Koinonika Apovlita (Κοινωνικά Απόβλητα)

(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.)

ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΆ ΑΠΌΒΛΗΤΑ (KOINONIKA APOVLITA / SOCIAL WASTE) was an Athenian hardcore punk-quartet formed in 1988 and consisting of charismatic singer Dina Kalaka (vocals), Antonis Korotis (guitars), Giannis Tzamilis (bass, vocals – ex- ΑΡΝΗΤΙΚΗ ΣΤΑΣΗ, ex-NEW JACK, ex-SADISTIC NOISE, ex-ΧΑΜΕΝΑ ΙΔΑΝΙΚΑ) and Giannis “B-23” Kolovos (drums – creator of underground zine “B-23” and later ”Στις Σκιές Του Β-23”).

During prolific concerts in squats and other semi-legal locales during the late-1980s/early-1990s and on a handful of official releases, ΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΚΆ ΑΠΌΒΛΗΤΑ put on display a raging hybrid hardcore/crust and early grindcore balanced against more introspective and solemn post-punk-passages. If you stretch your ears/imagination, you can also hear something resembling dissonant proto-black metal riffs scattered throughout the songs as well. Interestingly, the music manages to excercise a wide spectrum of negative emotions – claustrophobic hopelessness, societal/mental alienation, etc. – while at the same time carrying an insurgent spirit of overcoming that really shakes you down the marrow. This is genuine stuff far from the caricature whiny punk-misfit that we metalheads are prone to hate on.

Compilation appearances:
* Vale! [Cass, Comp: Στις Σκιές Του Β-23, 1989]
* Delirium Tremens Nr. 14 (credited as SOCIETYS REJECTS) [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Delirium Tremens, 1990]
* Fragmenta IV [LP, Comp: Στις Σκιές Του Β-23, 1992]
* Stop Selling Out Punk! (credited as SOCIAL OUTCASTS) [Cass, Comp: Punk Bootleg Tapez, 1994]