Vice Human

T

he oldest Greek heavy metal band in existence Vice Human is also the first to ever release a heavy metal LP in Greece, back in 1984. In its 20+ years history and with many now known Greek Metal musicians being part of its line-up, it's one of the most known heavy metal bands in Greece and has a Cult status all over the globe.

The act started in the early eighties when guitarist and singer Nick Papakostas started rehearsing with drummer Nick Geraris. Soon there-after Kostas Manopoulos joined the band on bass. In 1984 the decision was made to put out a self financed album with Manopoulos becoming the band's 2nd guitarist, as the band found a new bassist inthe face of Akis Thomas. The success was brisk for the privately pressed LP, that resulted in the interest of 'FM Records', allowing for the release of the band's second album in 1985, Metal Attack that also saw new guitarist George Manolidakis replace Manopoulos.

Several line-up changes commenced with concerts and Demo recordings following, but it was not before 2003 that 'Supreme Music Creations'found the leading force behind the band, Nick Papakostas, and offered him and the act the opportunity to release their third album Set Me Free on CD. The CD proved to be a great comeback for the band that regained its status on the Greek M etal Scene and created a new fan base. But in 2004 the Beyond this Life LP was released to celebrate the 20th anniversay of the band, on vinyl format. Recorded by the original trio Papakostas-Geraris-Manopoulos it contained new songs along with re-recorded versions of songs from their second album Metal Attack, but in many circles the tracks were not offered in a quality the fans expected. After this release, with new members, Michael Bakoulas and Bill Xirokostas, on bass and drums respectively, two support slots with USA Metal act Brocas Helm and NWOBHM heroes Diamond Head followed. The act would follow-up with Escape on the 'Supreme Music Creations Records' label in a limited slipcase edition!