Death from Above

DEATH FROM ABOVE was a Thrash Metal band from Thessaloniki who made a name for themselves by claiming to be the first Metal band from the city (perhaps they forgot the classic LPs by their townmates NORTHWIND and VAVEL?) to release their music on vinyl. What’s perhaps more of an eyebrow-raiser is the fact that DEATH FROM ABOVE never put out any demo tapes before debuting on 7” vinyl with their one and only release “Happy Death Day” (1993).

The band was formed in 1993 and operated as a quartet consisting of Sakis Mitropoulos (vocals, guitars – INJECTILE), Christoforos Mousiadis (guitars, vocals), Konstantinos Ladopoulos (bass, vocals – INJECTILE) and Stergios Kourou (drums – ESCAPE, HORIZON’S END, WARDUM, etc.) In late summer/early autumn 1993, DEATH FROM ABOVE entered Rover Studios (Thessaloniki) to record the above-mentioned “Happy Deathday” seven-incher, released on red vinyl through Molon Lave Records. This two-tracker offers two rather dissimilar songs; the first one being classic Thrash Metal while the B-side moves into more experimental/balladesque territories. Except for a few lukewarm reviews in the more Trad-Metal-oriented fanzines, the EP/single received quite good response – especially in Thessaloniki if we are to believe the words of the band themselves, who rightly pride themselves for their courage to move outside established genre boundaries.

It’s unclear if DEATH FROM ABOVE ever made any live appearances. Either way, judging by interview statements it appears as if the members themselves viewed the band as more of a studio endeavor. Sadly, no more official releases emerged before the band called it quits (no expiration date currently available). They did present a remixed version of the EP’s A-side “Happy Deathday” though, which was included on the “Beyond the Grave” (1994) compilation LP, put out by Dark Side Records.

Regarding more recent musical activities, drummer Stergios Kourou went on with other successful undertakings, remaining as a longtime member of both HORIZON’S END and WARDRUM.

Compilation appearances:
* Beyond the Grave [LP, Comp: Dark Side, 1994]