Black Sun

A band which obviously possess a lot of fighting spirit, Athen’s BLACK SUN (also known as BLACKSUN) was formed back in 1993 and has – except for two temporary hiatuses – been in the game for nearly three decades. From the modest beginnings on the self-titled “Black Sun” (1994) demo, BLACK SUN has steadily improved both their instrumental- and songwriting skills, delivering traditional Heavy/Power Metal done the Hellenic way. The band was kind enough to send us their official biography, which is presented below in slightly abriged form:

BLACKSUN was formed in 1993 by Minas Papadopoulos (guitars) and Anthony Argyropoulos (drums). After a while Konstantinos Dratzides (bass) joined the band. On April 1994 the band released their first demo tape called "Black Sun". This demo tape includes 5 tracks of pure Metal, of which two were included in Greek Metal underground compilations. After two years a second demo tape came true, titled "Through Storm We Ride" (1996). The atmosphere was more epic this time and the tape got interesting reviews in countries like Japan and Germany. After that, Anthony and Konstantinos left the band for personal obligations and band went on with session musicians, but the result was disappointing.

Yet after a year, Anthony and Konstantinos rejoined the band together with two new members: Nikos Filippas (vocals) and Nikos Koulelis (bass). This new lineup created the third attack called "Crystal Edge of Time" (1998). The music of the band turned out to be more melodic but heavy as well. The reviews were hopeful and the band continued to earn good reports abroad. Despite positive critique, Nikos Filippas left the band due to personal reasons.

The arrival of Konstantinos Karayiannis (keyboards) helped the band by adding keys to the songs. He became an active member, helping on composing as well as becoming the lead singer. More lineup changes came up, with Nikos Koulelis and Konstantinos Dratzides leaving the band, being replaced by Panagiotis Charalambous (guitars) and John Tsimas (bass). This line-up created "Promo-CD 2001" (2001). The music turned to melodic, romantic Metal with a variety of influences and was a big step for the band in its musical progress. Live performances came true as well as contact with labels. A promising frontman named Dinos Matsikas also joined the band, but then problems appeared as founding members Minas Papadopoulos and Anthony Argyropoulos were obliged to leave because of army obligations. This was the darkest period of the band, although new songs were arranged. Nothing special happened except two live performances, of which one was support to ex-IRON MAIDEN vocalist Paul DiAnno.

After some time of inactivity, Minas and Anthony made a new start with the assistance of session musicians that proved to be both more sufficient and consistent than steady members. This gave birth to the “Tragaedia Eternal” (2006) demo CD with the help of the following: John Luna Tsimas (bass – DEXTER WARD, ENDOMAIN, AIRGED L’AMH), Stavros Gatsopoulos (guitars – SORROWFUL WINDS) as well as PYR KAI MANIA members Nick Kokozides (piano, synth), Sissy Oikonomou (vocals) and Marios Karanastasis (vocals). However, with John, Sissy and Marios not being able to participate in the long run, Minas took over the bass and Steve Venardo (AIRGED L’AMH, THE SILENT RAGE, VERDICT, etc.) the vocals. On 10th September 2008 BLACK SUN released their next demo called “Rebirth”.

Between 2008 and 2012 the band was put on hold, after which preparations took place for ''Symphonies of the Damned'' (2015) with a new line-up: Michalis Apostolakis (vocals), Minas (guitars), Nick Koulelis (bass), Gregory Drakopoulos (guitars), Anthony (drums) and Theo Xenakis (keyboards). This work was to be the last for founding member Anthony, who goes on with a new music attempt. Dimitris Kanellopoulos replaced him and the band started to gig again. Then another movement took place as Gregory Drakopoulos left the band. Lucas J.B took his place on guitar and the band went on with live performances. Unfortunately, Lucas stayed only for a short time and Vassilis Veliopoulos became the new guitar partner of Minas. BLACK SUN promoted ‘’Symphonies of the Damned’’ by gigging and got two new members: Dimitris Stavroulakis (drums) and Arnel Lagen (keyboardist). The band participated at Wreck Athens Festival on April 2016, which was the last gig with singer Michalis Apostolakis.

Konstantinos Merakos became the new frontman and the BLACK SUN prepared the first full-length album in the band’s history: “Seed of Hate” (2019) – an album full of melodies, heavy riffs, tight rhythm section and memorable choruses. At September 2019, Dimitris Stavroulakis left the band and Dimitris Synodinos joined as the new drummer. Nowdays, the band work on new material for an upcoming Melodic Powerful release!

THE SUN STILL SHINES ON!!!!

Compilation appearances:
* The Spirit of Metal [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Underground Tapes, 1995]
* Fire and Steel 1 [Cass, Comp: Self-released (Warrior’s Lament Zine), 1996]