When we talk about Greek metal, bands like Rotting Christ or Septicflesh often steal the spotlight. But, of course, the Greek scene doesn’t contain only extreme metal bands! There also so many other bands that Greece exports, for example from the melodic metal or heavy rock world. And in the realm of power metal, there is a large number of great bands, who have things to offer. InnerWish is one of these power metal bands! The Greek power metallers have long been one of the most consistent and passionate representatives of the genre. With a career spanning over two decades, InnerWish have shown integrity, growth, and a love for classic heavy/power metal that’s traditional and refreshing at the same time.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
Formed in Athens in 1995, InnerWish have always stood at the crossroads between European-style power metal and traditional heavy metal, with many melodic metal and some progressive metal elements, and strong influences from bands like Queensrÿche, Helloween, Blind Guardian, Symphony X, Crimson Glory, Stratovarius, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Dio etc., while adopting a passionate, emotional approach – all these blended together made them stand out.
Their debut album was “Waiting for the Dawn”, which was released in 1998 via NMC Records. It was raw and passionate, a true classic of the melodic/power metal underground. Yiannis Papanikolaou shone in this album with his mellow, sensitive vocal deliverance. You can feel the band’s hunger in every riff, in every vocal line. It’s got that late-’90s power metal vibe with plenty of neoclassical touches and double-bass gallops. Stand out tracks like “Lord of Truth”, “Beyond My Soul”, “Last Thing I’ll Remember” and “Have You Ever …?” give shape to this humble but fiery masterpiece. The production is dated, but the heart, the soul is undeniable. A diamond in the rough.
This first album was followed by a split CD together with their Greek friends Reflection, entitled “Realms of the Night” in 2000, through the same label. InnerWish participated with “Realms of Tomorrow” and “Dreadful Signs”, which also found their way to the historic second InnerWish album, “Silent Faces”. This sophomore album was released in 2004 through the famous German label Limb Music – Limb Music was back then one of the top record companies in the power metal genre. Babis Alexandropoulos is behind the microphone here and graces the album’s melodic/power metal tunes with his soulful, dynamic voice. “Silent Voices” made the name of InnerWish popular, especially in Europe and Japan. The Greek metallers were now in the worldwide power metal map and with their next album, “Inner Strength” (2006), again published by Limb Music, they created a tighter, more polished and darker/heavier/faster sound. A really solid album, “Inner Strength” had a lot of anthems, like “Travellers in Time”, “Far Away” and “Never Let You Down”, which catapulted InnerWish to the top of the contemporary power metal scene and cemented their position in the European power metal circles.
In the meantime, InnerWish shared the stage with bands like Judas Priest, Helloween, U.D.O., Therion, Cavalera Conspiracy, Within Temptation, Manowar, Rhapsody, Orphaned Land, Opeth, Brainstorm among others, in shows all over Europe and in Greece.
Two years later, in 2008, InnerWish stepped through the gates of Devasoundz Studios in Athens to begin recording their fourth album. The mixing of “No Turning Back” was handled by the renowned duo Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd at Studio Fredman in Sweden, while mastering duties were taken on by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Finland. After an extensive search for a new label, the band signed with Swedish powerhouse Ulterium Records.
Released in 2010, “No Turning Back” marked a major milestone for InnerWish — their strongest effort up to that point. The album opened new doors, expanded their reach and significantly boosted their presence in the international metal scene. As the band’s most energetic and uplifting album until then, “No Turning Back” features songs, which are punchy, direct and intense, packed with positive vibes and powerful hooks. There’s a clear 80s metal influence here, with more emphasis on melody and less on complexity. A celebration of all things heavy and melodic!
Although everything appeared to be running smoothly in the InnerWish camp, two key lineup changes forced the band to put many of their plans on hold. First, in late 2010, longtime drummer Terry Moros was replaced by Fragiskos Samoilis. Then, in 2011, vocalist Babis Alexandropoulos also stepped down to pursue his career as a classical tenor. Rather than immediately searching for a new frontman, InnerWish chose to shift their focus to writing new material for their next album. Despite facing several obstacles along the way, the band finally announced their new vocalist, George Eikosipentakis, in 2013 — marking the beginning of a fresh chapter.
With Eikosipentakis as singer, InnerWish released its fifth album, simply titled “InnerWish” and reinvented itself. It was their most ambitious and probably their best album until then. With new blood in the band, InnerWish released a massive, thirteen-track album with cinematic production, rich arrangements and a lot of emotional weight. George’s vocals were powerful and ethereal, the guitars both crunchy and melodic, the songwriting is varied but cohesive. With metal hymns like “Modern Babylon”, “Rain of a Thousand Years”, “Machines of Fear” and “Needles in My Mind”, the Greek power metal stalwarts gave us a mature, wonderful album that was modern without being trendy. Easily one of the best Greek metal releases of the 2010s. Once again, the band entrusted the acclaimed duo Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd at Studio Fredman in Sweden to handle the mixing of their new album. However, this time the mastering was carried out by another renowned name in the industry — Peter In de Betou at Tailor Made Production, also based in Sweden.
After this great album release, Manolis Tsigos, Thimios Krikos and company started writing new material, however, the Covid-19 pandemic and several other personal issues (loss of loved ones) proved to be severe restraints which held the band back from writing, recording and releasing their new album. Fortunately, InnerWish managed to focus on their sixth album. Named “Ash of Eternal Flame”, the latest InnerWish album was out in 2024 – eight years after “InnerWish”, but it was worth the wait! A fine work of power metal art, recorded at LoNe and Devasoundz Studios in Athens, co-produced by the band and Fotis Benardo and released via Reigning Phoenix Music, “Ash of Eternal Flame” is my favorite InnerWish album, since it has all the key characteristics of the band, each member delivers an extraordinary performance and the result is exceptional. Songs like “Sea of Lies”, “Soul Assunder”, “Primal Scream” and “Once Again” are based on the soaring melodies and the hard-hitting riffs, the sound production is phenomenal and the atmosphere so deeply emotional. “Ash of Eternal Flame” is a career peak! It’s the outcome of the band’s hard work and many years of experience – listen to “Ash of Eternal Flame” and also to their latest, stand-alone single (“The Enemy Inside”) and you will understand that now Innerwish are at their very best!
InnerWish have already announced a live performance this November to celebrate their 30th anniversary in Athens – some days ago, in September they will take part in Rock Hard Greece Festival, where they will share the stage with Hammerfall and Candlemass! Totally excited for this — bring it on!
InnerWish might not be a household name outside Greece yet their fame has spread worldwide. They stand proudly with their melodic, epic sound, they earn respect for their consistency, sincerity, musicianship and professionalism and have a strong following among those who crave melodic, emotional heavy/power metal.
For all fans of classic heavy/power metal with heart, InnerWish is essential listening.
