Dorian Gray

DORIAN GRAY counts among the early Larissan groups to spawn in the wake of the city’s (as well as Greece’s as a whole) most legendary Progressive Metal band DENIAL PRICE. As was the case with their likeminded townmates, DORIAN GRAY seem to have drawn inspiration from the early works of major US Prog Metal acts (FATES WARNING in particular), but distinguished themselves further by incorporating influences from more rock-oriented progressive acts, as for example the contemporary works of RUSH. All in all, the resulting music remains rooted in the classics of the 1980s, but also display a certain 1990s vibe – particularly on the second DORIAN GRAY demo tape.

The original lineup consisted of Yiannis Karamitsios (vocals), Alkiviadis Bacolas (guitars), Iraklis Ekonomou (bass) and Giorgos Pavlou (drums). This configuration didn’t last that long, and before their first demo was recorded Iraklis E. and Giorgos P. was replaced by Fontas Stragalinos and Antonis Gerogiorgos on bass and drums respectively. After a while, a second guitarist was added as well in the form of Dimitris Tsimbonis. With this lineup, DORIAN GRAY entered Larissa’s Graffiti Studios (the go-to place for the town’s progressive outfits at the time it seems, both DENIAL PRICE and BLACK FATE recorded demos there around the same time) to put their first, self-titled demo on the reels. “Dorian Gray” (1993) is definitely D.G. at their most “metallic”, echoing the works of DENIAL PRICE, BLACK FATE and, quite naturally, FATES WARNING. A fine work it is, and recommended listening for fans of the style in question.

Shortly after the release of the debut, drummer Antonis G. had to drop out from the band because of… (surprise!) army duties. As his replacement Yiannis Papanikolaous stepped in, but took leave after only about a month of service. In his place came Kostas Mitin (drums), which together with session keyboardist Kostas Hatzopoulos joined DORIAN GRAY for their second and final demo recording. The resulting work, “Allusions” (1994) showcased a new approach from the band, which as mentioned above, was less heavy (metal), but still interesting in the sense of the band breaking loose from their influences to attempt forging a style of their own.

Unfortunately, “Allusions” turned out to be the band’s swansong, with the members moving on to other musical enterprises. Most active in this regard is probably Dimitris Tsimbonis, who went on to play with DENIAL PRICE on their 2002 demo “Into the Oblivion of Tragedy” as well as joining DENIAL PRICE vocalist Panos Dimitriou in the Larissan Doom Metal/Stoner band IN VAIN. Moreover, Dimitris would eventually join up with his former DORIAN GRAY bandmates Fontas Stragalinos and Kostas Mitin when IN VAIN changed name to BLACK JUJU in 2011.

Compilation appearances:
* Power Feast Vol. III [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Self-released (Mass Dementia Zine), 1994]
* The Sorceress [Cass, Comp, Numbered: Heavy – Rock Tapes, 1994]