Unisound Records are one of the veteran labels in the European Death/Doom/Black Metal scene. They started under the name Decapitated back in 1987, but they changed their name to Unisound Records in 1992. Unisound Records has so far released thirty records.
Lord Loch Lomond sent Unisound Record an interview sheet. Panos Tzanetatos answered the questions.
1. Please tell us how and where Decapitated was started.
Decapitated was the title of a fanzine I was running back in 1987. In 1989 we made an English version of this ‘zine and included a free ‘7 EP, compilation with domestic bands. This was the first vinyl/discographic approach which was finally transformed into record business up til today.
2. How many records did Decapitated release ?
Under the label Decapitated, we have the following titles:
ABHORER/NECROPHILE split lp DEC 002
ROTTING CHRIST "Passage To Arcturo" DEC 003/USR 003
ROTTING CHRIST "Dawn Of The Iconclast" ‘7/EP DEC 004
MORTUARY DRAPE "Into The Drape" MCD/LP DEC 005
ORDER FROM CHAOS "Stillbirth Machine" CD/LP/MC DEC 006
Now in 1998, there’s a schedule of starting Decapitated again as a sub- label of Unisound.
3. Why did you change the name to Unisound Records ?
Personally I didn’t like too much this firm and as comercial registered title. "Unisound" is actually more "professional" title and more close to describe a record company.
4. What does the name Unisound Records means ?
Just a combined commercial film. Basicly a general description of activities that deal with music, record business etc.
5. It is always very interesting (but sheer torture for the label manager) to hear label manager’s view on releases they released some years ago. Could you please give us a presentation of your releases on Decapitated and the first ten releases on Unisound Records. What is your views on them in hindsight ? Where are these bands now ?
Believe it or not, all back catalogue Decapitated/Unisound releases opened the door for the orientation of the socalled Black/Death Metal underground of the ’90. Besides of some poor layout that appeared in some releases (and which we be now corrected since we plan a re- release of all back catalogue with different layout), I must admit that most albums are just cult. Unfortunally, many old bands have split or just don’t make music anymore. It’s prooved that most bands that stop colabotation with a label have a declining career....
6. When you approach a band; what are the most important reasons for you to sign the band ?
If their music fits the current worldwide music standards, if they have a good musicianship...originality is not the most important factor since there are no more original bands..! Also, country of origin, public relations (especially for Hellenic bands), image, option fro future of permanent colaboration, available material and if they accept our financial terms.
7. Is it difficult to run a record label from Greece ? What is the main problems and advantages being based in Greece ?
It is difficult to run a specialized label (like a metal label for example). Production standards and offered services are in not satisfactory level. Most times we need to produce a whole production or parts of it (such as digi- packs in foreign countries) and this is also a big problem for several reasons. One more important reason is the geographical position in Europe. Being far away from the central Europe, you are automaticly kept away from the centre of business activities.. For example, a lable based in Germany can have direct contacts with border countries. Here in Hellas, with what countries business can be arranged ? With Albania ? With Bulgaria ?
With Turkey ?!!!
8. What about the scene in Greece ? Are there other serious record labels in Greece who deserve our support ? Is there any interesting bands in Greece at the moment ?
There are no other profesional metal labels in Hellas, except some people who like to print some CDs or vinyl for their hobby or to have an extra pocket cash flow. The Hellenic scene is definatelly very important, fast growing and many interesting bands appear.
9. Without taking side in this conflict: The controversy around Order From Chaos "Stillbirth Machine" are one of the classic conflicts in the Death Metal scene. A ten foot high monument will soon be erected somewhere in Europe in memory of this conflict. What is your version of this conflict ?
I do not really understand what you mean about this conflict and if any conflic existing and between whom and for what reason.
The only existing conflict is between Unisound and Order From Chaos, Unisound and Wild R(F)ags, Wild Rags and Order From Chaos and so one...
We have all rights on this publication and that is all.
10. What is your release plan ? Could you please present these releases for us ?
We will appear in Pop Komm festival in Koln (Cologne in english -ed), Germany, Wacken Open Air fest, Germany in August 1998. We just had a stand in Dynamo, Eindhoven, Holland. Future plans include as told before a re- licence of all back catalogue with new improved layout (perhaps with digipacks, bonus tracks etc.), vinyl production (including collection item editions such as picture albums) and a metal magazine. We have also signed Forever Winter from Finland (Power/Black Metal) and Nocturnal Majesty from Italy (atmospheric, ritualistic Black Metal).
11. Besides of the release plan; what is your future plans for Unisound Records ?
Open a shop somewhere in the European community, publication of metal magazines in other countries in Europe and many more. If anybody feels he can co- operate, please do not hesitate to get in touch (address at the end of this interview -ed).
12. Finally; when you have closed the door to the Unisound Records office and desperate need a rest. What is your favorite music, except the kind of music you work with ?? What is your favorite past- time activities ?
Psychedelic trance, brutal tecno, Hellenic music, mainstream, kick boxing, gun- shooting, study of ancient Hellenic science.
I also plan to start a private bordello for me and friends (domestic and foreign)...
Please contact Unisound Records for more informations about their activities.
Unisound Records and Publications
84, Academias ave.
106 78 Athens
HELLAS
(Europe)