1.Since your last album, a long time has passed. What happened during that time?

When "The Fire Still Burns" was released by Secret Port Records, we decided that the time had come for the project we've been working on the past 5-6 years. The Odyssey. We had most of the lyrics ready plus music for 3 or 4 songs. We recorded for 1,5 years and finally we had the result you hear on the album.

2.For me, "Odysseia" is the logical next step in the growth of the band and you (the band) have build up your strengths (great guitar-solos, singly refrains and a fantastic songwriting). You see that also, too?

This is very natural because after 12 years the band progresses. And when I say progress I do not mean changing your music style but become a better musician and be able to get 100% of what you can do. Our music style is of course Epic Metal and this will never change.

3.Some songs have a really sad touch ("Journey to the other Side" is the best example). Did you do that for atmospheric reasons or were there any other reasons?

But that is exactly the reason that some songs are a little bit sad. I mean Odysseus went to Hades (the land of the dead). Every man should be sad if he would be able to go there even for a second! Our hero saw his dead mother and some of his dead friends and comrades! I believe that the music should follow the lyrics and the words should follow the music. You can not write funny music when the lyrical content is sad!

4.In some songs you use nearly BLIND GUARDIANesque mighty choirs, which makes them even more stronger. How will you move this when playing live?

I do not believe that we use choirs that sounds like Blind Guardian. No one in the band listens to Blind Guardian. We are influenced by more classic '80s bands. I do not think that we will use a choir in our concerts. Our concerts are typical old school Heavy Metal!!! Head banging, singing with the people and a lot of energy. Thus our fans sing many of the choir parts. Maybe some day we decide to make a big concert with a choir. But this is a plan for the future.

5.As for the whole album, would you sign the following sentence: "Odysseia"
is the best album in the Epic Metal-genre since "Resound the Horn"?

Thank you for your great words. We can not tell that thing. We believe that the fans should decide about that. But we are satisfied that some of the people believe so!

6.How long did it take to work out the Ulysses-concept? Were there any
aspects you couldn΄t work out as big as they should be?

The Odyssey project began at 1995. We gathered much information about the concept, we studied the book, and also many books concerning the trip to Ithaca, monsters, Gods and Giants. It was a very painful procedure because we composed very slowly. We wanted everything to be perfect. That's why it took us so much time to finish it. But we are very proud for the final result.

7.As for the lyrics, if you have a look at the ones of your debut, you really seem to like clichιs. Don't you think, that words like "warrior", "sword" and "steel" are used a bit often in the metal-genre, especially the power metal?

But that's why it is called Epic Metal!!! You must follow some cliches! Ok you have to put your mind and thing of some clever lyrics, but in a given area!

8.Which band did impress you the most in the last time?

Our favorite bands and the main influences are the mighty Warlord, Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass and Memento Mori. They gather all the essence of Epic Metal music! If you ask for our personal preferences, that's very easy. My personal Gods are the Scorpions. Me and Stahis like the classic '80s stuff and a little 90's. From Heavy/Power/Epic to Hard Rock/AOR. Bands like Warlord, Candlemass, Manowar, Accept, Twisted Sister, Malmsteen, etc and of course Cinderella, Pink Cream 69, Tyketto, Hardline, Praying Mantis, Ten, Magnum and Bob Catley, FM, etc.

9.What I always wanted to ask, why have you chosen such a common name like
REFLECTION, which is used very often.

Actually it is a very common name...but nobody uses it except us!!! We chose it back in 1991. It is also very easy to pronounce and remember it!

10. Please give a comment to the following headlines:
-dress-rules in the metal-scene

Something that we should do because we feel so and not because we must!

-Hellas

The last of the Mohicans!!! Fortunately there is something moving with good albums from the old caravans (Mystery, Marauder, Powercrue, Dream Weaver) and the new blood (Raging Storm, Battleroar).

-Iced Earth without Matt Barlow

No comment because we do not like Iced Earth.

-Underground

Support it!!!

-Judas Priest-Reunion with Rob Halford

It is not a very good decision. I believe that Ripper Owens is by far a better singer although the albums were...crap. If they return to the old style then they are welcome again!!!

11.Are there any future plans, especially for playing live outside of Greece?

There are some plans but nothing is confirmed. We would like to play everywhere. We are mostly a live band and we manage to go and play to some Hellenic cities in order to promote our new album.

12.Famous last words?

Thanks for the interview and the support. Keep on the good work and...Fire And Steel To Those Who Don't Believe!