Few bands in extreme metal have embraced evolution quite like Nightfall. As one of Greece’s pioneering metal acts, their journey has been marked by a fearless blend of darkness, melody, and raw emotion. From their early death-doom days to their blackened symphonic era, Nightfall has never been afraid to push boundaries, both musically and thematically. But beyond the crushing riffs and haunting atmospheres, there’s a deeply human story at the heart of Nightfall. In this exclusive interview, we explore frontman Efhtimis’ personal battles, his journey through clinical depression, and how he turned adversity into artistic fuel with the new album “Children of Eve”. With a renewed lineup, an unstoppable drive, and a passion for music that transcends genre and gender, Nightfall is stronger than ever. Read on as we pull back the curtain on one of Greece’s most enduring metal forces.
M.I. - Congratulations on the new album! I’ve been listening to the album non-stop as it is amazing! You’ve described “Children of Eve” as your darkest and most epic work yet. What sets it apart from your previous releases?
Thank you very much! We are very excited about this album. What makes “Children of Eve” stand out is its energy. These tracks are designed for a live setting. In the past, Nightfall was primarily a studio band, but now we’ve decided to hit the road and take our music everywhere. That means we needed fresh, epic, dark, and truly wild material to showcase Nightfall’s full stage presence. This album gives us that opportunity.
M.I. - The title “Children of Eve” suggests themes of humanity’s origins and perhaps even its burdens. What does it represent in the context of the album?
The album explores the increasing momentum of theocracy around the world. Even in 2025, humanity is still struggling with outdated doctrines that should no longer hold power. Organised religion continues to interfere in our lives, dictating what we can and cannot do. Take the subject of abortion for example, we are still debating a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body, and that’s largely because of religious influence. Religious radicals are fueling wars, terror attacks, and conflicts that should belong to history, yet they persist today. Ultimately, “Children of Eve” is a call for unity. At the end of the day, we are all human, born of nature, and we must stand together against these radical forces, no matter where they come from.
M.I. - You mention religion, but some people oppose abortion not necessarily because of faith, but for political control. For example, Trump’s stance seems more about power than religious belief.
That’s true, but even politicians like Trump often justify their actions with religious rhetoric. They build on religious assumptions, such as the idea that abortion is killing an unborn soul, to manipulate people’s faith for political gain. Trump and his administration have pushed for a society governed by "Christian values and ethics," which raises serious concerns. Abortion is just one example, but this broader movement is becoming more aggressive and we don’t like that.
M.I. - Agreed. Moving on from politics, do you approach your lyrics as personal reflections, or are they meant to challenge the listener’s perspective?
Both. Many of our lyrics stem from personal experiences or stories that catch my attention. I often write about concepts I’ve lived through, transforming them into poetic or lyrical ideas that eventually become an album. However, once the music is released, it no longer belongs solely to me, it belongs to the listener. Everyone is free to interpret it in their own way. For “Children of Eve”, we wanted to take a more collective perspective, reflecting on broader societal issues. One key theme is depression, which we also touched on in “At Night We Prey”. Mental health is a major issue, and we don’t want to leave it behind in our discussions. Actually, the album’s ten track titles form a phrase that encapsulates its meaning. If you read them in order, you get something like: “I Hate the Cannibal Lurking Inside My Head Seeking Revenge for the Expelled Ones”, and so on. It tells the story of a person who has had enough, someone who refuses to be a pawn for institutions that exploit personal beliefs and faith. I want to be clear: I have no issue with personal faith or religion itself. Everyone should believe in whatever they choose, and I respect that. The problem arises when organised institutions, like the church, dictate how we must live our personal lives. These organizations often claim to act for the benefit of our souls, but in reality, they serve their own interests—whether political, financial, or otherwise. We end up sacrificing the best years of our lives in useless struggles, and we won’t get those years back. It’s time to appreciate life for what it is.
M.I. - Can you talk a bit about the dynamics within the band and how those have shifted over time?
Absolutely! The dynamics have really evolved as we've gone through personal growth and faced a lot of challenges, both individually and together. Early on, we were all focused on just making music that sounded cool, but as we've matured, we've also had to face personal struggles, especially when it comes to mental health. I think, for all of us, we've had to deal with the darker side of things - stress, anxiety, depression - and it's definitely shown in the music. But it's been a huge part of our journey.
M.I. - How’s the chemistry between the band members these days?
We actually tested ourselves during our Brazilian tour last May, where we played some big festivals. It was an amazing experience. The most challenging part of being on the road isn’t the time on stage, it’s the 22 hours you spend offstage, backstage, travelling, and just being around each other. If you’re not on good terms with your bandmates, you’re in trouble. But I’m in a really privileged position to say that this lineup is absolutely amazing. We love each other like family, and that’s so important.
M.I. - And this is the first time you have a female bassist in the band. How did she join, and what does she bring to the group?
It happened through a mutual friend. We were looking for a bassist for live performances because I used to play bass myself, but I prefer to have full freedom on stage to embody the character I play. Through that friend, we found Vasiliki. We talked about what she could bring to the band and whether she was committed to our vision. She said yes, and I took her word for it. I’m incredibly happy to have her in the band because she’s a great musician. Nightfall isn’t about being a male or female band. We’re just human beings, passionate artists, and we want to share what we create with people who truly connect with it.
M.I. - That’s really interesting. You mentioned personal struggles… how do you think your mental health has influenced the direction of your music?
It’s had a massive influence. I’d say it’s the core of a lot of our more recent work. The band has always been a form of therapy for me. I’ve been able to express things I couldn't in words or normal conversation. At times, I’ve felt like the music was the only outlet that made sense of everything swirling inside me. And I think the other guys feel the same. There’s a lot of catharsis in the music, whether it’s about isolation, questioning everything, or just dealing with life's heavy stuff.
M.I. - It’s fascinating how you can channel all of that into your art. With all the personal changes, do you find that the band's sound has evolved alongside you?
Definitely. I think the sound has matured as we have. In the early days, our focus was more on raw energy and technicality, but now, we're exploring a lot more depth and layers. The themes are darker, and I think that comes from our experiences. There's a lot more introspection in what we're doing now, it’s a reflection of where we are mentally and emotionally. I think the more we've grown, the more we're able to create something authentic. People feel that. We’ve received a lot of messages from fans saying that our music has helped them through tough times, which is such an amazing thing. It’s humbling to know that, while we’ve been dealing with our own struggles, there are people out there who feel like they aren’t alone because of our music.
M.I. - The production on this album feels massive. You worked with Fotis, Thimios and Jacob Hansen... what did they bring to the table, and how did their contributions shape the final sound?
When we started working on this album, I had conversations with several people about who would be the best producer to mix it. Someone mentioned Jacob Hansen, and though I was already familiar with his work, this was the perfect opportunity to really dive into it. I realized he has a way of making big choruses shine with a massive, clear sound. That’s exactly what we needed. As I began composing, I kept in mind that the album should feature very large, epic choruses combined with aggressive riffing leading up to them. Knowing that Jacob Hansen could make the choruses stand out, we leaned into that epic elemento, something we haven’t explored this much since the '90s, maybe since “Athenian Echoes”. Working with Hansen was like refreshing my memory with new tools, and the result is massive. It perfectly combines epic and aggressive elements, which is the core essence of “Children of Eve”.
M.I. - What was the biggest challenge in bringing “Children of Eve” to life?
The biggest challenge was how to compose the songs. As a studio band, we used to rely heavily on multilayered guitar melodies, creating a wide sound with multiple elements stacked on top of each other. However, this time, our compositions are more streamlined, more direct, grabbing the listener from the first second and keeping their attention until the end. This approach makes the music punchy, melodic, and epic all at once. The challenge was to be very clear about what we wanted in each song, to avoid overwhelming the listener with too many melodies at once. We let Jacob Hansen work with the space between the instruments, ensuring everything sounded powerful but not cluttered.
M.I. - You’ve described the album as exploring how we endure pain, live with pain, and die in pain. How does this theme tie into both the music and lyrics?
It revolves around the concept of pain and the fear of pain throughout our lives. The supposed Christian God condemned Eve and her descendants to suffer through painful childbirth as punishment for her rebellion. Because of her actions, her children - us - must suffer. We, however, embrace Eve’s rebellious spirit. We reject the notion of a merciless divine authority ruling over our lives. We want to make our own choices and be free. That’s the central theme behind “Children of Eve”.
M.I. – “The Traitors of Anatha” honours Judas Iscariot. What inspired this song?
Actually, it doesn’t honour Judas Iscariot - it’s an ironic analogy about how the world works. The organised church, for example, is an incredibly wealthy institution, yet it preaches against wealth, happiness, and personal freedom. It talks about spiritual wars while acting like a corporate entity, accumulating power and resources. In that way, the song critiques this hypocrisy.
M.I. - You’ve mentioned that “Spiritual Healing” by Death had a strong influence on you. In what ways do you see “Children of Eve” continuing that kind of socially aware metal?
I remember the first time I heard “Spiritual Healing”, Chuck Schuldiner’s lyrics stood out to me because they were clear and socially conscious. It was one of the first death metal albums to take that extra step and openly discuss real-world issues. Similarly, “Children of Eve” follows that pattern. We talk about social issues, about the wrongs in our societies, and about external forces, whether religious or political, that manipulate people for their own gain. In that sense, I see a lot of parallels between what we’re doing and what “Spiritual Healing” did back then.
M.I. - Having released 11 albums, what keeps Nightfall pushing forward after all these years? Do you still feel the same fire as when you started?
If anything, the fire burns even brighter now. We haven’t been on the road much, so we’re eager to perform live. Some bands that have toured extensively for years get tired of it, but for us, it’s a fresh experience. We’re full of energy and ready to go. Beyond that, Nightfall and many other bands from the ‘90s still carry the underground spirit. Music is our way of breathing, communicating, and connecting with people. It’s the best reason to be alive, and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that motivation.
M.I. – Would you say that, a few years ago, you were a quiet guy who kept things to yourself? Do you think that contributed to your depression?
No, it had nothing to do with that. We’re not talking about just feeling low or having a bad day. This was clinical depression, something that required medication and treatment. There seemed to be some misconceptions, especially during the pandemic, a lot of musicians back then were saying, “Yeah, we feel depressed because we can’t go out and play live,” but that’s not really depression, you know? That’s just feeling blue. We’re talking about something much deeper, the real thing. And actually, I wasn’t quiet at all back then, quite the opposite. I was very angry, constantly shouting. I had extreme mood swings, but I would always make excuses, saying it was just a bad day or that someone else was causing me trouble.
M.I. - It must have taken a lot to recognize what was really happening and to seek help.
Yeah, it took me years to go through the process and finally ask for medical assistance. But that was the turning point.
M.I. - That’s amazing that you were able to push through and come out stronger. The black mask you now wear symbolizes living under the veil of mental illness. Can you tell me how that symbolism came about and why you decided to use it?
The face is the canvas of our expression. It’s the first thing you see when you meet someone: the eyes, the nose, the mouth, the expressions. When there’s a mental struggle, like depression, you don’t always recognize it right away because it’s hidden behind human feelings. That’s where the misconception comes from. People may think, “Ah, this is a toxic person,” not understanding the battle going on inside. I use a half-face mask to symbolize that duality, like a person who’s fighting this battle. It’s like being bipolar, it’s like becoming prey to yourself from the inside. It's painful, but the reality is, when you interact with others, they just see a face: a happy face, a sad face, a hungry face, a cold face. The mask is a way to make people think twice about the people they’re interacting with, to recognize that there may be something they don’t see behind the surface. It's not about asking for sympathy or second chances, we’re not inferior to anyone. We’re all equal. It’s just to remind people to understand that there’s more going on than what meets the eye.
M.I. - That’s a powerful statement. And you're right, we all wear masks in some form or another. But there’s a difference between what you’re describing and the mask someone might wear to hide sadness or other emotions, right?
Yes, exactly. For some, wearing a mask is optional, like when you force a smile when you’re feeling down. But for someone suffering from depression, it’s not optional. The pain is there, and it changes without us even realizing it. That’s why I use the opposition between my real face and the mask. It’s a way to show that I don’t have control over it. I’m fighting it, but it’s not something I can control at will.
M.I. - You’ve also started the initiative “Metal Music Against Depression”. What are you hoping to achieve with that?
I hope to raise awareness about how harmful it is to stigmatize people who are struggling with mental health issues. I want to create a community where anyone who has a personal story can share it, whether it’s in their native language or in English, I want to create a space for people to feel supported. We want to provide inspiration for those who are dealing with similar struggles and let them know they’re not alone.
M.I. - That sounds like an amazing initiative. Now, with the new album out, can we expect to see Nightfall on the road soon?
Yes, that’s the plan! We’re really excited about getting this album out and playing live everywhere. We hope to tour extensively, sharing the music and connecting with people who have supported the album. This is our moment, and we’re ready to take it on the road.
M.I. - That’s awesome! You’ve played Portugal before, but it was quite some time ago. Any plans to return?
We did play in Portugal many years ago, back in the '90s. I might have been a bit distracted at the time, dealing with some personal struggles I didn’t quite understand yet, but it’s a memory I hold dear. We were active back then, but I had to step away for a while due to personal reasons. Now, things have changed. I’ve lost my parents and I’ve realized that life is short. I’m back on my feet, ready to push forward and perform. We’re really hoping to return to Portugal soon!
M.I. - I think your Portuguese fans would love to see you back. Who would you like to tour with?
I think Moonspell would be an amazing fit for us. We share the same era, the same cultural background, and they have a great reputation as a live band. It would be incredible to tour with them. It’s always great to be alongside bands who’ve been doing this for so long and doing it well.
M.I. - That would be an awesome tour! So, aside from touring, what’s next for Nightfall?
Touring is definitely our main focus right now. We want to bring something special to the stage, adding more theatrical elements to create a holistic experience for our fans. We’ve invested a lot into our gear and sound to ensure that every show is top quality, no matter the venue. We're really working hard to make our live shows something people will remember.
M.I. - It’s been great talking to you. Before we wrap up, do you have a message for your Portuguese fans?
Yes, we’re really looking forward to meeting you all! We can’t wait to bring these songs to the stage. We had an amazing time in Brazil last May, and now we can’t wait to return to beautiful Portugal. See you soon!
For Portuguese version, click here
Listen to Nightfall, on Spotify
Questions by Sónia Fonseca
