SOUND OF SILENCE

Sound of Silence biography
The idea of SOUND OF SILENCE was born in June 1989 by Manolis GAVALAS (keyboards), Akis GAVALAS (drums) and Nick KOKOTSIS (guitars). Then two brothers, Kostas and Chris THEODORAKOPOULOS (guitars and bass respectively) joined the band and started working the first SOUND OF SILENCE songs. In September 1989, George KANDRIS (vocals) filled up the last position and immediately the band started working on the songs for the first demo ''The Silence of Sound'' which was released in winter 1990. After its release, Chris THEODORAKOPOULOS left the band and was replaced by Dimitris TASIAS.

Some live performances followed and after three years of continuous work the band released the second demo ''Unanswered Questions'' with Thodoris MATHIOULAKIS on bass guitar, replacing TASIAS. The demo sold over 2000 copies and radio stations, fanzines and magazines met the music of SOUND OF SILENCE. After the demo release the band played along with already-known Greek bands; MATHIOULAKIS left the band and Stathis LONTOS took his place. The band recorded the track 'Wasting Soul' for a compilation after invitation from Metal Hammer magazine (GR) and in 1994, the band performed live with Bruce DICKINSON; both were invited to a party given by Metal Hammer magazine. 'Laughing in the Hiding Bush' was the song performed by Bruce and SOUND OF SILENCE sharing the same stage.

After a number of live performances the band faced many line-up changes. Nick KOKOTSIS, Kostas THEODORAKOPOULOS and Stathis LONTOS left the band. Manolis and Akis GAVALAS were in search for new members. In late 1999 John GRIPEOS (bass guitar) joined the band while the search for a guitar player was still on. Finally after two years Tasos GRIPEOS came to complete the line-up. With him SOUND OF SILENCE started working songs for a full-length album. In early 2003 the band signed with Sleaszy Rider Records and released ''Spiritual Journey'' on June 16 of the same year. Recordings lasted until June and ''Spiritual Journey'' was mixed and mastered at Fragile Sound studio.

SOUND OF SILENCE draw influences both from American and European progressive/power metal (i.e. in the vein of CRIMSON GLORY and VANDEN PLAS) and create a powerful sound - ''Spiritual Journey'' is recommended to fans of the genre.

Biography adopted from the band's page in Metal Observer - edited by aapatsos