Homer’s epic poems depict an external battle or else the “megaworld” in the Iliad and the “microcosm” in the Odyssey.
All this defines the inner battle of man, although these are battles outside the walls of every Troy.
But modern cities create a huge Arena, where internal and external battles take place against an invisible enemy.
A sterile repetition as a mechanical imitation of each previous act or else… of everyday life.
” “Arena“” is a song that came out of nowhere, as various melodies and ideas came together to release the first half of the song“, reveals Kostas Diamantis, vocals and guitar of Raw In Sect.
A truly odd and sound-specific song, which entraps the listener in the uniqueness of its composition.
The use of baglama, takes us to the Asia Minor musical tradition and the pain created by the refugee.
It is one of the few musical efforts where they come together so successfully, where Metal music unites with the tradition of the once forbidden Rebetiko song.
This is the second single, a precursor to their third (and last, since the band no longer exists) their album “Kitro”.
“In the process, Dimitris (Dimitris Alexiou – Drums, Backing Vocals) added the characteristic sound of the percussion musical instruments.
I remember he told me he wanted a new vocal line there.
From then on, combined with the assist of our producer (Peter Dowsett), we loaded it up to the max!
The idea of combining Rebetiko with Rock/Metal was intended to explore the huge range of Greek music…
And Rebetiko is undoubtedly an integral part“ as Costas says.
The Lyrics
The laconic verse they created is even more interesting:
“Arena is originally the city of Athens and at the same time one realizes that it is the very everyday life and the wear and tear it contains”.
But who are the lions, who are the victims, and who are they really fighting?
“Everyone is fighting with themselves on a daily basis in order to deal with the challenges of daily routine.
From going to work, if they have a job, to deal with it, and then finding the energy to spend the rest of the day.
The wear and tear to which one is subjected during this uninterrupted routine is the Arena itself,” the creator replies.
A misguided hunt of knowledge to himself: “It’s this Arena that wears you out and you lose a sense of who you are.
And that’s the worst thing about everyday life,” adds Costas.
The Video Clip
The video clip alternates people and dilapidated buildings…
“The grayness that prevails in the video depicts the desolation and/or abandonment of the weak.
In an Arena with non-existent mercy or tolerance!
Just as an abandoned building collapses, the same thing happens to people’s psyche.
Every day a piece of humanity is lost…”
The depiction of this musical composition through the video, brings out lyricism, pushing the viewer into a “dive”, in the philosophical speaking.
“The conditions created by societies themselves are largely inhumane.
They’re not built to serve the everyday life of the world. They’re made for those who pull the strings…
They are the unnamed orchestrators, which also says the song,” concludes the band’s lead singer.
Although the song itself does not suggest a solution, however, the climax of the album through “Gramma” gives one…
Let us not forget, however, that in order to have a meaningful solution there must first be recognition and acceptance.
