Doomed Confessionary: Mariel, Chris, Tod & Jerry (This I Owe)
Photo credits: Christos Christodoulou
This I Owe is an alternative metal band from Athens, Greece. Formed in 2024, This I Owe consists of Maria Kanellaki on vocals, Christos Kalentzos on guitar, Thodoris Grigoroudis on bass and Gerasimos Avgeris on drums. They have released their debut album »Alchemists« in February 2025, which was later reissued by Wormholedeath Records.
»Alchemists« showcases This I Owe’s unique blend of alternative metal infused with progressive and doom influences. The album is a tribute to the band’s origins, reflecting on transformation and resilience. Highlights include fan-favorite singles like »Queen Of Hearts« and »Isobel« – praised for their noir-inspired atmospheres and gothic-metal fusion, earning praise from both critics and loyal listeners alike.
Having made waves locally with electrifying live performances in Athens and Thessaloniki, This I Owe is now preparing to bring their high-energy shows across Greece’s countryside, continuing to build momentum and connect with audiences nationwide.
»Alchemists« is just the beginning. With ever-evolving sounds and a compelling vision, This I Owe is poised for a future filled with exciting surprises. The band’s journey is only starting – and fans can expect much more to come.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are This I Owe, a metal band from Athens! We have been active for roughly 2-3 years now. Our music is a blend of heavy and doom metal, with elements of prog and some other genres sprinkled in as well. In 2025 we released our first full-length album, and we hope to keep the momentum we’ve gained going.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge was probably recording our album. While we had previous experience playing music before the band, the environment of a recording studio and its unique challenges were something entirely new to us.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are very proud of the environment we have established within the band. We try to be considerate of each other and balance the needs of the band with our personal lives. That balance may not be always perfect, but we have made it to a point where we feel that the band feels like a second home, and we already cannot imagine our lives without it.
What was your biggest regret?
While it’s not really a regret, we sometimes think we released our album too soon. We are still very proud of it, but we wonder, could we have refined the material more? Could we have made it longer, grander, better? The answer is a big maybe. But the truth is we had none of our music out there, and the time felt it was right for us to make a move. So, we did, and while there is still doubt it was the best move, it did work out great.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
The best show has got to be our album presentation. It makes sense if you think about it, it was a night dedicated to our album, and we were really stressed, because we really wanted the night to feel special. And, well, it was special, definitely the most emotional show we ever put on, and one of the best crowds too. Couldn’t have asked for anything else, simple as.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
It was kind of surprising how good production value some of the bands in the underground scene have. We expected to meet bands that are full of talented people, surely. But underground bands usually don’t have large budgets and in turn cut costs where possible. So, seeing some of them put out great recordings, great videos and great live shows, while maintaining this budget is quite impressive. It really shows that being creative, and collaborating with other underground artists can take you pretty far.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Tod: For me it’s mostly Rammstein and the new Sleep Token album for the better part of the last month.
Chris: When it comes to heavy music, old school thrash like Sepultura, Testament and Exodus, or more classic stuff like the almighty Black Sabbath are my top choices. But the 1st choice was and will always be (drumroll…) Metallica!!! (insert “Metallica rules” scene from the Simpsons).
Jerry: I’ll have to go with the best band ever to exist, Sleep Token, and many other Modern Metal/Metalcore bands such as Bad Omens, BMTH, Architects, Thornhill, Polaris, Allt, 156/Silence etc.
Mariel: EASY. Manowar (as always) and Τrans Siberian Orchestra (as ALWAYS). Idk what it is with these bands, I always circle back to them, I’m currently in my winter mood so I’m treating myself to some TSO.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
The obvious answer is that practice makes perfect, however practicing the right way is also important. We are not really qualified to elaborate further than that so let’s leave it at that. When it comes to writing music for a band, however, the most important thing we’ve learned is that chasing trends is pointless. At worst the band goes nowhere while you were not even enjoying the ride, and at best you are now part of a project that plays music you don’t even like. For us, writing and playing music we like is the only way to keep the band from turning into a chore, and in turn ensuring it lives long. Bands that don’t have fun are a ticking time bomb.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Tod: Limp Bizkit! No further comment.
Chris: Listening to music should not make you feel guilty. But when I listen to Culture Club, I do feel guilty!
Mariel: I’d prolly have to say Falling In Reverse, ICP and definitely some Greek rap acts you wouldn’t know.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Athens?
Athens has a very powerful underground scene. While we can’t really compare it to other cities, since we don’t know, we can say that there is a lot of talent, and a decent amount of audience as well. Even if we weren’t part of the scene, we think we’d still be there, local shows have been some of the best fun we’ve had.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Currently we are playing live shows in Greece, mostly in Athens with the occasional countryside trip. We do hope that we get the opportunity to play abroad, and we’re always looking for anything that might pop up. We urge anyone who might want to see us to follow our socials for any possible announcements.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
At the moment, we are looking to play as many live shows as we can, since our album is still fresh and opportunities arise at unexpected times. We are also slowly working on new material, and while a second full length album seems far, at least right now, we can say that something may pop up sooner than that (wink!).
How can people best support your band?
Our music is on every major platform, we hope people stream it, listen to it and enjoy it! If you like it, tell your friends! This is the quintessence of being a fan. For those who want to go the extra step, we run a Bandcamp, with merch on it, feel free to take a look!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
To our dear listeners, we just want to say we love and appreciate every one of you. Enjoying life in this day and age seems to be more of a challenge every day, and the world around us can be cruel. But we want people to not only stay optimistic for better days ahead, but to strive for them. And if our music provides even the slightest solace to those in pain, that is the biggest honor we could ask for. Stay safe, and stay heavy!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well