Downtuned Magazine's Poll Results: Best Greek Releases For 2011

Downtuned Magazine

Last day of the year and it's a good time to see what Greece have offered in 2011's heavy scene. Although 2011 wasn't a good year at all when we're talking about music was definitely a rich one. A lot of releases came out, many great gigs were held and of course plenty of expectations for better things to come were created...

So let's start with the results of Downtuned Magazine's poll about which Greek releases made a really big impression to the world out there. The votes were much more than I expected (almost 370, not bad for a relatively new 'zine). Overall we had eight full albums and seven EPs. Since the poll contained the albums along with the EPs there is no need to separate them now. Even if it seems unfair, I dont't think it is since we're talking about fifteen releases and it's a good thing to see some newly-born bands take a good position with their first efforts... It's a matter of confidence after all...

[Review] Lord 13 -2013

Lord 13 -2013 cover artwork
Almost a month ago Lord 13 released their second full album titled "2013" which is going to be the last review for 2011. Formed back in 1999, they released two demos ("Embrace", 2000 and "Hell Ride", 2003) before their self-titled debut album came out in 2006.

6 January : Barstow Deadbeat, Godsleep, Black Frog, Desert Hound Live In Pireaus

Who:
Barstow Deadbeat were formed in 2009 in Athens and their music is a mix of oldschool rock 'n' roll and stoner rock elements.
Godsleep are a down-tempo heavy rock band from Athens  formed in 2010.
Black Frog is a stoner rock band from Heraklion formed in 2009.
Desert Hound from Athens were formed in 2010 and their sound is a mix of stoner, southern rock and sludge.

5 January : Stonedaze, Skin Erased, Ovolus Live In Athens



Who:
Stonedaze were formed in 2009 by guitarist Greg madog and drummer Dias. After a difficult period with ex-members the line up finaly filled by Alex as vocalist and Dimitris on bass.Their major influences are Black Sabbath, Bls, Down, Monster Magnet etc
Skin Erased were formed in 2007 by guitarist Nick Triantafylli, bassist John Drake, drummer Achilles Michael, singer Achilles Dolia and guitarist Vasili Auloniti. Their music is a blend of heavy rock atmosphere and sharp groovy riffs by the prism of american south.
Ovolus (No info about these guys)


Where / When / Tickets: 
Camelot Club, Athens
Thursday, 5 January at 21:00

[Live Report] Karma To Burn, 1000mods @ Thessaloniki, 17/12/2011

Karma To Burn, 1000mods @ Thessaloniki, 17/12/2011

After quite a long time I was able (at last) to attend a gig… When Karma To Burn’s live in Thessaloniki was announced I knew that I have to go. And by the time 1000mods confirmed as their supporting act there was no other way… But before I start I want to clarify something.

[Live Report] Karma To Burn, Planet Of Zeus, The Dive @ Athens, 16/12/2011

Karma To Burn, Planet Of Zeus, The Dive @ Athens, 16/12/2011


I'm up very early and I'm in a mood of writing... Yesterday night I was present at An Club to watch a concert of three bands whose this year's albums are featuring in my lists for the best releases in 2011. Beard at it's best.

28 / 29 January : Long Distance Calling Live In Thessaloniki / Athens

long distance calling band photo
Who:
Formed in 2006, Long Distance Calling released a demo entitled “Dmnstrtn” in late 2006, with their official debut “Satellite Bay” surfacing in 2007 via Viva Hate Records. A split EP with the band Leech from Switzerland, entitled “090208”, was released in 2008, followed by a deal with Superball Music and the release of their second full length album, “Avoid The Light”, in April 2009. The Münster-based German instrumental rock quintet have returned with their third instrumental record, unashamedly staying the course on a scene loaded with power metal, black metal and everything in between, where singers great and small hammer the bands’ messages home.

Where / When / Tickets:
Saturday 28 January at 21:00 @ Eightball, Thessaloniki
Supporting Act: Sleepstream, We.Own.The.Sky
12€ (presale) | 15€ (door)

Sunday 29 January at 21:00 @ Six d.o.g.s, Athens
Supporting Act: TBA

13 / 15 January : Samsara Blues Experiment Live In Athens / Thessaloniki



Who:
Samsara Blues Experiment are a Berlin based band, founded in Summer 2007 by leadguitarist/singer Christian Peters. They went through several changes in the first period but are in constant line-up since September 2008 featuring Hans Eiselt (guitar), drummer Thomas Vedder and Richard Behrens (bass).
As the band name implies three elemental aspects are to notice - the blues as the fundament where it all comes from, the inclusion of spiritual influences accompanied by Indian/raga music and the experimental approach to mix up varied elements in a convincing manner.



Where / When / Tickets:
Friday 13 January at 21:00 @ Six d.o.g.s., Athens
Supporting Act: 45Rats
10€ (presale) | 13€ (door)

Sunday 15 January at 21:00 @ Eightball, Thessaloniki
Supporting Act: Hogg, High Noon

14 December : Nightstalker Greek F.C. Party In Thessaloniki

Who/What:
The boys are preparing a new masterpiece and of course a Xmas eve gig at An Club! Meanwhile...The Official Nightstalker F.C. is celebrating at Amsterdam Bar! Join us with the music of the 'stalker guys and many other desert/stoner heavy rock bands!
Music Selections By Victor Malkievic, George "Just A Burn" Flamouropoulos and John "Dutch" Volkas!

Where: Amsterdam Bar, Thessaloniki

When: Wednesday 14 December at 21:30

Ticket: Free


[Videotheque] Dr. Albert Flipout's one CAN band - Can't find my pills

This is "Dr. Albert Flipout's one CAN band" first Official Video Clip. After months of hard work and thousands of euros spent, almost a whole year after the album was released, it's finally ready... enjoy!!!!

Vote For 2011's Best Greek Release


Greetings Ladies And Gents,

As 2011 comes to its end, I attached a poll at Downtuned Magazine's sidebar where you can vote for this year's best Greek heavy release... As you can see there are 16 choices including full albums, EPs and demos (it's quite hard and unnecessary to divide them). Of course there were many more releases coming from Greece this year but these are the closest to site's orientation. Maybe I omitted some but I haven't done it intentionally. So if you know a release that isn't included just drop me a line and I'll be glad to add it.
You can vote once and you have only two choices. The poll will be open until Christmas day so you have plenty of time to check out all of them and decide.
Thanks for your contribution and "let the best win"! 

Cheers,
Thanos

Updates For Karma To Burn Gigs In Greece


We had some updates considering the supporting acts of Karma To Burn gigs in Greece. So for their live in Athens on 16 December, besides The Dive, Planet Of Zeus were added. And for their live in Thessaloniki on 17 December, the opening act is going to be 1000mods! Two great lives have just become even better!

Lizardia : New Recordings For Free Download

Lizardia

Lizardia, a groovy down-tempo band from Volos, made available for free download 5 new tracks. They're an unofficial release from their recording sessions but still you can get an idea of what Lizardia stand for.

09 December : Mamma Kin, 45Rats Live In Athens



Who:
Mamma Kin are a garage/ punk rock band from Athens formed in 2001.
45Rats are a three-piece instrumental heavy rock n' roll band, founded in 2008 in athens greece by Chef, Dam & Kavaldi.

Where: Roi Mat, Athens

When: Friday 9 December at 22:30

Ticket: 6 euros

03 December: The 700 Machines, This Is Nowhere Live In Thessaloniki

The 700 Machines, This Is Nowhere Live In Thessaloniki
Who: 
The 700 Machines were formed in 1999 and their first album was released in 2009. They have shared the stage with a lot of bands such as MC5, Blues Explosion, Dead Moon, Misfits, etc. Their music is a mix of Detroit proto-punk, aussie rock 'n' roll, soul and garage...

[Review] :TwinGiant: - Demo

:TwinGiant: - Demo
Few days ago I received a demo from a band called :TwinGiant:. As you know here in Downtuned Magazine we deal with Greek bands in order to promote and support Greek heavy scene. Now the thing with these guys is that they're from USA... But one of their two guitar players, Nikos, is American of Greek origin and I thought that it's ok to make an exception for these guys...

[Interview] Weathers [GR]

Weathers
Weathers is a Greek sludge band and from what I heard they're going to contribute with a song in an upcoming Russian sludge compilation. So I had a little talk with their drummer, Stavros in order to confirm these "rumors" and of course get you to know another band of the Greek heavy frontline...

[Live Report] Deus Ex Machina, The Raindogs, The Dive @ Athens, 12/11/2011

Deus Ex Machina, The Raindogs, The Dive @ Athens, 12/11/2011


After a short road trip I had last day in Tripoli and being quiet tired the best choice for the Saturday night was to go down to Exarcheia Square, in order to watch a live in An Club that was very promising.

[Videotheque] Planet Of Zeus - Vanity Suit

planet of zeus macho libre


Planet Of Zeus have just released their new music video of "Vanity Suit" from their latest album "Macho Libre" released in May 2011 by B-Otherside Records. Enjoy!

[Review] Craang - Recordings Volume One

Craang - Recordings Volume One

Coming from Thessaloniki, Craang are one of the youngest children of Greek heavy rock scene. Formed in 2010, they are a stoner / heavy rock trio consisting of Stevie (Vox/Guitar), Mike (Bass) and Nick (Drums).

[Live Report] Nightstalker, Hidden In The Basement, Lizardia, High Noon @ Volos, 22/10/2011

Nightstalker, Hidden In The Basement, Lizardia, High Noon @ Volos, 22/10/2011



From the very first time it was anounced that Nightstalker is coming in Volos, everybody was anxious to see it coming! With the additions of High Noon, Lizardia and Hidden In The Basement, the scenery was completed.

[Interview] Talbot [EST]

Talbot

In a few days (29/10) Talbot, the Estonian duo of doom are going to visit Greece for a heavy head-crushing show in Athens. So I grabbed the chance and had a little talk with Jarmo Nuutre.

Downtuned Magazine Is Looking For Contributors

Since I'm not able to attend most of the gigs here in Greece, I'm seeking contributors for Downtuned Magazine's "Live Reports" section. So if anyone is interested in writing reports for lives taking place all over Greece, he/she will be welcome to join Downtuned Magazine. Of course the reports will be written in English and any photos/videos will be appreciated too. 

If you're ready to take the challenge (!!!), don't expect a salary though, you know financial crisis blah blah, you can come in touch through Downtuned Magazine's contact form. Cheers!

[Review] 1000mods - Super Van Vacation

2011 keeps getting better and better when it comes to great releases from all over the heavy world. And Greek scene does not make an exception. In the list of quality albums, such as Sun Of Nothing, Brotherhood Of Sleep, The Dive, Planet Of Zeus just to name few, I'm coming to add the debut album by the mighty 1000mods.

Following their previous EPs ("Blank Reality" and "Liquid Sleep"), Chiliomodians anticipated "Super Van Vacation" will be out in a few days by CTS Productions. A dose of highly addictive first-class stoner rock....


[Review] Distortion Tamers - Junglehead Stories

Distortion Tamers - Junglehead Stories
I want to be clear with you. This album has nothing to do with Downtuned Magazine's spirit. It doesn't belong to any of the "downtuned" genres I'm trying to support through this effort. You see Distortion Tamers is a garage punk'n'roll band but in this case I'll make an exception for a couple of reasons. First of all because they were kind enough to come in touch with me, let me hear their album and eventually like it. Secondly, their drummer (Christophoros Triantaphillopoulos) is also a member of  the well-known Greek psych-sters Purple Overdose and No Mand's Land. And last because their music style is similar to one of the greatest Greek bands, The Last Drive. Enough with the "excuses", let's get to the point...

[Review] 45Rats - First Gear EP

45Rats - First Gear EP


45Rats are an instrumental heavy rock trio, formed in Athens, in 2008 by Chef, Dam and Kavaldi. On December 2010, they recorded their first work "First Gear" performing it live in studio with special guest Boogieman from Greek southern rock'n'blues band Down & Out. The cd came out on March of 2011 in 500 handmade copies and it was a totally self-financed release.

Downtuned Magazine Goes ON AIR

Downtuned Radio goes ON AIR
Ladies and gents, I'm happy to announce that Downtuned Magazine goes on air with its own web radio station! The radio has just started broadcasting on a 24/7 basis. It's a completely DIY effort for supporting and promoting the music we all love but above all to please any of you out there.

01 October : Down Tuned Daze Festival

Down Tuned Daze
Down Tuned Daze Festival is an event organized by a bunch of Rockers who want have a good time both themselves and the audience of heavy underground music, without having to rely on the local business men-promoters-pimps of Heraklion showing that ” it’s not all about the money or image but it’s about THE MUSIC ”. There will be live appearances by bands of both the local stoner scene as well by special guests from Athens

Down Tuned Daze Festival will take place in the 01 of October 2011 at Vituri's Gate in Heraklion, Crete. The noise will start at 17:00 and the ticket is 5e.

Lineup:


A peek from 1000mods upcoming debut album

Here you can check a track from 1000mods' debut album "Super Van Vacation" which is going to be released in September. Sweet!!!


26/27 August: Ides Of August Festival

Ides Of August is a two day fest which will take place in the 26 / 27 of August 2011 at Skate Park in Chalkida. Both days the event will start at about 20.30. Be there!

Lineup:
26 August

27 August


[Interview] Beyond Perception [GR]

Beyond Perception band photo

Given the chance by the review I made for Beyond Perception's latest cool album "Blood & Whiskey", I had a chat with band's drummer, Tolis Toleas about their music, the situation in Greece and the band's plans for the future.

[Review] Beyond Perception - Blood & Whiskey

Beyond Perception - Blood & Whiskey
Coming from Athens, Beyond Perception released their second full length album "Blood & Whiskey" few months ago, on September 2010. Twelve smoking tracks, the perfect soundtrack to drink a couple of bourbons and smash some heads off.

Fuzzed Out "Sun and Snow - Russian and Greek Grooves"

Trev from "Fuzzed Out" radio show on Rascal Radio dedicated his last Tuesday's show to Greek and Russian heavy scene.
It was a great one and a good way to discover a few cool bands from both countries in this 2-hour broadcast.

You can download the show's podcast, as well as previous ones, from here

"Fuzzed Out" is on-air every Tuesday 6 - 8 GMT.

1000mods European Tour 2011

1000mods European Tour 2011


1000mods are planning a European Tour in October 2011 for promoting their forthcoming debut "Super Van Vacation". Album's production was taken care by Billy Anderson while the artwork was trusted to Malleus Art Rock Lab. Release is expected in September 2011.

Check the tour dates below.

[Live Report] Eyehategod, Church Of Misery, Gomgoma @ Athens, 07/07/2011

Eyehategod, Church Of Misery, Gomgoma @ Athens, 07/07/2011
Gomgoma: First time I watched these Greeks live. Earlier this year I was impressed by their EP (review coming soon, in the mean time you can find it ). I will not lie, I had high expectations.

26 June: Athina's Street Summer Distorted Stage @ Kotzia Square


A live show featuring 6 bands is going to take place at Kotzia Square, Athens on Sunday, 26 June. The live starts at 18:30 and entrance is free. The bands are:

The Bliss (grunge / Japanese classic music)
Potergeist  (swamp metal)
MadLeaf (grunge/stoner)
Puta Volcano (alternative / garage)
The Dark Rags (garage / punk rock)
Dirty Fuse (surf / garage)

Valient Thorr & Routes Live in Athens Cancelled






Valient Thorr's live with Routes on Wednesday 13th July at 7 Sins Club, Athens is cancelled.
Purchased tickets can be redeemed at presale points.




This Is Heavy Heavy Heavy (Spinalonga Records)

This Is Heavy Heavy Heavy (Spinalonga Records)
The Greek label Spinalonga Records has just released a new online sampler called "This Is Heavy Heavy Heavy".

[Review] The Dive - The Dive

The Dive - The Dive
There are moments in your life where you wonder (and maybe blame yourself) why you didn't discover something in an earlier time. That's exactly how I felt when I heard The Dive for the first time few days ago.

Planet Of Zeus Bootleg

A while ago Dr. Doom recorded a bootleg from a live show of Planet of Zeus from their "Macho Libre" tour and he was kind enough to offer it to us through his site. Now you can find it in our download archive too.

Tracklist:
1. Nervous Breakdown
2. Doteru
3. Dawn Of The Dead
4. Something'sWrong
5. Scream
6. Apocalypse
7. Same Mistakes
8. The Game
9. Supernothing
10. Vanity Suit
11. Planet Of Zeus
                                                                        12. Leftovers
                                                                        13. Ballad Of Boston
                         
                                                                      Dr. Doom's Lair
                                                                      Planet Of Zeus

The Bliss Debut Album Live Presentation

The Bliss, mikropolis

The Bliss is going to present their debut album "Gabbatha" in Thessaloniki and Athens. Be there!

04/06: Mikropolis, Thessaloniki. Starts at 22:00.
09/06: TORA K44, Athens. Starts at 21:30.
The Bliss - Gabbatha live presentation

Check "Gabbatha":

[Review] Dala Sun - Sala Dun

Dala Sun - Sala Dun
Dala Sun stands for the full, hot-burning sun. And "Sala Dun", although it was released in December '10, is one of the most suitable soundtracks for the upcoming summer...

[Review] This Is Nowhere - This Is Nowhere 7''

Just yesterday I was first introduced to This Is Nowhere, a Greek new-psych band from Thessaloniki and they really got my full attention from the first second…

Sun Of Nothing Hit The Road


Tomorrow the Greek band Sun Of Nothing start spreading the guilt in Europe by promoting their third full-length album "The Guilt Of Feeling Alive". Their tour will last almost a month, starting from Romania and including Serbia, Slobenia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and Poland.

Here you can check their tour schedule:

25/05 Wed - Romania, Bucharest @ Control Club
26/05 Thu - Romania, Cluj-Napoca @ Gambrinus Live Stage with Fluturi Pe Asfalt (ro)
28/05 Sat - Serbia, Backa Topola @ Panta Rei with Deer In The Headlights (ba)
29/05 Sun - Serbia, Novi-Sad @ CK13
31/05 Tue - Slovenia, Koper @ MKSMC
01/06 Wed - Croatia, Rijeka @ Club Place
02/06 Thu - Slovenia, Beltinci @ Ambasada SKM
03/06 Fri - Hungary, Budapest @ Trafik Klub with Torn From Earth (hu), 
Beating A Dead Horse (hu)
04/06 Sat - Hungary, Szeged @ Club Noir with Torn From Earth (hu)
05/06 Sun - Austria, Vienna @ EKHaus
08/06 Wed - Germany, Chemnitz @ AJZ with City Of Ships (us), Guts 'n' Guns (de)
09/06 Thu - Poland, Wroclaw @ Wagon Club
15/06 Wed - Germany, Darmstadt @ Oetinger Villa
16/06 Thu - Germany, Leipzig @ Zoro
17/06 Fri - Germany, Eisenberg @ H²O-Turm

[Interview] Planet Of Zeus [GR]

Planet of Zeus
Planet of Zeus is a Greek band and with the release of their second album "Macho Libre" proved us that the American South isn't too far away from Greece at all. I had the chance to be in their gig in Larissa so I had a little talking with band's bass player, JayVee. And here it is, Downtuned's first interview with Planet Of Zeus.

[Live Report] Skin Erased, Ribbons Of Euphoria @ Athens, 14/05/11

Skin Erased, Ribbons Of Euphoria @ Athens, 14/05/11
Last Saturday I had the chance to be in a show of two new and upcoming Greek bands, Skin Erased and Ribbons of Euphoria.
Skin Erased play heavy metal in the 90’s way. Clear sound, catchy melodies, nice riffs that brought memories of Pantera, Metallica and CoC.

[Live Report] Planet Of Zeus, Potergeist, Harsh Demise @ Athens, 06/05/11

Planet Of Zeus, Potergeist, Harsh Demise @ Athens, 06/05/11
Harsh Demise: Really young guys! Nevertheless they seemed to know exactly what they were doing on stage. They play some blend between Pantera and Swedish death! I am not really a huge fan of this kind of sound anymore but the crowd seemed to like them.

[Review] Planet Of Zeus - Macho Libre

Goddamn! At last Planet Of Zeus' new release finally took its place in my player! Three years passed from their first album but it totally worth the time.

Put on your truck hat and boots, get some booze and tobacco and let these gents take you a trip to U.S. south.
Signed to a new label, their second album is heavier, tighter and more complex than their first one. These guys worked enough these years in order to build more well-structed tunes with a straight in your face attitude.