Emerald Sun

E.S were formed by Johnnie Athanasiadis (Guitars) in 1998.That time they had many appearances in clubs of Thessaloniki but also a live appearance in the TV show “Jamming” of the national channel ET 3. The first change came when Jimmy Sandrazami took over the vocals and with his active attendance the bands’ style changes more a lot to the European one, always, of course, with the signature of E.S. In constantly passed enough time searching for members which could follow the group and could be dedicated in this, not only musically, but also with regard to the sacrifices that were needed for a carieer abroad. With that line-up came out 2 Demos, the "Sword of Light" 2003 and the "High in the sky" 2004. So E.S made their own course on the metal music scene of Greece receiving many flattering comments from metal magazines, but also with interviews and presentations on radio stations and TV shows(!). After many member changes finally the current line-up is formed, that is not only members but also very good friends!! Jimmy Sandrazami (Vocals) Johnnie Athanasiadis (Guitars) Teo Savage (Guitars) Jim Gavan (Bass) Jim Tsakirides (Keyboards) Bill Kanakis (Drums) By that time they had many gigs all over the country with all-ready known groups such as Redrum, Pandemonium, W.A.N.T.E.D, Roxy Bitch ect. and appearances in festivals as "Rockemon", "Rock Before Xmas", "Metal Up Your Ass", "Coca Cola Fest" ect. Also it was given the opportunity to play in the all-known "Battle of the Bands" contest on May 2004. In this competition E.S "signed" a record deal even before the contest was over and of course when it finished they won the 1st place. The contract was with the label “Encore Greek Booking/Recordings”. Then came a very successful live show supporting Edguy on October ’04,with the metalheads going crazy!! Just a little later when they finished the composition of the songs, in January 2005 E.S entered the Nemesis Recording Studio in Kavala, with producer Tasos Karapapazoglou (Nemesis, Elwing) in order to record their first album. In August 2005 they finished the mix and the result he was incredible. The debut album of E.S will come out by Encore Recordings in the beginnings 2006 in Greece, Europe and Japan and will have the title "The Story Begins". There were not few times that the press, either printed, or electronic, had to do with the name “Emerald Sun”. With reviews in many sites, e-zines and magazines over Europe E.S are recognized as one of the best newcoming power metal groups. They have extracted appreciable reviews and it is said that Jimmy Santrazami has one of the best vocals of its kind and it is said that it reminds enough of the voice of the enormous M.Kiske in the golden times of the "Keepers" . Pre-release reviews, have brought the “Story” in leading place, which was characterized as if it has been written in order to be named "Keeper" and according to many reviews from e-zines the " Story " constitutes turning-point in the Greek power metal scene and as it was written in Metal Invader....it’s a "masterpiece". Also from many live shows in Thessaloniki the metalheads have a lot to remember of Emerald Sun. Also there were many times that E.S were unlucky because of live cancellation as those of Kamelot-Kotipelto, Nightfall, Primal Fear - Royal Hunt. Whatever Emerald Sun follow their course and continue to offer to the world the music they love so much. E.S already work on new material for a single and album even better from the first. It is discussed the production to be done by the famous Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Helloween, Garry Moore and lots of others). During the recordings of the " Story " they contacted with Kai Hansen and proposed him to sing in one of their songs (Escape) but unfortunately he could not because of the obligations to his personal band, Gamma Ray, however future collaboration was agreed. As for the present E.S were voted as the best newcomer band for 2005 in the Mainhill Awards that are presented every year by Andy Mikheev. Also, E.S registered an other success in their background, winning the 2nd (second) place, representing Greece, on the 3rd Heavy Metal Eurovision (on-line song contest) between 40 other countries. The song which they took part in, was "Scream Out Loud".

Source: http://www.emeraldsun.tk