Greece has a thriving stoner/heavy rock scene, and without a doubt, Nightstalker are the masters of it! A historic band that belongs to the top tier of the stoner/heavy rock genre, Nightstalker have returned with a new album, “Return from the Point of No Return”, embarked on a wide tour, and now answer our questions! Argy, the iconic leader of the band, was to the point, precise and sincere—without frills and without any arrogant rock star attitude. Indeed, an engaging Nightstalker interview follows!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
After five years, Nightstalker returned with a new album, “Return from the Point of No Return”. Which are your feelings about it?
Well, every album feels like a new beginning in life… It’s a painful but creative process you have to go through. It takes a lot of effort and energy, but in the end, I feel lighter in my soul.
There is a contradiction in the title of the new album. What do you mean with this album title?
There were times in the past when I hit rock bottom, but somehow, I managed to get back on my feet again. It’s never too late to achieve your goals. Sometimes it feels like I came back from the dead…
How does this album differ from your previous releases, both musically and thematically? How much has Nightstalker progressed?
We’re wiser now… This is the first album I made completely sober—well, “Cali sober”—but it means a lot to me because it captures a very dark era of my life. Many of my friends and loved ones passed away during these 5–6 years, and I had to walk away from people I once trusted because they weren’t good for my mental or physical health, hahaha. All of that, I just poured into the record.
From the tracklist, are there any songs you’re particularly excited for fans to hear? Any personal favorites?
Oh yes, I really like “Heavy Trippin’”, because it has that ’90s “Use Your Illusion” vibe. And “Shallow Grave” is special to me, because it reminds me of people who are no longer around.
Heavy Psych Sounds is once again releasing your album. How has your collaboration with them influenced the band’s reach and sound?
We have a very good collaboration so far. But it doesn’t affect our sound. This is something that we have already established through those years.
What was the writing and recording process like this time around? Did it differ from past albums?
Hmm, only the quarantine years were different. Those years that we could not rehearse altogether but we were composing individually. And also an enthusiasm when this era ended and we could have again our time as a band.
Who is responsible for the mixing and the mastering of the new album? Which things did you pay attention to, during the whole production?
John Sotiropoulos (the previous guitarist of 1000mods) from Wreck It Sound studio did the mix and Brad Boatright from Audiosiege did the master.
What were the main lyrical inspirations for this album? Any specific themes that run through it?
The lyrics are just thoughts, feelings, and situations I’ve been through over the years. Looking back, my life wasn’t exactly easy. I put myself in very dark places. It took me a long time to get out of substance and alcohol abuse.
You’ve been a band for over three decades. How do you keep the creative fire burning?
The main idea is to play music as long as we can! We love making music, and we’re not dead yet, hahaha. For us, music isn’t just a way of living—it’s life itself. It’s do or die.
Nightstalker played a pivotal role in shaping the Greek heavy rock scene. How do you feel about the evolution of the genre over the years?
When we started, there was no real stoner or heavy rock scene in Greece. Over the years, we watched bands come and go because rock ’n’ roll isn’t easy here. But in the last 20 years, bands started taking it seriously and professionally. The internet also gave the scene a huge push. Back then, we couldn’t even afford drumsticks… Now, anyone can go tour Europe or beyond.
“Just A Burn” and “Dead Rock Commandos” are considered classics of the genre. How do you view those albums today?
“Just a Burn” came out 21 years ago, and “Dead Rock Commandos” about 13 years ago. When I listen to some of those songs now, it takes me right back to those days. It’s like looking at old photographs.
The Greek heavy rock scene has flourished in recent years. Do you see any new bands that remind you of yourselves when you were starting out?
You know, there are many young people out there who still have that spark in their eyes! I see bands that are really into it. It’s a hard path, so you have to truly believe in it. Just don’t quit…
You’ve built a reputation for powerful live performances. What makes a Nightstalker show so electrifying?
I think it’s the music! And also, we’re real people, hahaha.
Three decades in, what is the ultimate goal for Nightstalker? What do you still hope to achieve?
To play music until we die, hahaha. I don’t think we have some bigger mission—we just love rock ’n’ roll. It’s a need, like food.
I always wanted to ask you – why did you select the name “Nightstalker” for the band?
It all happened by chance. Back in ’89, someone wanted to put two of our songs on a compilation, so we needed a band name. One Sunday after rehearsal, we went to the park to smoke a joint and think about it. We had an English-Greek dictionary with us, so we opened it at random. The page was on the letter “N,” and the first word we saw was Nightstalker. It looked tough enough for a band—in a good way—so we kept it.
You took part in the Heavy Psych Sounds Festival in Athens, on March 8th. How do you remember this participation of yours in that Fest?
I love playing festivals, so that was a great night! Heavy Psych makes amazing festivals.
You have just returned from tour! Give us all the info about the tour! How did it go? Which particular concert(s) from that tour would you keep in mind with joy?
Every time I’m on tour, I’m having a great time because I’m with my people, playing music. We get to see old friends again, and we’re constantly traveling. Every night, every gig, is unique. But one show I’ll never forget was in France, up in the Alps, at a ski resort covered in snow. Unforgettable!
Send your message to the fans!
I just want to say thank you for all your support through the years.
Nightstalker are playing live together with Naxatras on September 14th at Technopolis, Gazi, Athens Greece. Don’t miss this fascinating live show!
