First of all I would like to congratulate you for "Dominaeon". I have to admit that it was beyond my expectations.

Thanks for your compliments Giannis. Yes a lot of people are pointing out the same thing. We always want improvement for the band and strive to achieve it. We have rehearsed a lot and concentrated at the utmost to write good tracks for this album. Our nearly 15 years experience writing doom laden tracks also helps. When I heard the final mixed version of the album the first time I was also very much pleased, actually blown away. And we are also excited by the fans and media reactions for Dominaeon.

Speaking of expectations, I would like you to tell me what are yours concerning the acceptance of "Dominaeon".

Till now we have received over thirty reviews and have answered about ten interviews already. This shows the interest and the positive attitude that zines, media and fans are having towards the album. All reviews received have been very positive and all accentuate an improvement on our previous releases. This will obviously give us the boost and enthusiasm to continue with what we are doing. There is still enough doom in us to write more songs and release more material. In Malta the sales are good and we are also receiving a lot of positive feedback from the Maltese metal fans. I think I was expecting this feedback as I strongly believed in this album. I believe that working hard for something finally gives you the results you want.

The first impressive element of "Dominaeon" is the production, which is very compact and highlights the power of your music. I think that you must be thankful to David Vella. Can you give us more information about the recording process?

David has now become like another band member. Although he is not a doom fan he now understands fully what Forsaken are and moreover he understands how doom metal and our music should sound. He has been behind the recording desk for us from the Evermore album and has seen the band evolve for nearly 10 years. He also listened to doom metal albums so that he can actually get the Doom metal feel. He likes Krux and Las Cruces very much. I admire David because he takes a very mature approach towards our music and is always in search of improvement. We planned the recording for 20 days but it took nearly 24 to finish off. We recorded Dominaeon in Studio A which is much more professional and also more expensive than Studio B where we recorded our previous releases, but the financial sacrifice was really worth it. We took the entire metronome readings at our rehearsal garage so that we can work more relaxed at Temple Studios. We started off in studio in mid June 2005 by taking a guide track of all tracks and than started recording drums and bass. I recorded the vocals at the same time frame with guitars so that the pressure on the voice would be divided throughout different sessions. There was also the choir performance which was recorded half way through the recording process. David also wanted that the mastering will be done in Germany. He wanted a different finishing from Anima Mundi. The mastering job was commissioned to Kai Blankenberg at Skyline Tonfabrik Studios situated in Düsseldorf (Germany). David and all in the band are very happy with the decision taken and with the results.

It is very profound that "Dominaeon" is a lyrically concept album. What was the motivation behind this decision and why you choose this particular theme?

From the very outset of the band our lyrics have often delved into various spiritual and biblical themes. For example "Where Angels Have Fallen" off the Iconoclast EP (2002) and which originally featured in the Requiem demo (1991) explores the issue of the immortality of the soul while "A Martyr's Prayer" also written in the early 90s and which was eventually recorded for the Iconoclast EP, provides insights on Christ's suffering. On "Dominaeon" we wanted to go a step further and develop a coherent, unambivalent lyrical concept which revolves around one central theme. Basically it is an account of how God reveals Himself to us.... how we can reach enlightenment and spiritual fulfillment despite all the failings that can be attributed to human kind. We felt that this was a very appropriate theme for the album as it has very profound meaning and complements the music perfectly. It is dark without being nihilistic. On the other hand it possesses strong, hopeful and spiritual uplifting lyrical content. We knew that this was a hazardous pathway to undertake as it is not at all trendy and most metal today is either agnostic or in its most extreme very anti-God or Anti-Christian. However, we've never shied away from showing who and what we truly are. "Dominaeon" is without doubt a true and sincere expression of Forsaken. We are not interested in converting anyone to what we believe in. We are just trying to present an alternative perspective to all the negativity in today's metal scene while retaining a dark and ominous atmosphere. Hopefully, our fans are able to appreciate it for what it is. If our music and lyrics helps them to better their lives in any way....than all the better!

With this concept you are ranked with the rest bands that deal with religious themes. Aren't you afraid that this might hurt your image, especially in this age that religious and Christian issues are considered as anachronistic?

No we never were and are not going to be afraid to express ourselves lyrically given that this comes natural to us. I don't know if it has ever hurt our image, and if it does to some, well it's their business. I believe that if an individual does not agree with us lyrically he can always concentrate more on the music. I take myself as an example. One of my favourite all time bands is Mercyful Fate. I totally disagree with King's satanic lyrics but I really love the music. Obviously Albert believes in the lyrics he has written for Dominaeon but he is not trying to convert the unconverted. It's just that these kind of religious themes fit to our kind of music. Than its all a matter of tastes and beliefs.

I also noticed that in your lyrics you use a lot of Greek words. For example only in the opening self titled track you use nine Greek words. Is there any particular aim that you try to achieve by using Greek words?

The use of Greek words in the song texts complements the lyrical concept in "Dominaeon". As you may be well aware a significant number of theological concepts in Christianity still reflect the meaning conveyed in the Greek biblical texts. Thus in an attempt to capture the essence of these concepts Albert felt that it was important to refer to how these concepts were originally developed in Greek. Moreover, Dominaeon also includes Latin phrases and words as we feel that these enrich the song texts and help to enrich the atmosphere we try to create in our music.

Now that we talk about Greece and Greek words I want to make it straight. You have a very strong fans base in Greece so leave a letter with your requirements to all Greek promoters out there. What do you need to come here for a live appearance?

It's great to see that we are having a solid fan base in Greece. We have been talking to some people who can maybe make it possible for us to play there but this seems to be a bit difficult. So you want a letter to all Greek promoters? Here it goes…………..

"We are Forsaken an epic doom band from Malta. We are signed to the Scottish label Golden Lake Productions and have been playing this brand of music from 1991. Our releases are three full length albums namely Evermore, Anima Mundi and Dominaeon and a mini cd called Iconoclast and presently we are signed to the Scottish label Golden Lake Productions. Apart from a considerable amount of appearances live locally we have also toured France and Spain in 1996 and played at the Doom Shall Rise, Headbangers Open Air and Keep It True festivals in Germany. The next step would ideally be to play Greece. It would be great for us to play in your homeland as we believe that we have a strong fan base there and we can easily guarantee and forceful show of True Epic Doom Metal. So Keep In touch and you won't be disappointed. DOOM ON."

What are the differences between "Anima Mundi" and "Dominaeon"? I believe that the differences between "Anima Mundi" and "Evermore" were obvious, but in this case the two records are in an approximate sound and someone might argue on the evolution of your sound.

The first difference I have to point out is the complete absence of keyboards. On Dominaeon there is not one single keyboard note present, there are only some sound effects. We wanted to be particularly honest with the band's present position and moreover the tracks on the new album were never in need of keyboards. Yes you are right that Dominaeon can have some similarities to Anima Mundi but other people have also noted that it can be considered as a continuation to Evermore. Dominaeon is a much more Doom oriented album while Anima Mundi has more heavy metal/thrash influences. Another difference is that Dominaeon is a whole conceptual album and there are no old songs on it while Anima Mundi includes tracks from various stages of the band's existence like for example "All Is Accomplished" goes way back to our "Requiem" demo dated 1991. I also think that Forsaken have been able to develop our own sound and we have achieved this by experience. Yes the sound has actually evolved taking into consideration our 15 year existence in the metal scene and we have been able to achieve an identity of our own clearly showing who and what we are…….A TRUE EPIC DOOM BAND.

Was there anything particular stimulus that affected the composing process?

Albert always wanted to write a concept album and I personally think that the Dominaeon lyrics are his best ever. (Good Job Brother). For us the lyrics are important for a better composition, so therefore as a new concept Dominaeon had to include a complete new batch of songs to back it up. We wanted the riffs and compositions to clearly reflect what is going on lyrically. For example on "Wretched of the Earth" you can feel an element of anger in the riffs and even the production of the song is rawer than on the other tracks. "Resurgam" has a very majestic and ominously epic feel clearly highlighting the significance of Christ's resurrection and the meaning of salvation. For me these are clear examples of our stimulus while composing Dominaeon. It is something which comes so natural to us and this can be felt while listening to the album. Sometimes there would be really heavy discussions while composing in our rehearsal garage especially between Sean(guitars) and myself which are settled after a few minutes because our friendship is what matters most after all. These arguments sometimes cause some tension inside the garage but at the same time they make us stronger and show our love for the band. I believe that after such situations we have taken the best decisions.

On your personal level, do you think that with this record you became a better singer?

In all honesty I don't really think that I am something special as a singer but I strongly believe that I am ideal for Forsaken and that is what matters most. I have learned a lot singing for all these years with Forsaken and I see an improvement on every release. What I try to do is always try different things with my voice. On Anima Mundi there are more layerings and intricacies on the voice whilst on Dominaeon I wanted a more "in your face" attitude. Recording with David Vella is also a surplus. He helps me out so much and I feel very relaxed recording at Temple Studios. Something new which I have tried on Dominaeon are the Priest-like screams on "Wretched of the Earth". They sound really good on the album and I shall be trying them live too. So answering you whether I have become a better vocalist I can say yes and I look forward to improve more. I have always done and shall always do my best for the band because Forsaken is such an integral part of myself.

What is the reason of the re-issue of "Evermore"? Do you think that given the circumstances of the age of its first release, it was an underestimated release?

When Evermore was released back in 1996, Forsaken were in a very multi-directional state, so to speak. We still had to give the band a clear direction and style of playing. On Evermore you can hear a mixture of all kinds of doom varying from epic to traditional to more groove oriented doom metal. Even in rehearsals we had a strange apathy going on and always had arguments on which style we had to stick to. Moreover Storm Recs (the Maltese label releasing Evermore at that time) did not promote the album as it should have abroad. Months later our relationship with Storm slowly faded and we had to split the band for about 6 months for some real soul searching. In my opinion Evermore became under estimated because we did not care for it that much at that time. You have to work hard to gain recognition. I don't disown this release in any way and I think that there are some really good tracks on it and this is mainly why Golden Lake wanted to re release it apart from the great interest shown from doom fans worldwide. We gave Evermore a fresh restart by using a different artwork and including the Neon Knights cover version from the Dehumanized Witch compilation. Moreover Evermore is going to be released very soon on double vinyl limited edition by the German label Immortal Vinyl Records. This version shall also include the Neon Knights cover version and two live tracks from our HOA7 show in Germany back in July 2004.

This is the fourth release under the Golden Lake Production moniker. This proves that you have built a good relationship. The question is whether you seek for another bigger label that perhaps could support your plans for extensive tours.

All I can say about this is that Golden Lake has been really great with us and we have also returned back this with three new good releases, a re-release and also mutual respect is present from both parties. Till this present day we don't regret it for one single second that we signed to this Scottish label (HAILS TO YOU GRAEME AND FRASER). Yes definitely we have a built a very strong and honest relationship and look forward to reconsolidate it because according to contract we still owe Golden Lake another new release. As regards to extensive touring it is a bit difficult to talk about that because all of us have our commitments in life like work and families, and touring for long periods can be problematic and that is why we concentrate more on playing festivals abroad. So I can openly say that for the time being we don't have in mind to sign to a bigger label and shall therefore continue the proceedings with Golden Lake.

You are considered veterans, but only since the last four years you are reactivated. Do you believe that you have learned something from younger bands that started later than you?

Definitely the last four years have been the best ever for Forsaken and we sincerely look forward for more in the future. I believe that from every individual and from every band you can learn something. Yes definitely younger bands can definitely be a source of learning for us as much as we can be for them. We listen to a host of new material coming out in the scene nowadays and I can say it's quite brilliant and I also enjoy the fact that bands that have started the same time we did, are still going on strong and keep the flame of doom burning.

I know that all of you are dedicated doom metal fans and you are active members of the underground scene for many years. Do you believe that all this doom metal activity exhibited, with festivals, small-scale tours, releases, independent labels and so on is finite?

I hope it will be finite but at the same time I really hope that Doom Metal does not become trendy for the sake of money. If the true underground Doom metal spirit is most than for me it's the end of Doom Metal. Yes obviously all this activity is eventually helping the scene to gain more popularity and this will also help the new upcoming true doom metal acts, labels and zines to consolidate themselves. For example, just take a look at the positive reactions bands like Doomshine and Heathendom are getting. For me they are very good bands and deserve all the praise. I sincerely wish that this activity will go on forever without becoming a loss for the true authenticity of Doom Metal.

Do you believe that the reactivation of old doom metal bands, like Candlemass and Trouble, will deteriorate the audience's interested in underground bands like yours? I mean can a band of your scale compete a band like those mentioned before? Please note that I do not mean competition in its negative sense.

No, I think that such reunions have given more credibility and popularity to Doom Metal and resurrected this brand of metal to all its mighty glory. I believe this will eventually help more the new bands coming out and bands like us to continue to establish themselves in the global metal scene. During the last four years we have seen a rise in popularity for Forsaken and we can see this from the album sales and from the amount of emails and new contacts we receive everyday. We have also been invited and played in three festivals in Germany. This definitely shows trust and great interest in the band. Bands like us can learn from the actions of great ones like Candlemass and Trouble. All I can honestly wish is to open a gig for such bands especially Candlemass (he he he). I simply adore them.

Dear Leo I would like to thank you for your precious time. I wish you all the best.

Thanks to you Giannis for such an interesting interview, it was a pleasure for me answering it. I really hope that there will come a time when Forsaken will play in Greece and eventually meet great people like you and host of others who are supporting Forsaken and Epic Doom in general. I assure you that we will definitely give you a soulful performance which you and ourselves will definitely never forget. I also urge all the readers of this webzine and all the Greek metal fans to get hold of our releases and play them loud and if anyone wishes to contact us they can do so by writing to me on leostivala@yahoo.com or write to Albert on albertbell@rocketmail.com . They can also visit our website on www.forsakenmalta.com. DOOMED GREETINGS TO ALL.