Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?

We are a heavy metal band from Thessaloniki, Greece. The band formed in 1992. The band name is related to Ozzy’s first album. The current line up is Andreas Oikonomidis (vocals), Alex Alexandris and Aggelos Eleftheriadis (guitars), George Arvanitidis (bass) and John Filippidis (drums).

We started back then playing covers. In the meanwhile we start writing our music as well. At some point in 1993 Iordanis Kalpaxidis joined the band as second guitarist and we appeared live for the first time by the end of that year. In the beginning of 1994 John replaced Babyss Arvanitidis on the drums. After few live appearances in local venues the band stop being active somewhere in 1996.

In 2016 we had the idea to reform the band again, so in 2018 we started rehearsals, playing only our material, few old songs but basically new music. In 2019 Aggelos stepped in. We recorded two full-length demos Resurrection (2019) and Gates of Hell (2020) as a four – piece band. Late in 2021 Alex rejoined the band after 25 years. By the end of 2022 we appeared live after many years and in 2023 June 8, our EP Hunters in the dark released digitally from Alcyone Records. 

All of us through the years participated in other bands as well or performed in local venues as semi-pros, but having your own band and deal with your own music is something magical.

Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?

We grew up in the same city, actually all band members – current and former- except Aggelos we were school mates in high school or later.  After all these years we are still friends above all and hanging out together also out side of the band. 

Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?

Having grown up in mid 80’s our favourite bands were pretty much the same. We could say Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Ozzy/Sabbath, Accept, Hellowen, Metallica all the spectrum of classic heavy metal of the era  plus 70’s classic rock bands such as Deep Purple etc. Our sound is still that heavy metal we used to hear. This is what we love to play, and this is what we will play for as long as the band exists.

Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?

By the time that the band was formed we were too young. Through out the years and despite on how we related to music, we have the opportunity to have the band active again with new music, making our songs and that’s great! It is oxygen for all of us.

What songs or albums are on your current playlist?

Our current play list includes only Blizzard songs. We play our recent EP to its entirety plus several tunes from the demos, especially from the second one.

Do you sing in the shower?

Hahahaha, well some of us maybe…

Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?

The plans for this year is definitely live appearances, keep going with the rehearsals and practice and of course making new music, which is something that never stops.

Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?

Having released already new material in June this year, no, we do not  have  something ready to be released. But we do have new music, and we are working on it already. Anyway we are not in a 100m race, we just keep the pace.

If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?

Well, that’s a difficult question in theory. In reality there a couple of local venues we would like to play in.

Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?

Thank God, there are so many of them!

Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?

If you mean out side of metal, ok who hasn’t?

If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?

I do not think that we could ever agree on that.

Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?

For me was Ram it down back in 1989….

As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?

Thank you very much indeed for your overall support! It really means the world to us. See you on the next live!!!

Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlizzardMetalband

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAP2itlF-hxmGlp30FM-pqw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6WorHukWwGKCaVUNaBBqel

We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?

Thank you so much for presenting Blizzard in Metal Asylum, keep on rockin’ !!!

This interview is the property of The Metal Asylum