Axis – Ela Ela (1972 Greece Pop Rock, Prog Rock)Full Album

AXIS was a Progressive Rock band inaugurated in 1970 by a group of Greek ex-patriots during their residence in the French capital. While obviously not a “pure” Heavy Metal act, AXIS deserve inclusion in this archive based on the heavy and powerful music of their third, self-titled LP issued in 1973, that in many ways relates to or even prefigures the metallic sounds and compositional techniques of Metal music yet to come. The band was formed by the bassist Dimitris Katakouzinos and keyboardist Demis Visvikis, who had previously played in Demis Roussous’ backing band. Originally, AXIS played Pop-oriented Progressive/Psychedelic/Heavy Rock in the vein of their countrymen APHRODITE’S CHILD and released two albums and several singles in this style. But by the time of their third album and with a different lineup they had morphed into a highly versatile, experimental and often gratifyingly heavy-sounding Progressive/Heavy/Jazz Rock outfit that bore many similarities to KING CRIMSON around the time of “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” (also released in 1973). “Axis” would prove to be their magnus opus, but also their final release as the band disbanded in 1974. Tracks: All songs written by Demis Visvikis, George Chatziathanassiou, Alecos Caracandas and Dimitris Katakouzinos except where noted. 01. Osanna (Boris Bergman, Ivano Fossati, Domenico di Palo) - 00:00 02. Living In - 03:09 03. Shine Lady Shine -06:58 04. Dedicated - 10:07 05. Nothing To Say - 14:53 06. Long Time Ago - 17:52 07. Ela Ela - 20:51 08. Thought - 23:53 09. Bad Trip (Sergei Rachmaninoff, Demis Visvikis, George Chatziathanassiou, Alecos Caracandas, Dimitris Katakouzinos) - 29:19 Personnel: - Demis Visvikis - harpsichord, piano, organ, lead vocals - Alecos Caracandas - lead guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals (1972) - Dimitris Katakouzinos - bass, acoustic guitar, lead vocals (1972) - George Chatziathanassiou - drums, percussion, vocals - Alexandros Fantis - bass (1973) - Chris Stassinopoulos - drums, percussion (1973)