Crossover

A fitting name for a group with such a diversified sound, CROSSOVER was founded in 1997 (originally as ZION) in the city of Alexandroupolis. The earliest known lineup of the band included
perpetual mainman Zion (vocals, bass – ZION, MONASTERY DESECRATION), Dick “Hammer” Nick (guitars – OVERGARVEN), Teo (drums - OVERGARVEN) and Kostas Mpoumpouridis (drums). In September 1999, the band began labor on their debut work “Promo 2000” (alternatively referred to as “Promo 2K” or “Demo 2000”). Although surprisingly “soft” (for a lack of better words, maybe “warm” would be a better description), this three-track CDr give witness to the band’s proclivity towards a multitude of styles – blending elements of Black-, Heavy- and Gothic Metal into a quite unusual, yet distinctly Greek sound. This early incarnation of the band would not last long though, with Dick Nick and Teo leaving to form the melodic Death Metal act OVERGARVEN.

In early 2002, with a new lineup including Kostas (guitars) and Jim (drums – later in OVERGARVEN), CROSSOVER entered Nemesis Studios to record their sophomore demo/EP “Over the Cross” (2002). By this time, the band’s sound had taken a turn towards darker and harsher sonorities, incorporating elements of Death Metal into the mix as well. As such, “Over the Cross” can be viewed as the moment were CROSSOVER laid down their core sound, which would function as the basis for the albums to follow. The demo/EP (or mini-CD if you wish), was met with positive response in the press. Especially by the Greek Metal Hammer, who gave it 9 out of 10 and proclaimed it as the “Demo of the Month”.

Subsequently, a contract was sealed with the French Deadsun Records for a full-length album. “Debauchery” (2003), which contained both new material and rerecordings of previous tracks, brought continuation and further broadening of the CROSSOVER sound, even incorporating some modern, groove tendencies (someone referred to the music as a cross between DARKTHRONE and SOULFLY!). The band kept busy through gigs in many countries (Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey, to name a few) along with festival appearances.

Since then, many members have passed through the ranks along with a host of guest musicians. The band has released two more full-length albums (“Dogma” (2004), “Pythagorized” (2011”), a four-way split and a live recording, all working within an equally diverse stylistic paradigm.




Compilation appearances:
* Underground Darkness Vol. 1 [CDr, Comp: Sirrah Productions, 2000]
* Shock from the Underground [CD, Comp: Sirrah Productions, 2003]
* Greece Attacks – The Next Assault [2CD, Comp: Sound & Vision, 2004]