After John Antonopoulos’ exit from the Greek power metal band, Silent Winter announced Lazaros Kourtis (ex-Convicted, Scream For Bullets) as the band’s new drummer, with a post in their social media: “We are thrilled to introduce Lazaros.Kourtis (ex-convicted, Scream For Bullets) as the newest member of Silent Winter, taking his place behind the drums! Larry brings immense talent, energy, and passion to the band, and we are confident his dynamic playing will elevate our sound to new heights. Larry has already joined us in rehearsals, and the chemistry has been nothing short of amazing. With his technical skill and creativity, we are excited to see how he will shape Silent Winter’s future, both in the studio and on stage. Please join us in giving Larry a warm welcome to the Silent Winter family! Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for live shows and new adventures.Horns up! Silent Winter \m/”.

Το άρθρο SILENT WINTER: WELCOME NEW DRUMMER εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

At eight o’clock the doors of FLOYD opened and the hundreds of fans, who were waiting outside patiently, started coming in. The band, who would begin at this evening, was Desert Near The End. The Greek band hit the stage and offered us its epic power metal with thrash metal and doom metal influences. The response of the fans, who were packing FLOYD, was immediate and intense and gave the band the strength to continue. Desert Near The End played some of its best songs, without excluding songs from their new album, “Tides of Time”, out now via Theogonia Records. I will be honest – l liked the band much more than the previous time I had seen them at AN club! They were more confident, more compact and they performed more fluently. The night had a very nice introduction from Desert Near The End, who are establishing themselves as a force in the Greek metal scene.

Then came a moment I was waiting for a couple of months now, since I listened thoroughly to the band’s new album, “Utopia”, out now via No Remorse Records. One of the best power metal bands from Greece, Silent Winter have in their baggage an excellent album and landed on the stage of FLOYD full throttle! They commenced with an awesome song, “We Burn The Future”, showcasing their incredible talent and fine musicianship. When Mike Livas appeared before us, the audience screamed with enthusiasm! At this first song, the band faced some sound problems, but no technical shit could stop Silent Winter from their victorious attack! More songs from “Utopia” followed, like “Hellstorm” and “Hands Held High”, making the fans sing along and bang their heads. The band from Volos selected some older songs too, like “Shout” and “Empire of Sins”, pleasing their older fans too. Kiriakos Balanos was the master of the guitar, Mike Livas was shockingly good in both the lower and the higher notes, and the keyboards add depth and finesse to the band’s sound. In general, Silent Winter mesmerized the audience, giving one of their best live shows ever!

Only some minutes separated us from the headliners and as soon as the stage was set (one of the crew was Tim Kanoa, Kai Hansen’s son and leader of Induction!), the power metal heroes and their fans embarked on an amazing journey. Gamma Ray, one of the most charismatic and influential power metal bands of all time, the group that Kai Hansen founded after leaving Helloween, took center stage and unleashed their beloved power metal. Kai Hansen was the undisputed protagonist and as he commanded the heavy metal onslaught, all eyes (and ears) were on him! Gamma Ray selected to perform some of their classic songs, like “Man on A Mission”, “Land of the Free”, “Rebellion in Dreamland”, “Somewhere Out In Space”, “Last Before the Storm”, “One with the World”, “Heaven Can Wait” etc., but also newer songs like “Avalon”, “Dethrone Tyranny” and “Masters of Confusion”. The sound was killer, the energy flew abundant and we all had a great time – everyone was happy (that’s the purpose of music, isn’t it?)! Kai Hansen was in very good spirits, like everybody in the band, and of course, this positive feeling passed to the fans – we  were all having a party! To this point I would like to add that Michael Ehrè was a monster on his drumkit, Dirk Schläcther was the solid, silent force of the rhythm section, Kasperi Heikinnen nicely supported Kai Hansen on the guitar and Frank Beck helped Kai on the vocals, although his voice didn’t match a lot with the band’s style. This glorious live show ended with a fantastic encore of “Heading for Tomorrow” and “Send Me A Sign” – some moments before, Kostas Chronopoulos and Hakos Pervanidis, who are in chief of Metal Hammer Greece, had hailed and thanked the people, who filled FLOYD and honored the magazine in its celebration, and gave an award to Kai Hansen, who humbly accepted it.

After this 40^th anniversary concert, everyone was feeling elated. Metal Hammer couldn’t have celebrated its 40 years in a better way, with the bands, the fans and the Metal Hammer crew all together, having fun, singing and headbanging! We will never forget these moments! Thank you!

Το άρθρο GAMMA RAY, SILENT WINTER, DESERT NEAR THE END – FLOYD, ATHENS, GREECE – 10/12/2024 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

                                                 by Christina X 

                                     photos by Christina X and Mörker

It was a warm yet gloomy Monday evening as we lined up around eight o’clock to enter the venue hosting the 40th anniversary concert of Metal Hammer, featuring Gamma Ray. A myriad of faces passed by until our turn finally came. As we slowly made our way to the front of the stage, a wave of anticipation washed over us—this was going to be an epic night.

Sense of Fear was the first to hit the stage. The heavy metal band from Kozani kicked things off with a bang, performing tracks from their 2018 full-length album, “As the Ages Passing By…”. Their hard-hitting yet melodic riffs perfectly complemented the thunderous drums in the well-crafted compositions. The vocals seamlessly intertwined with the melody, resulting in a captivating performance.

After a brief break to allow the tech crew to prepare for Silent Winter’s performance, the show resumed. One by one, the power metal titans from Volos took the stage as ominous intro music filled the venue. With a roar that could awaken the dead, Silent Winter transformed the Principal Club Theater into a temple of power metal worship.
They performed a substantial portion of their discography, and each song hit the crowd like a spear—no necks were left unmoving. The band truly took the venue by storm with their hauntingly beautiful keyboards, precision-perfect drumming, and the piercing screams of Mike Livas. The result was breathtaking.

Gamma Ray! What can one say about the German band that helped define the sound of power metal? The lights dimmed, the music paused, and the silence was so profound you could hear a pin drop. Then, Gamma Ray took the stage. The crowd erupted in deafening cheers, and the band delivered a flawless performance.
Ten years after their last visit to Greece, Frank Beck and Kai Hansen greeted the Thessalonikian audience in Greek, earning thunderous applause, before launching into their set. Track after track, the atmosphere was electrifying. The stage became a battleground, the riffs their weapons, and the crowd the triumphant army.
Flawless transitions between ballads, high-speed anthems, and emotionally charged tracks kept the energy soaring. The maelstrom of feelings was indescribable, leaving the crowd in awe. Chants of “Gamma Ray! Gamma Ray!” filled the venue, creating an emotional and unforgettable moment. The band delivered a set packed with iconic hits and stirring ballads, making it a truly beautiful sight to behold.

As the high-energy night drew to a close, a wave of nostalgia set in. This wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience to remember.

Το άρθρο GAMMA RAY, SILENT WINTER, SENSE OF FEAR – PRINCIPAL CLUB THEATER, THESSALONIKI, GREECE – 09/12/2024 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

First and foremost, the melodies and riffs are extraordinary, truly captivating and utterly overwhelming. The arrangements are exceptional, rich and intriguing, giving the songs depth and complexity. Naturally, the top-notch performances will leave you speechless. Every member contributes everything they have—technically and emotionally—making this record an awe-inspiring masterpiece.

Mike Livas delivers phenomenal, mesmerizing vocals, showcasing the most mature and accomplished singing of his career. The multi-layered guitar work is intricate and spellbinding, while the keyboards add a magical, enchanting atmosphere. The dense rhythm section anchors the album with power and precision. Together, these elements create a gem of European power metal. The sound production, including mixing and mastering, is impeccable, and the magical cover artwork perfectly complements the music.

I am absolutely thrilled with “Utopia”—I love every song on the album. Take, for example, “We Burn the Future”, a track that could easily have been written by Helloween, or “Hellstorm” and “Silent Shadows”, which are irresistibly catchy. Then there’s “Hands Held High”, a compelling anthem that combines the style of Sabaton with the character of Iron Maiden. The album concludes gloriously with its title track—”Utopia” is a Euro power metal maelstrom that sweeps everything in its path.

Don’t let “Utopia” slip through your fingers—embrace this masterful record and experience the triumph of power metal! I am absolutely bewildered!

♦ 9,5/10

   Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Το άρθρο SILENT WINTER – “UTOPIA” (2024, NO REMORSE) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

Το άρθρο SILENT WINTER – “WE BURN THE FUTURE” εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

You are now releasing your new album, “Utopia”. Which are your feelings?
We’re incredibly excited and proud to finally share “Utopia” with our fans. This album represents a culmination of hard work, creativity, and passion. It feels like a significant step forward for us, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the music we’ve crafted.

When did you compose the songs of “Utopia”? Which were the composers?
The songwriting for “Utopia” took place over the past couple of years. I wrote the music and lyrics, drawing inspiration from various experiences and emotions. My bandmates, Mike, Vaggelis P., Vaggelis T., John, and Maria, contributed their unique styles and expertise to bring the songs to life, making this album truly a collaborative effort.

Where was the album recorded? What do you remember from the recordings of “Utopia”?
We recorded “Utopia” at Kalovidouris Studio, a place that has become familiar to us over the years. The atmosphere was electric, filled with creativity and excitement. I remember long sessions where we’d experiment with different sounds and arrangements. It was a truly collaborative experience, and we all felt the magic happening in the studio.

Who did the mixing and mastering of “Utopia”? How did you decide who will be responsible for the mixing and mastering?
The mixing and mastering were handled by Steve Lado, who has a great understanding of our sound. We chose him because of his experience with the power metal genre and his ability to bring out the best in our music. We trusted his expertise to ensure that every detail shone through in the final product.

Does the new album follow the music style of the previous album? How much has Silent Winter progressed?
While “Utopia” retains the signature sound that our fans love, we’ve definitely progressed. We’ve incorporated more varied influences and experimented with song structures. This album showcases our growth as musicians and our willingness to explore new territories within the power metal genre.

Which is your favorite track off the new album?
It’s tough to choose, but I’d say “Hellstorm” and ‘’Silent Shadows’’ stands out to me. The energy, the melody, and the lyrical themes resonate deeply. It encapsulates the spirit of the album and highlights the power of our musical collaboration.

Where do the lyrics of the new album refer to? Why did you name the album “Utopia”?
The lyrics explore themes of hope, struggle, and the quest for a better world. We named the album “Utopia” because it represents our vision of an ideal future, a place where dreams can come true despite challenges. It’s a reflection of our personal journeys and aspirations.

Describe the album cover!
The album cover is a striking representation of the themes within “Utopia”. It features a fantastical landscape with elements of nature and technology intertwined, symbolizing the balance between our dreams and reality. The vibrant colors and intricate details invite listeners to dive into the world we’ve created with this album.

How would you describe the feeling and the atmospheres of the “Utopia” songs?
The songs on “Utopia” evoke a wide range of emotions, from powerful anthems that inspire strength to more introspective tracks that encourage reflection. There’s a sense of grandeur and hope that runs throughout, making it an album that resonates on multiple levels.

Are there any messages that you try to convey to the listeners through your songs? Why?
We aim to inspire resilience and hope in our listeners. The world can be a challenging place, and through our music, we want to remind everyone that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Each song carries a message of empowerment and perseverance.

The last few years you have played live and shared the stage with famous bands, like Judas Priest, Helloween, Rhapsody of Fire etc. How did it feel to open for such bands? What do you keep from these experiences?
Opening for legendary bands like that has been surreal and incredibly rewarding. It’s an honor to share the stage with musicians we’ve looked up to for years. These experiences have taught us a lot about performance dynamics and connecting with the audience, which we apply to our own shows.

Some of the big assets of Silent Winter are the melodic guitars of Kiriakos and Vaggelis and the high-pitched vocals of Mike Livas. How would you describe the performance of Kiriakos, Vaggelis and Mike in “Utopia”?
Their performances on “Utopia” are nothing short of exceptional. Kiriakos and Vaggelis have crafted some of the most melodic and intricate guitar work we’ve ever produced, while Mike’s vocals soar with emotion and power. Together, they create a rich, dynamic sound that truly elevates the album.

How are you going to promote and support the new album release?
We have an exciting promotional campaign lined up, including music videos, interviews, and social media engagement. We’re also planning a series of live performances to connect with our fans directly and showcase the new material.

How would you describe the contemporary power metal scene in Greece? How are things for bands like Silent Winter in Greece?
The power metal scene in Greece is vibrant and growing. There’s a supportive community of fans and musicians that fosters creativity and collaboration. For bands like Silent Winter, it’s a great time to be active, as we have the opportunity to reach wider audiences both locally and internationally.

Which are your ambitions for Silent Winter?
Our ambitions are to continue evolving as a band, creating music that resonates with our fans, and expanding our reach globally. We want to leave a lasting impact on the power metal scene and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Send your message to our readers!

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for our music! We hope “Utopia” inspires you as much as it inspired us to create it. Stay tuned for more exciting things from Silent Winter, and remember to keep dreaming big!

https://www.facebook.com/silentwinter.gr

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZMCB35JshJHANqlQ2-0bnQ

https://silentwinter.bandcamp.com/

https://www.instagram.com/silentwinterofficial/

Το άρθρο Interview with SILENT WINTER εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

Το άρθρο SILENT WINTER – “SILENT SHADOWS” εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.