Around the World: Ελλάδα (Elláda)
The Greek scene is commonly associated with Black Metal, and me being controversial (as usual), I would say that I have a slightly different opinion on this matter. From my point of view, the only reason the fact that Greece aligned itself with the ever-popular Norwegian Black Metal movement was because of trends. Evidence can be found, for example, in interviews with Rotting Christ before their first album, where the band identified themselves as Death Metal (albeit to be fair, it should be said that R.C. started as Grindcore, and over the years, they changed their style on a daily basis).
However, let's go a little further – I believe that the Greek scene deserves a separate category, just like Swedish Death Metal, because it is unique. I call it (and not only I) Hellenic Metal. Its foundation, the main building block, is based on the atmosphere, combined with some Folk elements. And around this core are added, in various proportions, depending on the band, individual elements such as Black, Death, and Doom, with subsequent spices in the form of Gothic or Symphonic, which occasionally mutated during the second half of the '90s.
Another argument in favor for this term lies in the fact that this style is not limited exclusively to Greece. Just as Florida, Germany, and the aforementioned Scandinavians, inspired countless bands globally, one can also find branches of Hellenic Metal in places like Poland (Christ Agony), Switzerland (Samael - YES, DAMN IT), Portugal (Moonspell), Brazil (Mystifier), Assyria - which is a part of Israel (Melechesh), Italy (Mortuary Drape), Belgium (Ancient Rites), and finally, Mexico (R'Lyeh). One can always argue that these bands had their own flavor, but they represent such a characteristic style that one almost immediately recognizes it and it brings Greece to mind.
Most important Greek bands in random order: Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron, Nightfall, Septic Flesh, Kawir, Deviser, Thou Art Lord, Nergal, Naer Mattaron, controversial Legion of Doom, and Zemial. Almost like the 12 Olympian Gods. Many followers too, like Macabre Omen, Funeral Revolt, Nordor, Nocternity, Agatus, Unholy Archangel (experimental noise), Aimoptysi, or Disharmony. I would say that each one of them have a "Q" brand, standing for Quality.
However, this is not the only attraction the Greeks have to offer. There also have their specific Speed / almost Thrash style, which somehow manages to extract melody from rough Metal pounding. It is hard not to notice that the Greeks always make use of the majestic melodies. It is such a unique combination of rawness, harshness with elegance and grace, which is impossible to describe; you have to hear it to understand it. As an example, let's name Flames, Condemnation (!!), Piranha, Spider Kickers, Epidemic and forgotten gems like Stigma ("Sickness Of No Survivors").
And it can be said honestly that these bands laid the groundwork for the future waves, mainly due to the Speed Metal factor, which, through its amateurishness but at the same time, fast tempo, gave the Greek style such recognizable touch.
Whoa, I keep writing about popular styles, while there are others waiting in queue. Greek Death Metal remained somewhat in the shadows, but even there you can pick out a few winners. Of course, I'm talking about Septicemia (side-project of known Greek bands?), Obsecration, Death Courier (forgotten, but notable), Selefice (!!!), Horrified, Elysian Fields, Exhumation. And even here dominate bands which love melodies. Some of them, like On Thorns I Lay, follow the example of Brittish Paradise Lost, who left their extreme roots and softened their music.
There's a curio like Rotting Flesh, who swear that their name (which sounds like a bastard of Rotting Christ & Septic Flesh) is purely accidental.
Acid Death seems to be the black sheep in the family, because they, in turn, have typical Italian tendencies towards technicality mixed with prog. There is not a trace of Greek soul in them. And speaking of niche, there were also other imitators, like the Goregrind Autophagia & Atavism, Americana Brutallity like Inveracity & Disembowel. Nightrage on the other hand managed to master being like At the Gates, except they produced too many albums, which I personally ignored, as this is not the type of Melo-Death that I like
Additionally, few words about:
Diabolos Rising - strange project of Magus Vampir from Necromantia, and Finnish vocalist from Impaled Nazarene. The first album is amateurish midi-ambient, while the second one is more upbeat Industrial / Electronic Metal.
Astarte - all-female group made, with the stereotypical appearance of bimbos, who initially imitated the Norwegian scene to an extreme, only to evolve into something more original for their second album and onward. It's hard to talk about any genius here, but the ladies managed to leave some respectable legacy.
Among the newer breed is the legendary Dead Congregation, which I dare to say was the first to translate Incantation's language for the next generation of fans. Their albums belong nowadays to the strict canon. Following in their footsteps were other pioneers, namely Embrace of Thorns, who in turn showed the world how to play music from the abyss of oblivion.
Since I never get tired of Greek music, I immerse myself in Cult of Eibon, Soulskinner, or Caedes Cruenta. Lloth made a successful comeback from obscurity and has recorded two contemporary albums that are easy to love. Sypsis - brilliant ancient sensibilities combined with modern technicality. One could list countless others, and right now one that comes to mind is the lesser-known Nocturnal Vomit, but maybe I’ll stop here, because it’s not about showing off knowledge, but about creating the best possible showcase for a given country.
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