One week ago, on the 3rd of December 2023, the heart of the local Greek heavy rock/metal scene was beating loudly at the Level69 Live Studio, as three Greek bands—Halfpace, Element Zero and The Handyman Project—graced the venue with an electrifying performance. Each band brought a unique flavor to the stage, creating a night that resonated with the taste of the audience. Among the musical tapestry that unfolded, it was Halfpace that stood out, leaving an indelible mark on the evening. Yet, both Element Zero and The Handyman Project made it clear that they have many nice things to offer in the near future. But let’s see what happened that night!
When Halfpace took the stage, the venue wasn’t full, however, the few fans welcomed the quartet warmly. The pulsating riffs and thunderous rhythms of Halfpace’s stoner rock music immediately seized the audience’s attention. The band’s sonic landscapes, characterized by heavy guitars and loud drum patterns, provided an immersive experience. Halfpace’s performance transported listeners to a sonic realm, where time seemed to slow and the raw power of rock music reigned supreme. What I liked very much in Halfpace was their musicianship and their talent of writing excellent songs, which sounded very nice live. Bearing their exciting performance in my mind, I have great expectations from them!
Following Halfpace, Element Zero burst onto the stage with a captivating fusion of alternative rock and heavy metal. Fronted by a female vocalist, the band brought a refreshing dynamism to the night. The seamless blend of melodic verses and catchy choruses showcased the versatility of Element Zero’s musical prowess. The audience was treated to a dramatic sonic journey that navigated through moments of intensity and serenity. The only thing that troubled me was the vocal performance, as the vocals seemed to me a bit insecure – the singer has to believe in her abilities, since she has a beautiful voice. One of the most unique moments in Element Zero’s live show was their rendition of “Bad Romance” (Lady Gaga), mixed with “Join Me in Death” (H.I.M.). Overall, we all had a fantastic time with Element Zero!
Closing the night was The Handyman Project, whose hard rock stylings provided a fitting climax to the evening’s festivities. The band’s unpretentious stage presence and hard rockin’ blues tunes invigorated the crowd, creating an atmosphere of unbridled enthusiasm. The Handyman Project’s ability to focus on the true essence of hard rock music was evident in every note, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the local scene. The power trio rocked the blues and showed everybody that hard rock music can still sound fresh and cool. Of course, The Handyman Project have to work on their song arrangements and their vocal delivery, however, they have true passion, lots of cool riffs and refrains, the right attitude, which all will help them stand out from the rest! The Handyman Project electrified us with its raw hard rockin’ energy!
With Halfpace, Element Zero and The Handyman Project leading the charge, the night unfolded as a celebration of musical diversity and talent. The whole experience was not just a simple observation, but a deep dive into the heart of the local heavy rock/metal culture, leaving me waiting for the next chapter in the unfolding story of the Greek scene.
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
Photos by Iro Kalligeri
