Cyprus’s Receiver debut album “Whispers of Lore” is already making headlines for its magnificent combination of folk and NWOBHM. Let’s discover together singer Nikoletta Kyprianou the magic behind this promising combo and their musical formula with some allegories and ill truths.
Receiver band formation and “Unite”
Hi Nikoletta, welcome to Femme Metal Webzine. Thank you for taking the time to check out this interview and to reply to it. How are you?
Hi. I am very well, cheers! Thank you for considering me for this interview. You guys rock!
When can we date back to the band’s inception?
Receiver got together way back in 2011, as a group of young friends sharing the same love for Heavy Metal. However, after releasing ‘Unite’ as their first and only demo, they had to disband due to some difficulties that inevitably affected the band.
Fast forward to 2017, it was the year that some of the remaining members got together and decided to re-form the band and give it a go. Though this time with a new line-up and new additions. That’s where I came in because I’ve known these guys forever, so why not join in the fun?
Receiver “Whispers of Lore” and Gates of Hell Records
On November 10th, the debut album “Whispers of Lore” saw the light via Gates of Hell Records. What can you share about its production?
Our debut album “Whispers of Lore” was recorded and mixed by Nikos Papakostas at Entasis Studio in Athens. This is a guy who eats and breathes Heavy Metal and we were fortunate enough to have met him at Power of the Night Festival, one of the biggest metal events in Cyprus, organized by members of RustX, HardRaw, and would-be Receiver.
So of course he was the right choice, as he knew our sound and delivered a kick-ass album. The album itself was recorded back in 2019, but its release was unfortunately withheld because, as we all know, Covid hit hard. But all ends well, since with new beginnings came a new thirst and passion for Heavy music.
“Unite” represents the beginning of your collaboration with Italy’s Gates of Hell Records. How did you two cross paths and partner up for this release?
After we finished the recordings, we submitted our songs and were very fortunate to have a positive answer. This was the beginning of our collaboration, that led to the release of our album.
The single “Unite”
Out of “Whispers of Lore”, The self-titled song is out now on Youtube. Which insights can you share about it?
Funny story… As I mentioned before, “Unite” was released back in 2011 and obtained a ‘cult’ status among the underground Heavy Metal scene. I remember back then, I was still working at a bar, and the guys from Receiver used to be my regulars, as we were all friends from way back then. I remember one of them coming one day and asking me if I knew of anyone who might have an interest in fronting the band.
As it happened, I knew of a girl who was looking for a band and brought them together and she became the first singer for Receiver, and she was awesome! So I was there at their first live, headbanging my neck away. How was I supposed to know that fate would step in and I would be the next in line?
The musical influences
“Whispers of Lore” efficiently mixes pure heavy, epic metal with folk influences. Where do your musical influences lie? And, how does this reflect on the upcoming LP?
I consider myself a prog and folk child but I enjoy and have influences from various musical styles. I admire an array of musicians and bands that, in my opinion, offer something weirdly unique. Everyone who knows me well knows that I have an obsession with Blue Oyster Cult as well as Marillion, Pavlov’s Dog, and Jethro Tull. Other major influences are Janis Joplin, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Ashbury, Ruby Starr, Sandy Denny, Kate Bush, Jutta Weinhold, Leather Leone, Edith Piaf, Golden Earring, Skyhooks, Sisters of Mercy, ELOY and Peter Gabriel. On the heavier side, I admire bands like Savatage, Queensryche, Psychotic Waltz, and Saracen, among many more.
I consider having a wide array of musical styles as a big strength when it comes to lyrical and musical inspiration, something shared among all members of the band. Hopefully, “Whispers of Lore” proves to be the showcase through musical details that make Receiver unique.
The cover artwork
Besides featuring an amazing array of songs, “Whispers of Lore” features incredible cover artwork. Which is the main thread that connects both the songs and the artwork?
First of all, I would like to thank you so much for your kind words. I am proud to say that I Illustrated the album artwork and the graphic design was handled by the amazing Annick Giroux.
We all fell in love with the folkloric and mystical concept, of the phrase “Whispers of Lore”. We wanted the listener to be able to view this album the same way that it is listening to. As ancient lore that lives on through this unique collection of stories inside a mystic’s book. The Illustration is a combination of the songs and the stories that surround them.
For anyone interested in more of my Illustrations, feel free to check out my FB Nikoletta Kyprianou Illustrations/Artwork
What lies ahead
After the release, what is in the pipeline? Any chance of a European tour? What are the next band’s plans?
To be honest, we are all very overwhelmed by all the good feedback we have been receiving (pun intended) so far. This is a boost towards a tour but nothing is confirmed as of yet. We will be playing a string of lives in Cyprus in the coming weeks and we’ll see where that takes us. Follow us on our social media to stay alert for future gigs and if all goes well, we’ll come to you. He he he
So, Nikoletta, we’re almost at the end. Please be free to say hi to your fans and readers. Thank you so much for this interview.
Once again, thank you Femme Metal Webzine for this chance to get the word out and for promoting music from all over the world. And I would personally like to thank everyone, old and new, who has supported Receiver and“Whispers of Lore”. Let us all ‘Unite’ together and keep the flame alive! Cheers.
