Corruption

CORRUPTION was an Athenian thrash metal act, formed in May 1993 by core members Stelios Nomikos (vocals, guitars – AFTERBLOOD) and Giannis Babaloukas (bass). After about two months, Stelios and Giannis hooked up with Kostas Lianos (drums), who also introduced the fellow Athenian thrash band CONDEMNATION with whom they appear to have shared rehearsal facilities. Not long after though, Kostas L – along with the rest of CONDEMNATION – began their military service, so a new drummer needed to be found. In came Vassilis Raftopoulos (drums) – a slightly older fellow who allegedly were more into rock music at the time. A second, very talented guitarist was also found in Panos Arvanitis (guitars – CONDEMNATION, CASUS BELLI) and the band began work on their debut demo, entitled “Whispering At…” (1994).

Since we unfortunately haven’t been able to find any of CORRUPTION’s tapes yet, we’ll have to stick with contemporary zine reviews for descriptions of the music. Judging by reports at the time, “Whispering At…” received mostly positive response, being described as melodic and dynamic thrash metal with elements of power metal, accompanied by excellent guitarwork. The main area of that needed improvement at this stage appears to have been the vocals.

Following the release of “Whispering At…”, the band once again shifted drummers due to Vassilis reluctance towards live performances. In his place came Panagiotis Togias. Moreover, by the time of recording their second demo “Renaissance” (1994), Stelios decided to stick to his guitar playing and a guy named Alexis Kontaxis joined as the new frontman. Once again, we have not been able to find this demo either and neither any descriptions of it.

A third and final recording was recorded in 1996, entitled “Promo 1996” and once again displaying a partly re-arranged line up. As a singer we now find VERUM ORGANUM’s Stefanos Bios (vocals), while Panos Arvanitis had been replaced by Kostas Vassilakopoulos as lead guitarist. And of course, once again a new drummer: this time in the form of INVOCATION’s Antonis Vranas.

If you happen to know anything else about this band, or are in possession of their releases, please get in touch!

PS. Please not that this is not the same band that put out a split 12” with NINNGHIZHIDA and ΠΟΡΦΥΡΙΑ on Black Power Records in 1989. Neither should they be confused with any of the two CORRUPTIONs founded in Thessaloniki during the 2000s!

Compilation appearances: