We had this wonderful chat with Unverkalt’s vocalist, Dimitra Kalavrezou, as we spoke about their music, the new album Héréditaire, and her musical background.

Reuel

Hello Dimitra! I’m very glad to chat with you. How are you doing?

Dimitra

Thank you so much for having me! I’m really excited for this discussion.

Reuel

Me too! You have recently released your new album Héréditaire. What are the first three words that come to mind when you think about this new album?

Dimitra

The first three words that come to mind are origins, trauma, and transformation.

Reuel

How would you describe Unverkalt musical style and sound to our readers who haven’t had the chance to listen to it yet?

Dimitra

I would describe our sound as something that moves between post-metal and more avant-garde textures. It’s quite slow-burning and emotionally driven, with a strong contrast between heaviness and fragility. Vocally, we tried to move through different emotional states, which gives the music a multifaceted character. Because of that, the songs often feel more like unfolding narratives than traditional structures, where dissonance and beauty exist side by side.

Reuel

This sounds amazing! Releasing an album is no doubt a huge milestone for any musician, but also challenging. What was your favorite and least favorite part of working with your bandmates on Héréditaire?

Dimitra

It was challenging mainly because we were exploring many new things during the process. At the same time, that was also one of the most inspiring aspects of working on the album. Everyone brought their own ideas and perspectives, and the collaboration between us felt very natural. For me, the most rewarding part was seeing how all these different elements slowly came together into one cohesive vision. That shared creative energy was something very special while creating Héréditaire.

Reuel

What, in your opinion, does Héréditaire have that older Unverkalt albums did not have, and makes it special?

Dimitra

I think what makes Héréditaire different from our previous albums is the clarity of its conceptual and musical direction. With this record, we really pushed ourselves to experiment, especially with different vocal layers, textures, and new elements within the compositions. It’s an album where many complex and diverse elements come together. You can also hear how different cultural backgrounds blend within the music, which gives the record a different direction. At the same time, we wanted to create something that carries a deeper sense of awareness. One of our intentions with this album was to create a space that invites self-reflection and allows the listener to engage with these themes in a personal way.

Reuel

What musicians can you credit as the ones who inspired you, personally, in your life or career as a musician?

Dimitra

Some of the artists who have influenced me the most over the years are Björk, Fever Ray, iamamiwhoami, The Cure, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, Faith No More, The Gathering, Tool, Katatonia, Anathema, Norma Jean, Rolo Tomassi, Florence and the Machine, Jorja Smith, Korn, Kittie, Bush,, How to Destroy Angels, Crosses, Rob Zombie, Skunk Anansie, Puscifer, Battle of Mice. Each of them has inspired me in different ways and shown me how many different ways there are to express yourself through music.

Reuel

Here’s a question you don’t get asked every day. If the sense of taste and hearing were mixed up together, what food do you imagine Unverkalt’s music would taste like?

Dimitra

Maybe something like a truffle risotto. It’s rich and earthy, with many subtle layers that slowly reveal themselves.

Reuel

Sounds like something I’d like! What are your feelings about the way women are represented in music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?

Dimitra

I think the metal scene is slowly becoming more inclusive, which is very positive. At the same time, I believe we should continue encouraging experimentation and allow more diverse voices to be present in the scene, with versatility and complexity. No one should feel afraid to express their voice in the way that feels authentic to them, whether that is extreme, aggressive, atmospheric, or softer. We should be more open in talking about these issues and stand together against hateful attitudes that still exist. Supporting each other is essential. There were many moments where I felt like a black sheep, but with time, I realized there is no reason to let anyone define your dreams or your path. What matters is staying true to what makes you feel complete and standing by each other.

Reuel

Thank you for sharing these empowering experience and thoughts! Thank you for your time, Dimitra! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Dimitra

Thank you so much for this great interview. It was really nice to have the opportunity to talk about our music and allow people to get to know our band a little more. Stay tuned and keep spreading the music.