Interview with Crush

Last Updated on 01:11 PM by Lilliana Tseka

Kingdom Of The Kings is the jewel that adorns the top of the Greek CLASSIC-metal construction. Crush with only one record managed to leave their indelible mark in the history of Greek heavy metal. Eagerly awaiting the release of the second album of this legendary band, Metal Invader talks with singer Panagiotis Konstantinidis,making a flashback from the early days until today.

Hello Panagiotis. How is life in the capital of Greece?

Hello Nestoras. Life in Athens is more difficult by the day, as I imagine is in the rest of our country.

Being a fan of Kingdom of the kings, before I continue, I would like to express the honor I feel by doing this interview but also thank you for the creation of one of the best (if not the best) Greek heavy metal records.

Thank you very much for your kind words. It is also our pleasure to talk with people that work for the music we love.

For those who are not familiar with the history behind the name Crush, I would like to take things from the beginning and go back to the band Under Power. Tell us a few words about this effort.

Our small history goes back to 1978. At that time we began to play mostly covers from various rock bands… in 1980 we played for the first time in front of an audience.

Is there a recording in existence from that period?

Yes there is a demo from 1982. At that time I was serving in the army and the vocal part was done by MakisMakris, who afterwards became the singer for Rust. The compositions were rock songs in English language.

From the ashes of Underpower, Crush emerged. The first demo came out in 1985 and the second in 1987..? What memories do you have from that period? What was the reaction of the Athenian metal scene on those releases?

Crush formed in December of 1983. Indeed we recorded 2 demos one in 1985 and the other in 1989. In general this was a time with high hopes for everyone even if metal music in our country was in early stages. It was heard mostly in clubs of our town, in Aigaleo I mean and it received very positive responses.

 In 1988 we have the first official recording of the band and you participation in the Greece Attacks Compilation with the song Kingdom of the kings. What is the story behind this effort and why did you choose this particular song?

We had the offer to participate and we chose this song as our first composition ever!

 Molon Lave festival, 1991. What were your experiences from this show?

Very positive! For that time it was a pretty decent event. Even though we played on a work day we performed in front of a great audience. Unforgettable!!

Kingdom of the kings was recorded in 1992 but came out in 1993. What were the reasons of this delay?

You are right. It was recorded in the summer of 92 and was released mid-1993. There were many issues back then too, mainly economic.

Tell me about the experience of recording the album.

We recorded for about 4 months on City Studio of Kostas Tournas in Kipseli, there we came across an old friend of ours, sound engineer DimitrisMalegkas with whom we worked on the album as well as in many live shows over the years. A very good friend and also a mentor, for me at least.

What is the story behind the cover of the album?

The idea was mine and a very good friend and talented man Dimitris Vloutis brought it to life.

How do you feel about the music of Kingdom Of The Kings after all these years? Is there something you would change or add?

It’s great that many people liked it and still do, people that we consider friends.

The record was reissued in cd by sirens records in 2009 with the addition of a bonus song, Morpheus world. Was there any interest by any other labels for a re-release?

Right! No there weren’t any other suggestions.

Your much anticipated second album, Edition Of Darkness was set to be released in February but sadly didn’t. What held back the release of the album?

Unfortunately many problems surfaced. I had some health andeconomic issues!

Having heard some of the new songs in up the hammers festival in March, I have to say that another great record is on its way. Can you give me the full image regarding the synthetic and lyrical section of the album?

 I just hope we’ll make it. Lyrics and music will stay in the same path.

I assume that this release is also self-funded?

Correct. We certainly had significant help from Sirens Records. But at this point everything is frozen as a result of the tragic circumstances we all face. We will be back though.

Greek metal scene then and now. How do you see the evolution of Greek heavy metal?

Back then it was more difficult but more spontaneous. Today I am glad that we proved as a country that we have great musicians and bands.

Given the situation in our country how do you see the future as citizen but also a musician?

Unfortunately as a citizen I don’t see any sign of hope on the horizon!! Hypocrisy and falsehood thrive!!  Our country made symbols out of men without substance… But we will not fade silently into the night… ΜETAL TO ETERNITY………..

Thank you so much for the interview. I wish all the best for the band and you personally. You have the last words.

We thank you too for having us. Strength to all.