Arnitiki Stasi (Αρνητική Στάση)

(Writer’s note: I know that many would consider it crazy, or even heretical to include so many Punk-affiliated bands in an archive dedicated to the documentation of Hellenic Metal music. But ignoring this vibrant and still vital part the Greek underground music scene would mean not only missing out on a lot of fantastic and powerful music, it would also be to neglect the integral connection between the two genres in the country. Many Punk bands shared with their metallic counterparts a deep appreciation for classic Metal bands such as BLACK SABBATH, MOTÖRHEAD, SLAYER and last but not least, HELLHAMMER – something which is more often than not reflected in the music as well. So, if you dare, do yourself a favor and check out some of the Greek Punk groups mentioned in these pages. You won’t regret it, I promise!)

Founded in Athens sometime in 1989 as members of the infamous Villa Amalias squat, Αρνητική Στάση (“Negative Stance”) belonged to the “golden generation” of Greek Hardcore/Crust Punk. Not only did they cultivate a unique sound that kept changing over the years, they also wrote highly memorable song material – a rare combination, indeed. Many of their compositions would feature on each of the band’s releases, but expressed through different stylistic lenses, ranging from the early non-distorted works on the split with the British punks KISMET H.C., to the full-on metallic Punk assault on their sole full-length proposal “Άγγελοι Του Ψεύδους” (“Angels of Deceit”).

Compilation appearances:
* Noise Barricade [Cass, Comp: Boredom Tapes, 1990]
* Οδόφραγμα Θορύβου [Cass, Comp: Boredom Tapes, 1990]
* Κάποιοι Ουρλιάζουν Ακόμα... [Cass, Comp: Villa Amalias, 1991]
* Anti System Front Tape Number Two [Cass, Comp: Anti System Front, 1992]
* Fragmenta IV [LP, Comp: Στις Σκιές Του Β-23, 1992]
* Think Globally, Act Locally [2x7”, Comp: Profane Existence, 1993]
* Save the Animals [Cass, Comp, Limited, Numbered: Earless Tapes, 1993]
* So Alone [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Ράδιο Ουτοπία, 1993]
* Αποκάλυψη [Cass, Comp: Heavy – Rock Tapes, 1993]
* Ποτέ Ξανά [Cass, Comp, Limited, Numbered: Self-released, 1993]
* Ωδή Στο Χάος [Cass, Comp: Self-released, 1996]
* Across the River Compilation Tape Vol. 1 [Cass, Comp: Across the River, 1999]
* Profane Existence 15-Year Anniversary Compilation Vol. 1 1989-2004 [CD, Comp: Profane Existance, 2004]
* Anathema – Music from Greece [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Arlekin Tapes/A.O.R. Zine, ?]
* Greek Punks Not Dead [Cass, Comp: Self-released, ?]