Greece. The country stands in the heart of the Mediterranean. Inspiring the world with its legendary theater, poetry and mythology. Greece still inspires Metal world with not only Mythical and literary subjects, but also with a long-listed active Greek Metal bands.
The scene of Greece is full of many active bands, releases, gigs, and local festivals, in addition being a part of Europe gives Greece the blessings of being visited by the most legendary and iconic names of the universal Metal industry.
This 20+ Greek Metal Band list is a small full of active Greek Metal names introduced to the Middle Eastern, Non-Greek Metalheads to enrich their knowledge about the scene of one of the closest countries to us, and the most similar culture to ours.
The listed bands may be different from each other in terms of Genre, Hometown, Year of founding, and names, but they carry two similar features: they carry the blood of Hera and Zeus, and they made a good achievement in 2018 whether new albums, new stuff, and wide live performance contribution.
Before starting the list, I want to thank all Greek musicians who cooperated with me.
LET'S WARM UP!
Alexi Keito
I would like to start this list with a Respected Talented Character should be mentioned when it comes to the Greek Metal Scene. the talented touring Sound engineer, musician, and Full House B.C. Drummer Alexi Keito.
Alexi Keito is a well-known and respected name in the universal Metal industry. He toured with a big number of bands as Rotting Christ, Carach Angern, and Nile.
2018 was so busy for Alexi as he participated in different tours around the world with Wolfheart, Carach Angern, Nile and he participated in some shows at his hometown Athens.
I contacted Alexi as he is a Facebook friend, and he welcomed this short interview invitation warmly.
First of, I started with asking Alexi about how he is managing his time between his tours and local shows in Athens.
Alexi explained “The thing is that there are not just European events but worldwide as the bands I am regularly working with such as NILE and CARACH ANGREN are bands that tour all around the globe and they are doing it a lot.
Unfortunately there are some bands in Greece that I am working with as well that they need to find a substitute for the times I cannot make it.
I feel really honored that they always want me to be their sound guy and they will always call me when they have new dates even though I cannot always be there. I appreciate it a lot and I am glad I can put my touch to their live sound whenever it is possible.”
Next, I moved to Alexi’s opinion in the Greek Metal Scene and his relationship with the Greek Metal bands.
He expressed, “There is a huge amount of bands that record music and go on stages playing it.
I only work with a very small sample which also happen to be some of the best bands of the Greek metal scene. The reason is that as mentioned on previous question, I am not spending too much time here, plus that the fact that I tour and work with big bands is probably intimidating for smaller Greek bands that would like to have me doing their sound.”
Alexi highlighted, “Still I am always open to this and trying to help as much as I can whoever asks for it. I would say that the metal scene in Greece is currently blooming musically as the modern technology makes it easier for bands to record their music and put it online for everyone to listen to.”
He added, “Unfortunately what is still not blooming is the professionalism. Despite good music and good productions coming up more often than ever, musicians still don't find a way to dedicate their time to their bands and come up with a business plan that will make this doable for living.
As a result bands are mostly a hobby while their members are studying in universities in fields that have nothing to do with music or working jobs that has nothing to do with their bands either. It is just few bands that their mentality is aligned to this way of thinking and these are the bands that are taking steps outside of Greece slowly but surely.”
After Alexi explained his point of view in the Greek Metal Scene, I asked him about how the economic situation in Greece affected on the Metal industry in the country.
Alexi expressed, “It's like a double blade knife. On one hand the economic problems pushes only the few who are really into it to compose music so the best are the ones who survive.
With all the problems around, people are trying to express their feelings and this reflects on the music composed which is better than ever.
On the other hand the lack of funds and money makes it very hard for bands to invest on the music production etc which results in that they can’t grow.”
Moving to Alexi’s Full House B.C. career, Alexi said,
“I am the last addition to the band and we have played 4 shows together and one of them was outside of Greece too.
Every time we perform is so special to me and I put my soul in every single hit so I guess I had a good time recording this album and playing it live. I knew Vaggelisthrough Rotting Christ of which the sound I have also been doing some times in the past so when I joined the band I knew I would work with a person that I am on the same page with.
It's very important to have a common way of life, common goals and common experience in the field. It's funny how I ended up recording the album. I found out they needed a drummer while I was on a US tour with NILE so I offered to join.
As soon as I got back we did a rehearsal and we played like we had always been doing this together. So he gave me the new songs and I told him I could record them in two months. He gave me 2 weeks. But I got in the studio and recorded them in 3 hours. Liking the songs a lot and being the style I like to play, helped a lot.”
There was another interesting topic to discuss with Alexi, his impressive relationship with the Middle East. He said, “How could someone not having good relations with people from the middle east?
Greece is standing with one foot to the west and one foot to the east. We are the crossroads of western and eastern civilization and of course we have our own roots going back thousands of years.
So our mentality, cuisine and habits are very close to those of eastern people. I have been to Dubai and the hospitality of the local promoters is by far beyond competition. I personally feel always welcomed and feel home.”
So, before finalizing this talk with Alexi, I asked him to tell his favorite Metal releases.
He revealed, “I would strongly recommend to everyone listening to POEM and their latest album "UNIQUE" and MOTHER OF MILLIONS and their latest album "SIGMA". You will find music for life in their albums. I feel very happy that I also do the sound for both whenever I can.
One band I don't work with but their new and first album is amazing is NOCHNOY DOZOR. After that, comes many bands which I really dig like the thrashers EXARSIS , alternative hard rockers SERENITY BROKEN, experimental dreamy call it what you will rockers HYPNOTIC NAUSEA, And of course the stoner/hard rock monsters PLANET OF ZEUS, 1000 MODS and NIGHTSTALKER.”
Finally Alexi added, “Thanks for your interest and your support. I hope I will find myself playing or mixing a band there very soon. Cheers!”
After this nice talk with Alexi Keito, it is the time of our list. Please, welcome our first part of the list
Septicflesh
Septicflesh ; the legends who enhanced the iconic extreme/Symphonic epics around the world. The name of SF is widely known for mostly of Metalheads, not only for their unique riffs but also for the outstanding artistic elements in their orchestral sounds. And as this is a Middle Eastern blog, I should stress that the Middle East has a big fan base for those Great Greek Titans.
As Christos Antoniou answered our questions :
“2018 was one of the best years for us. It was very good one! We got a deal with a big label as Nuclearblast, had different tours and performances and got the acceptance of having an orchestral Metal show in Mexico,” Antoniou expressed during an exclusive phone interview.
And about the Greek Metal Scene in 2018, he explained “There is a movement in the scene here. But it is still difficult as the system here doesn’t support Metal music or Arts in general. Bands need to work on producing unique music and push it beyond the borders. They need to find a label and agency to promote their stuff.”
Few months ago, Septicflesh performed in Morocco, so we asked Antoniou about Septicflesh relationship with the Middle East.
He answered “It was great to play there. It has great culture, great history and great people although we were somehow concerned.”
“A lot of people love Septicflesh there. So, We hope to be back again and to perform in Egypt and Tunisia.”
As Septicflesh is getting ready for the Epic orchestral show in Mexico City, Antoniou was asked about how they are getting ready for such a concert. “Actually, it’s a big and a difficult task. We will perform with a lot of talented musicians; it will be recorded as a DVD. We are working hard for it through the few past months.”
“We are very excited and looking forward to it. It is a dream that come true. We will mainly play stuff from Communion and after.” He explained.
Then, we asked Antoniou about Septicflesh’s 2019 plans. “Septicflesh has the upcoming show in Mexico City, a North America Tour and a big European Tour.”
“Also, we will start composing music for our upcoming album through 2019, and hopefully the album could be released in 2020,” Antoniou added.
Finally, we asked him to tell us his favorite Greek Metal Release, “I think My favorite one is Horrified’s “Animal”. It is a great one,” he replied.
On Thorns I Lay
On Thorns I Lay is one of the names that should be mentioned when we talk about the Doom Metal Scene in Greece and whole Europe. The Legendary On Thorns I Lay celebrated with their 25th anniversary this year throughtheir first show in Athens as a headliner band. This event was a special occasion as it was the first Doom Metal Festival in Greece “The Room of Doom”. Also, the band released a new album “Aegean Sorrow”.
Chris (On Thorns I Lay Guitarist) answered our answers.
Chris started with the band’s participation in The Room of Doom.
“It was our first headliner show and we had more than 210 people so we are very satisfied with the result as we played 15 songs from many of our albums.
The reaction was great and we are planning 2 more headliner shows in Greece the following months.”
Regarding Their Aegean Sorrow, Chris previously told us, “The main lyrical concept of the album is the refugee crisis and the catastrophe that exists near our door nowadays. Wewere inspired mostly by our first 4 albums and of course our favorite bands as most of all we are true fans of the genre.”
Then, we moved to how On Thorns I Lay see the Greek Metal Scene as they are one of the oldest Greek Metal bands. He explained “We started back in 1991 and we are one from the oldest bands in the Greek metal scene.
The Death/Doom Metal scene in Greece unfortunately was not ever too big. Nowadays there are Ocean of Grief, Decemberance, Shatterd Hope for example but not too many more to mention.”
He added, “Our scene has grown since our first years back in the early 90s. We all here have to admit that this is mostly due to Rotting Christ and secondly due to Septicflesh as those 2 bands spread the name of the scene worldwide having incredible albums and thousands of live shows.”
“As I mentioned Rotting Christ and Septicflesh are the leaders of the scene. There are groups from every genre as Gus G, some bands from stoner liken1000 mods that are doing pretty well as we see worldwide also and many moreto mention. I think that we are doing pretty well nowadays,” Chris expressed.
Then, I asked him about the relationship between On Thorns I Lay with Septicflesh.
“With the guys from Septicflesh, we are friends from the early days. They are first of all 100 % professional musicians with great studies and i think they are a level more than everyone here as they just deliver in every album,” he said.
Moving to the band’s 2019 plans, “Currently we are waiting for some dates around Europe to announce and we are rehearsing for our new album,” Chris revealed.
Finally Chris told us his favorite Greek Metal releases, “For me its the first Septicflesh album Mystic places of dawn. But of course there are many more great releases from other bands also. Dead Congragation have also deliverd diamonds also.”
Aherusia
Aherusia is a charismatic band in the Greek Metal Scene. Founded in 1997, the band is one of the few Metal bands that give the audience a theatrical mythical show with a professional and talented choir and theatrical troop. They Greatly conjure the spell and magic of the Ancient Greek Mythology and introducing Metal theatrical Plays was the main task for Aherusia through this year.
George Melas (Aherusia Guitarist) answered our questions
I started with Melas with asking him about the idea of combining Ancient Greek drama with Metal. He explained, “Well, I was dreaming to do something as that with AHERUSIA, since I was pretty much a child, back in 1997.
I always approached Ancient Hellenic heritage with great awe and respect. I always hoped that one day I might be found worthy on combining my music with the art of Hellenic Drama/Tragedy.”
He continued, “I never got anxious though. I continued creating my music until the day that I heard the final mastering of “Prometheus Seven Principles on How to Be Invincible”… Right away, I sensed that this album could be easily become a theatrical play, maintaining the forms of ancient Hellenic drama.
I gathered a team of actors, we started with the rehearsals. I took up the directing also. Procedure was so creative and beautiful. Finally PROMETHEUS, was held on theatres for almost 3 years, with huge success. I never pressed myself… Every part matured naturally inside me.”
Then, we moved to the main influences of Aherusia. Melas said “As far as it concerns theatre, I should refer to Aristophanes, Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Shakespeare.
As far it concerns music, I would say that I wouldn’t be anything, if I never listened to: Hellenic traditional music, Byzantine music, Arabic Music, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Skyclad, Gamma Ray, Dead Can Dance, LoreenaMcKennitt, Necromantia, Fields Of The Nephilim, Crippled Black Phoenix and David Bowie.”
After all this talk I believe that you as readers need to know why Aherusia chose Prometheus!
Melas explained, “Well, Prometheus is an archetype of sacrifice and humanism. An exemplification of courage. He chooses to leave his status behind, in order to teach/protect humanity. He supports his beliefs/way without fear, facing any consequence, standing as martyr, alone but triumphant.”
Regarding the feedback of the audience, He commented, “Our fans supported us with their presence at the shows. Many people became friends, since the persons that came to attend the play wasn’t only metalheads.
On the contrary, only a handful of members of our fellow bands, honored us with their presence and their valuable opinion.”
Next, Melas told us his point of view in the Greek Metal Scene.
“Undisputedly, our stoner and our post bands, are awesome, and are doing perfect. I am sure that more will come. Some encouraging things are done in “folk scene”: Balothizer, Raw In Sect, Word Of Life, are excellent examples. Those are the good news.”
Finally, Melas revealed to us his favorite Greek Metal Release and his favorite Plays, “My favorite Ancient Hellenic plays are “Bacchae” and “Prometheus bound”. My favorite release of Hellenic scene would be 666 by Afrodyte's Child.”
Need
Founded in 2004, Greek Progressive Rock/Metal masters Need. They are one of the most talented and popular Greek Progressive/Heavy Metal bands. 2018 for Need was celebrating with their late released album “Hegaiamas”. They toured around Greece and Europe to promote their latest album.
George Ravaya (Need Guitarist) answered our questions.
First off, I was curious to know how busy bands manage their time. Ravaya answered “Time management can be tricky but when there are passion and love for music we always find time.
All of Need's band members are professional musicians other than me. I am an actor. So even in between touring and recording cycles, music and art in general is always in our lives.”
Regarding the description of the Greek Metal Scene Ravaya described, “Well there's a lot of variety ranging through all aspects of metal-rock genres.
In my mind the Greek scene is a firm reaction to all the difficulty our country is facing due to the economic depression which in turn has corroded our social structure and quality of life. I don't really care if the attention is focused on certain names. I listen to the music.”
About their latest album Hegaiamas, Ravaya expressed “Well we released Hegaiamas in January of 2017. The process was long and collaborative. its subtitle is "a song for freedom" So that might give you an idea of the story.”
We asked him whether playing Progressive Rock/Metal in Greece challenging or not, “Not at all. When you play your passion nothing is difficult.
The prog scene in Greece is blooming. Maybe in a few years we'll be known for that as well,” Ravaya answered.
Concerning evaluating the scene in Greece, Ravaya said, “It's not my mentality to evaluate and certainly not in the mean time. The Greek scene is wonderful and expanding. That is great! Things are in the process of becoming something. That's also good.”
Meden Agan
One of the most successful female-fronted Gothic/Symphonic Metal bands in Greece since 2005. Epic Melodic riffs enriched with Symphonic colors and powerful female vocals. 2018 was full and busy for Meden Agan: New Album, and a lot of concerts across Greece.
Meden Agan’s strong lady Dimitra Panariti answered our questions.
First of all, I want to note that Panariti was one of the first Greek musicians who supported the idea of this article and helped me in choosing some selected names!
So, Panariti expressed her point of view regarding this article.
“It’s very important to me. You have to remember that Greece and Egypt are two of the surviving ancient civilizations on earth and we have More similarities than differences. Music should be the means for the People to remember that.”
Actually, the band’s name is always a present question as it is somehow strange.
Panariti explained “Meden Agan in free translation means "nothing in excess". It was one of the inscriptions in the ancient temple of Delfi. It’s a symbol actually for the balance in everything”
Then, she told us the story of Meden Agan latest album. “This album was inspired by the book of Umberto Eco ”The name of the Rose”. It is mainly focused on the corruption of the catholic priests and the evil rooted in church.”
Then, she expressed her point of view regarding the Greek Metal Scene, “It is thriving lots of great musicians and bands. Unfortunately it is still considered a hobby and an expensive one as well. Andience seems a bit rooted to the classic metal sound, but they are slowly expanding towards other and mixed genres,” She said.
About the hardships that the Greek Metal bands face, she explained, “Well the financials are a big issue. You cannotMake a living out of music and you cannot find decent managers, promoters, agency etc.
These difficulties can sometimes be a cause of arguments in the band but we are very close and we share the Samecause and that is what is keeping us together and moving us forward.”
Finally, Panariti revealed to us her favorite album before sending her humble greetings to Greek, Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and African Metalheads, “I love all Meden Agan albums. I can’t really choose one. I think my favorite Greek metal album is “non serviam” by Rotting Christ.”
Achelous
It is one of the rocket-speed rising Greek Metal bands. The name of the band perfectly reflect the essence of its music. The band plays Heavy Metal music with mythical, classical, Hellenic taste. 2018 was a very good year for Achelous. The band released a new successful album “Macedon” and performed in Doom Over Malta.
Chris Kappas (Achelous Vocalist) answered our questions
First off, we start with Achelous by their latest successful album “Macedon”. So, Kappas told us about the story of the album, “Our new CD is a concept album that has to do with the campaign of Alexander The Great in Asia.
It’s in the classic Achelous sound, that means classic Epic Heavy Metal. The album was recorded and produced at The Music House Studio with our longtime friend and producer Stathis Pavlantis and is released by Metal Fighters Records.
Until now we have got some amazing reviews and we are very happy that the fans and the press love it.”
I can’t deny that I love the Hellenic subjects and Ancient Greek Mythology so I was interested in knowing why Achelous chose this musical combination.
Kappas answered, “It’s very easy for us to use the Hellenic history and mythology in order to be inspired because those are the stories that we were raised with.
We also love fantasy books like Dragon lance and Forgotten realms and we plan to make an album in the future based on these books.”
This year, Achelous performed in Malta Doom Metal Fest.
“It was something awesome. The whole organization of the festival was simply great. We had an amazing time there. All the bands were very friendly and we drank a lot of beers together. You can check our official live video of "Gaugamela" from our show in MDM on our You Tube Channel (Achelous),” Kappas expressed.
Then, we moved to his point of view about the Greek Metal Scene.
He described, “The Greek Metal Scene is growing stronger with each day. Not only the big names (like Rotting Christ, Battleroar, Inner Wish, Septic Flesh, Reflection, etc) keep releasing great albums but there is also a new stream of really talented groups that are ready to grab the torch and be the next big thing. You have to check bands like Tidal Dreams, Sacral Rage, Saboter, etc and you will understand that something great is growing here.”
He added, “Financing the whole project is the biggest problem. That’s why we have to work many hours every day in order to support our families and the band. Especially the last 2 years were very difficult for the band since we went through many lineup changes and in the meantime we had to record our songs also search for a record label deal and of course arrange live shows.”
We moved to another topic in our talk which is Achelous relationship with the Middle East, “To tell you the truth I don't know many things but I have read some articles and I know a couple of bands like Scarab and Crescent,” Kappas said.
Finally, we finalized our talk with Kappas by asking him about their favorite Greek Metal releases, and in fact they have no certain favorite release, “The band members have totally different preferences. If you ask me I will tell you that I love the more classic/power metal bands,” He said.
Aetherian
Founded in 2013, Aetherian is one of the most successful Melodic Death Metal bands in Greece. Their music videos passed 2M views on YouTube. 2018 for Aetherian was for giving wide live performances.
Panos Leakos (Aetherian Vocalist) and Giorgos Evgeneniadis (Aetherian Guitarist) answered our questions
We started with Athenian with their opinion about the Greek Metal Scene in 2018.
They expressed, “For starters, let’s say that bands like Rotting Christ and Septicflesh have had a great impact and raised the awareness and feasibility of Greek people, motivating them to create good metal music and try to promote it worldwide.
This year there had been some amazing releases from “On Thorns I lay”, “Karma Violens”, “Ocean of Grief”, “Nigredo”, “Above Us the Waves” and many others. 2018 I think was more death and blackmetal oriented and not as thrashy as previously accustomed. The scene is continuously on the rise despite the problems of being an artist in Greece.”
Then, they added, “Same applies for other Greek musicians working as individuals on YouTube with their videos or performing in bands from other countries abroad.
Also a thing to be noted, due to the crisis it was difficult these past years for the fans.
People were not attending frequently live shows as they could not afford the ticket fee or chose to spend that money differently. This gave on one hand a boost to the underground scene and small venues but on the other hand, many bands from abroad weren’t able to perform here.”
Aetherian in 2018 shared the stage many times with Vermingod, Foray Between Ocean, Karma Violens, and Fall From Order. So, we asked Aetherian about their relation with the mentioned bands. They expressed,
“We had some good times! We have toured to 2-3 Greek cities with “Vermingod” and “Foray Between Ocean” at the "This is Hell" tour throughout 2018 and we are excited to continue this tour on March 2019 with “Foray Between Ocean” and “Karma Violens”!
We will also perform a live show with the bands you mentioned on the first week of 2019 which we are looking forward to.
Since you ask us to describe our relation with these bands it can be said that it’s the passion and love for metal music which brings us together to plan and organize events and shows.
The feedback from the audience has been absolutely amazing and very supportive and we are looking forward in playing for them again!”
Next, Leakos and Evgeneniadis commented on our question about Aetherian activity in 2018.
“We wanted to dedicate this year to live performances in terms of promoting our album "The Untamed Wilderness" and we still continue to do so.
Things will change a bit, mostly because Panos will start working in a different city. There are some planned gigs that we will play, but sadly we cannot perform in any summer festivals and that’s something that we really wanted to do.
They continue, “But there is some new stuff that we have been working on. Angelos is on fire as always and never loses an opportunity to write something new.
So, right now we have a lot of raw material to occupy ourselves with, and next year will be a lot more about songwriting and arranging. Still, the second album looks far away at the moment. Patience is a virtue a wise man once said. No need to worry though, we won’t take as long as Tool did!”
Next, we asked them about the main problems that face them.
“As we have mentioned before, the main issue for the Greek metal scene to grow is the financial and economic aspect, keeping musicians back from conducting toursabroad and/or record albums with better sound quality.
As a result most of the bands remain inside the borders. It also leads artists to a DIY attitude which has a certain charm in the end.
The most difficult thing after starting a band is to keep it going. There are problems in every step of the way, but if you overcome them the rewards are even greater,” They explained.
Finally, Leakos and Evgeneniadis revealed their favorite Greek Metal Release.
“Since you ask to name just one, we’ll definitely go with Rotting Christ’s “Theogonia” They mentioned.
So guys, that was our first part of our series or articles about the Greek Metal Scene (Stories from the Aegean..Metal Stories from Greece)
Stay tuned for the upcoming part!
Note: to send your biography, media releases, new or to join our series, please send us via knight.dark10@yahoo.com or send a message via our page.
Written by: Rana Atef (The Metal Sister, Egypt’s Metal Reviewer, Metal Roos, JoScene, Jorzine, and Rock Era Magazine) (Egypt)
Edited by: Amgad M. (Rock Era Magazine) (Egypt)
Cover Photo designed by: Lina Ardila (Independent Artist, Graphic Designer, and Tattoo Artist ) (Colombia)
..........................................
Egypt’s Metal Reviewer and The Metal Sister are two sister blog project established by Rana Atef a.k.a (DaRk~~KniGhT) in April 2018. She is aiming to provide the Middle East with professional and constructive Metal reviews. In addition, building a bridge with Middle Eastetn Metalheads and Western bands.
Plus, the blog is trying to build a unique Metal news exchange service between the blog and other western blogs, webzines, magazines and pages.
Also, the project is widely open for all bands from the whole world.
Originally Published on 30/12/2018 at 9:45 am
Originally Published on 30/12/2018 at 9:45 am
Comments
Post a Comment