When it comes to melody combined with heavy vibes, Swedes are the best to deliver quality music. CYHRA is a band that for the last 10 years does that in the best possible way. They are a group of excellent musicians with long careers and experience but when it comes to creating music they operate with great enthusiasm and devotion as if it’s their first time. So, it’s time for the Greek metalheads to get to know CYHRA better and find out details about their new album, “Requiem for a Pipe Dream” (read our review here!!) from Jake E, the founder of the band.
Metalwar: Hello Jake. Welcome to Metalwar.gr! Thank you for your time. I would like to start with some questions about the band since I believe that in Greece you are not as appreciated as you deserve and people must know more things about you. First of all, how did you come up with the name “CYHRA”?
Jake E: Thank you for having me! The name actually came from a brainstorming process when we were forming the band. “Cyra” (without the H) means “moon” in Persian, and I found that really beautiful. At the same time, my daughter is named Céline, which originates from the Greek goddess Selene, the personification of the moon in Greek mythology. So there were a few different inspirations that naturally came together.
We then added the H to make the name more unique and give it its own identity. We wanted something that didn’t immediately lock us into a specific genre or concept. CYHRA has a mysterious feel to it, and it allows the music to define the name rather than the other way around.
Over the years, the name has become its own identity, and today I honestly can’t imagine this band being called anything else.
Metalwar: You are a band that can be characterized as a supergroup with amazing musicians that are active with other bands too. But contrary to other supergroups you function as a proper band having released 4 albums in a decade and touring all these years. How do you manage to combine CYHRA with all the other projects of the band members?
Jake E: I think the biggest difference is that CYHRA was never intended to be a side project. From day one, we’ve treated it like a real band. Of course, everyone has other commitments, but when it’s time to work on CYHRA, everybody is fully invested.
Technology also helps. We live in a world where you can share ideas instantly no matter where people are. But more importantly, there’s a genuine passion for this band. Nobody is doing this because they have to. We’re doing it because we want to.
Metalwar: What keeps the chemistry strong between members coming from such established metal backgrounds?
Jake E: Respect. It’s really that simple.
We’ve all been doing this for a long time and we’ve all experienced situations where ego gets in the way of creativity. Nobody wants that. We challenge each other creatively, but at the end of the day everybody understands that the song comes first.
We’re also friends. We genuinely enjoy spending time together, and I think that makes a huge difference.
Metalwar: Another amazing thing about CYHRA is the fact that the band’s line-up is actually the same since the beginning with only a few changes, which is quite rare for a metal band. How do you manage that?
Jake E: I think it comes back to having the right people involved for the right reasons.
Every band faces challenges over the years. Life changes, schedules change, priorities change. The important thing is maintaining mutual respect and always communicating honestly. We’ve been fortunate to build a strong foundation, and when challenges appear, we deal with them together instead of allowing them to divide us.
Metalwar: Your new album, “Requiem for a Pipe Dream” is about to be released. The title is very pessimistic talking about a farewell to an impossible dream. What is the meaning behind that and what is the lyrical approach / central idea of the whole album?
Jake E: I don’t actually see it as pessimistic. To me it’s more about acceptance.
A lot of people spend years chasing versions of themselves that no longer exist, holding on to dreams that stopped serving them a long time ago. Sometimes growth means letting go.
The album explores themes of resilience, identity, loss, self-discovery and finding strength after disappointment. It’s about understanding that sometimes the end of one dream creates space for something even better.
Metalwar: Comparing the upcoming album with the previous ones what new elements do you try to establish in your music?
Jake E: I think this album is the most complete version of CYHRA so far.
We didn’t consciously try to reinvent ourselves. Instead, we focused on refining everything that makes this band special. The heavy moments are heavier, the melodies are stronger and emotionally I think this is the deepest record we’ve ever made.
The songwriting feels more confident because we’re no longer trying to define who we are. We know who we are now.
Metalwar: Is there a particular song that is the most indicative of the band’s current phase?
Jake E: That’s always a difficult question because every song represents a different side of the band. But if I had to choose one, I’d probably say “Mark of My Sins”
It captures the balance that CYHRA is all about. It’s heavy and aggressive, but at the same time it’s melodic, emotional and uplifting. Lyrically it also represents where I am today as a person.
Metalwar: I saw in your official webpage that you have already announced a mini tour in Finland in autumn. What are your plans to promote the album?
Jake E: Touring is always the most important part for us because that’s where the music truly comes alive.
We’ll be doing everything we can to bring these songs to as many people as possible through touring, media appearances, social media and hopefully some festivals. We’re still working on plans behind the scenes, but our goal is definitely to get out there and play these songs live.
And yes, we’d love to come to Greece! I love your country and I have been visiting it since I was 7. But unfortunately, I have never played there!
Metalwar: What has been the most memorable touring moment so far?
Jake E: There have been so many, but what always stays with me are those moments when you realize your music has reached people far away from where it was created.
Standing on a stage in a country you’ve never visited before and hearing people sing your lyrics back to you is something I’ll never take for granted. No matter how many years you’ve been doing this, that feeling never gets old.
Metalwar: Things are changing really fast in music industry. Recently I had the chance to talk to Alex about ROKK and all those streaming platforms. AI seems to be the new trend in music (and not only music). How do you see the future of metal music in general?
Jake E: Technology will continue to evolve, whether we like it or not.
AI can be a useful tool, but I don’t believe it can replace genuine human emotion, and that’s what great music is built on. Metal has survived every major industry shift because it has one thing technology can’t manufacture: authenticity.
As long as people need an outlet for emotion, frustration, hope and passion, metal will continue to thrive.
Metalwar: What is your vision for CYHRA?
Jake E: To keep growing without losing what makes us special.
I want us to continue writing great songs, making albums we’re proud of, and reaching more listeners around the world. Success is great, but longevity is even more important. I want people to look back ten years from now and see CYHRA as a band that consistently delivered quality music and stayed true to itself.
Metalwar: That is all Jake E. Thank you again for your time and I hope we get the chance to see you in Greece soon! You may close this interview with a message to Greek metalheads.
Jake E: Thank you very much for the interview.
To all the Greek metal fans: thank you for your passion and your loyalty to heavy music. We truly appreciate your support.
We hope to see you very soon and celebrate the release of Requiem For A Pipe Dream together. Until then, stay loud and take care of each other!
Interview: Kostas Boudoukos
