TOXIC PUB (Thrash/Groove Metal – Greece 🇬🇷) – Band interview provided by Angels PR Worldwide Music Promotion #toxicpub #thrashmetal #groovemetal #interview #heavymetal

***Special thanks to STEVIL from Angels PR Worldwide Music Promotion for provided us this interview with TOXIC PUB!!***

1. The beginning:
   Toxic Pub was formed in 2020 — a rather unusual time for starting a new band. How did the idea come about, and what was the common vision that brought you together?

The timing for starting the band wasn’t exactly ideal — right in the middle of the pandemic — but we used that downtime to get ready for when things opened up again. George and Stef had just split with their first drummer and were looking for people to jam with. Then, at this random party, they started talking with Mitsos and Adri — a bassist and a drummer who had also just left their old band. We shared the same love for metal, a lot of common influences and the passion to create something of our own. It was love at first band practice and the rest is history.

1. Debut album – “To Not Die Blind”:
   Released in May 2024, your debut marks a strong entrance into the metal scene. What’s the meaning behind the title, and what message do you want to convey through this record?

With the first record we wanted to pay homage to our influences and the sounds we grew up while also crafting a unique identity in the Greek metal scene. The title of the album comes from the full line, “There is still time to not die blind,” which essentially means accepting your own mortality and using it to gain inner strength—abusing all the time each of us has in this world as best as we can.

1. Production and sound:
   It’s quite rare for a new band to handle the entire production and mixing process on their own. What drove you to take that path, and how challenging was it to achieve the exact sound you had in mind?

Once the opportunity arose to do the whole production ourselves in a professional environment, there was no looking back. Having complete control over 100% of the process was a dream come true and we wanted both to utilize and hone our skills as sound engineers. Of course, there were many obstacles, and we had to redo some parts from scratch—mainly due to lack of experience—but we always agreed it would take as long as it needed to be released exactly as we had envisioned.

1. “Panic Attack” – your first music video:
   The track seems to encapsulate your energy and identity as a band. How did the song come to life, and what does it represent for you as your first visual statement?

Panic Attack was actually the last song we wrote for this album and the one that came together the fastest. It is the perfect track to represent the manic speed and the dark cynical vibe that is a huge part of our sound.

1. Style and influences:
   You draw influences from Megadeth, Pantera, Death, and Sepultura — four giants with very distinct sounds. How do you blend those old-school thrash, death, and groove elements into your own modern identity?

Thrash metal is our roots—it’s what we grew up with, and at this point, it’s burned into our DNA. But from the beginning, we didn’t want to limit ourselves, and we rarely use labels to define our music. As we grow both individually and as a band we get inspired by different things and sounds everyday that we then subconsciously incorporate in our style. Thrash, Death, Groove, Speed etc. are different ingredients and we want our work to be like a complete meal with many different flavors.

1. Live shows and Schoolwave 2023:
   You’ve already performed extensively across Greece, and headlined the Schoolwave Festival in 2023. How was that experience, and what does performing live mean to you as musicians?

At the time, it was our biggest show yet and our first time performing on a big stage with screens, cameras, and actual space to run around. Performing live is one of the best feelings one can experience and after each show we feel very grateful and are reminded why we do this.

1. The Greek metal scene today:
   How do you see the current state of the Greek metal scene? Is there space for new bands to emerge, and what do you think still needs to evolve?

The Greek metal scene has seen a resurgence in recent years, with more and more young people getting into the genre. Like in most art forms—even with modern tools at our disposal—it’s still hard for bands to get noticed in such a saturated industry. That said, we believe that honest, carefully crafted work always finds a way to make people stop and listen.

1. Band name and identity:
   “Toxic Pub” is a name that immediately stands out. What does it symbolize for you, and how does it reflect your attitude toward music and everyday life?

We wanted the band name to represent something we could build—like a community. There were other ideas thrown around, but Toxic Pub perfectly describes the character of the band and the spirit of thrash metal.

1. The philosophy behind “To Not Die Blind”:
   The album title suggests something deeper — almost existential. Is there a broader message behind your lyrics and sound aesthetic?

We interpret our music as fun, energetic and almost happy a lot of the times so we want the lyrics to contrast that. We draw inspiration from different sources that fascinate us whether it’s movies, books, personal struggles or philosophical ideas but we put a lot of thought into them for those who like to dig a little deeper. This dark, cynical and pretty much nihilistic tone is something that started naturally and now has become a part of our sound.

1. What’s next for Toxic Pub:
   After your debut release and strong live presence, what comes next — new material, collaborations, or perhaps plans for touring abroad?

Since the release of our first record we’ve been working on writing new material. At the moment the second full-length album is almost all written and we plan to hit the studio soon. We’re also organizing a series of live shows across Greece and internationally to share our new material with audiences in person. Getting back on stage is something we’ve really been looking forward to — there’s nothing quite like that connection with the crowd, and we can’t wait to experience it again and see everyone out there.

Band Members:

• George Kokolios: Vocals, Guitars
• Dimitris Fourniotis: Drums
• Adriano Ferro: Bass

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