Extreme Metal Mixing Engineer

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: One project I’m especially proud of is my work with Lucifer's Child, where I’ve been involved as a musician, producer, and engineer. I’m also proud to have contributed to music featured in the 1899 soundtrack and my years performing and recording with Rotting Christ. Each of these experiences shaped my approach to production and working with artists.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently I’m working on several projects including my band Hexbane with members such as Faust, Tas Danazoglou, and The Magus, as well as projects with Faith and the Muse and Dark Vision.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I’m still exploring the SoundBetter community, but there are many great professionals here. The key is finding someone whose style fits the project.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Both. Digital offers precision and flexibility, while analog adds character and depth. Combining the two allows me to use the strengths of each to achieve the best result for the music.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: My promise is to respect the identity of the music and deliver a powerful, professional mix while working closely with the artist to achieve the best possible result.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: What I enjoy most is helping artists bring their vision to life. Taking a song from raw recordings to a powerful, finished production is always a rewarding process.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Clients usually ask how they should prepare their tracks before sending them. I always recommend exporting clean multitracks with enough headroom, clearly labeled, and without unnecessary processing unless it’s part of the sound. This makes the mixing process smoother and helps achieve the best possible result.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: One common misconception is that mixing is just about making things louder or more polished. In reality, it’s about shaping the balance, depth, and atmosphere of a song so the music’s identity and emotion come through clearly.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask about the artistic direction of the project, reference tracks for the desired sound, the production stage of the recordings, and the timeline for the release. This helps me understand the vision and approach the mix in the best possible way.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look for someone who understands your music and its identity, not just the technical side of production. Good communication and a clear artistic vision usually lead to the best results.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: My computer, my monitors, my analog compressors, my preamps, and a reliable audio interface — everything I’d need to keep creating and shaping sound anywhere.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I’ve been working in music production and audio engineering for over 15 years. After starting in studios in Athens, I founded Pentagram Studio. Alongside my production work, I’ve collaborated and toured with artists such as Lucifer's Child, Rotting Christ, Septicflesh, Lake of Tears, Lisa Hammer, and Faith and the Muse. I’ve also worked on music featured in the 1899 soundtrack.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style focuses on powerful and atmospheric mixes that maintain clarity, depth, and impact. I aim to enhance the identity of the music while preserving its natural intensity and character.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: I’m always interested in working with artists who have a strong musical identity and atmosphere. Projects with a clear artistic vision are usually the most inspiring to produce.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Focus on building a clear identity in the production. A great mix doesn’t just sound polished—it reflects the character and personality of the music.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: I mainly work on black metal, death metal, and other forms of extreme music, but I’ve also worked with artists like Lake of Tears, Lisa Hammer, and Faith and the Muse, covering darker and more atmospheric styles as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is shaping powerful and atmospheric mixes for extreme metal while maintaining clarity and balance. Being an active musician also helps me understand the dynamics and intention behind the music.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I focus on bringing clarity, power, and atmosphere to each song. My goal is to enhance the character of the music while ensuring every element works together to create a balanced, impactful mix that translates well everywher

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My process varies depending on the band and the project. Usually we begin by discussing the desired sound and references. After receiving the multitracks, I prepare and edit the session if needed, then move into mixing. Once the mix is approved, I finalize the track with mastering so it’s ready for release.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I work from Pentagram Studio in Athens using a hybrid workflow that combines digital processing with analog compressors and preamps. This allows me to approach each project individually and deliver powerful, detailed mixes that retain the character and intensity of the music.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I’m inspired by producers and musicians who helped shape the sound of extreme metal, such as Peter Tägtgren, Dan Swanö, and Fredrik Nordström. Their ability to balance aggression, atmosphere, and clarity has always influenced my approach to mixing.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I specialize in mixing and mastering black metal, death metal, and extreme music. Artists send multitracks that I transform into powerful, professional mixes ready for release. 15+ years of studio and touring experience, including work with Lucifer's Child and Rotting Christ.