gathering for a possible second album with those bands?
Alan Averill: I think the album is complete. If we had to make another one, it would have to be very different than the debut. We talk about it, so who knows. We also talk about Twilight… so, who knows. I never say never.
Rock Overdose: You are about to visit Greece once again. In my humble opinion, the Greek tribe is one of the most expressive ones concerning the band, if not THE most expressive of all. You always honour our country with your visits, as well as some great and awkward moments of your history have taken part here. What should the fans expect and how do you see the whole festival idea you're about to play at?
Alan Averill: Sure. We’ve grown up a part of your musical landscape in the last 15 years… and the same goes for us. We’ve had it all, the best and worst days. I think that resonates with people, we are real, as we are flawed, Primordial is not a machine. But we came back from adversity stronger; and maybe people in Greece also see us as European outsiders with a vast history. Outsiders band altogether…
Rock Overdose: Last but not least, thank you for your time in answering these questions. Knowing that you are always ahead of some things in your personal thoughts, you are one of the most appropriate to ask this: Is our world completely fucked up, or is there a chance to still find moments of joy in a negative background? Last possible addings belong to you. Thanks a million, it was truly an honour!
Alan Averill: Of course, there is always joy. Life would not be worth it otherwise. The world is dark and fucked up without a doubt… but not entirely joyless yet.
For Rock Overdose
Dimitris Aloras
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