Casus Belli

CASUS BELLI (an old Latin expression roughly translating into to an act or event that justifies war) is an Athenian Heavy/Power Metal group boasting the talents of guitar wizard Panos Arvanitis (guitars – CONDEMNATION, CORRUPTION) and Greece’s very own Ian Gillan: Panos Dedes (vocals – SPITFIRE), along with a host of skilled musicians with an equally prolific musical background – including Bob Katsionis (keyboards – FIREWIND, etc.) and Fotis Anagnostou (bass – NIGHTFALL, etc.).

The band began public activities with the release of a promo CD in 1998, regularly referred to as “Promo One” and featuring a guest appearance Peavy Wagner of German Heavy/Speed legends RAGE. This promotional effort proved fruitful and earned the band a deal with the Greek Sound & Vision who released CASUS BELLI’s debut full-length album in 2001, entitled “Mirror Out of Time”. A second demo, “Holy Gates” followed in 2004 and led to a new deal with the high-profile German company Limb Music. “In the Name of the Rose” (2005) saw the band further developing and broadening their brand of Heavy/Power with melodic leanings and also sported a more suitable production job than in the past.

Stylistically, it’s comes naturally to suggest a kinship between CASUS BELLI and fellow Greek Heavy/Power metallers FIREWIND. Not only because of the Bob Katsionis connection, but also in terms of sound, style and method of composition. While obviously influenced by the Power Metal greats of the past (HELLOWEEN in particular) and not afraid to lean towards the commercial spectrum of Heavy Metal, CASUS BELLI avoids falling into the Euro-flower trap by retaining a certain grit in their core sound – just as has been the case with FIREWIND in the past. Moreover, and as mentioned above, both bands house plenty of musical talent in terms of instrumental handling.

While FIREWIND went on to reap gold aplenty, CASUS BELLI has remained relatively low-key since the release of “In the Name of the Rose” in 2005. However, there has been mentions – on the behalf of guitarist Panos Arvanitis – of new material in the making, so fans should keep their eyes and ears open.

Compilation appearances:
* Louder than the Dragon Part II [CD, Comp: LMP, 2005]
* Power Files Chapter 23 [CD, Comp: Powerplay Magazine, 2006]