Doomed Confessionary: Nick & Chris (Weevil)
Photos by Cristina Alossi
Weevil is a fuzzed-out heavy rock band hailing from Athens, Greece. They emerged in 2017 with a singular vision: to channel the raw energy and timeless appeal of 70s and 90s riff rock.
After undergoing several lineup changes, the band solidified its current formation, featuring Nikolas Kalogirou on vocals, Chris Itto and Robert Benedik on guitars, Nikolas Flip on drums and Petros Kyriazis on bass.
Weevil’s debut album, »Easy Way«, is a testament to their unwavering dedication to crafting a powerful blend of rock’n’roll, psychedelia, blues, punk, and desert rock suited for the most discerning desert punks and fuzz freaks out there.
With the release of »Easy Way« on December 13th, 2024, Weevil is poised to make a significant impact on the heavy rock scene. Fueled by punk rock attitude, Weevil’s music promises a high-gain journey into square waves and dusty dunes.
Fans of Fu Manchu, Brant Bjork, Motörhead, The Hellacopters, 1000mods, Dozer, Nebula, Nightstalker, Truckfighters, and all things fuzz-n-roll will undoubtedly find a kindred spirit in Weevil.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Nick: Weevil is a heavy rock band from Athens, Greece. We’re all about loud guitars, driving rhythms and powerful vocals. We try to blend 90s desert rock influences with a modern edge, creating a sound that’s both familiar and fresh. We’re passionate about our music and love playing live.
Chris: We love fuzz boxes, loud amps and good music.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Nick: Probably getting our name out there.
Chris: Every step was (and still is) a challenge of its own. I have to say, finding a line up that shared the same creative vision and influences was the most challenging and time consuming. Was it worth it? 100%
What can you be most proud of so far?
Nick: Releasing our debut album. It was a long time coming and we poured our hearts and souls into it.
Chris: Debuting at #7 at Doom Charts last December when »Easy Way« was released, left me speechless. And to top that there was an album review that came out shortly after at Outlaws Of The Sun that, as far as I am concerned, it’s the best feedback we could get about this album. When releasing something there is a message you want to communicate. It doesn’t mean that everyone has to get it and there is nothing wrong with different interpretations, but in the maker’s head it usually is very specific. And when the message gets across loud and clear, it’s something to be proud of.
What was your biggest regret?
Chris: No regrets, everything happens for a reason. For the fun of it I’d say back when we were recording »Gonna Fall« we thought we would beat John Garcia’s record of 87 “yeah” in a song (»Demon Cleaner«). We failed, but “yeah”, we got to 79! In general, I would mention not seeing two of my favourite bands of all time live at their peak: Acrimony & Los Natas.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Nick: Our first show! The energy was incredible and we felt like we really connected with the audience. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
Chris: Double that!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Nick: The resurgence of vinyl. It’s amazing to see so many people embracing the physical format again.
Chris: I was pleasantly surprised to see that My Sleeping Karma are performing again. Although I would understand and respect their choice, I would really miss them if they stopped.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Chris: From new releases Psychlona, Free Ride, Slomosa, Greenleaf, Mohama Saz and Nothing Thrives, while bands like Fu Manchu, 1000mods, Brant Bjork, Acrimony, Los Natas, Bad Religion & The Hellacopters are on non-stop heavy rotation for years now. Can’t wait for the new Nightstalker album.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Nick: Stay true to your sound and never compromise your artistic vision! That’s something we always try to keep in mind.
Chris: One that resonated with me from my teenage years was that you got to listen to a lot of music if you want to write music. I still believe it. One that I understood later on is “perfect is the enemy of finished”.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Nick: 90’s pop. Don’t tell anyone!
Chris: Geeking out over songs, records, bands, music gear. If I like something I want to know as much as I can about the process and the people behind it. The creative process though, couldn’t care less about the gossip.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Athens?
Nick: It’s thriving! There are so many talented bands in Athens across all genres.
Chris: Indeed, really good bands we are looking forward to share the stage with, good studios, great recordings, venues and many gigs on a weekly basis. It’s hard not to find a decent gig. But the most important “thing” that happened to the local music scene has a name: 1000mods. Some may disagree, but as Huxley said “facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored”.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nick: We will announce upcoming shows on our Facebook/Instagram pages as soon as they are confirmed.
Chris: At the moment of writing, we are just a couple of days before our live appearance with Deville (SWE) and Lokruz (ATH), while we are discussing some future shows.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Nick: Promote our debut album »Easy Way« and release some new music.
Chris: Obviously live shows for »Easy Way« are a priority right now. At the same time, we are getting in the studio in February to record a new single and will start working on material for a second album shortly after.
How can people best support your band?
Nick: Come to our shows, support our music, follow us on social media and tell your friends about Weevil! Every little bit helps.
Chris: Spread the word about »Easy Way« and get in touch in our social media with any crazy idea you might have. Always happy to meet new people and discuss ideas.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Nick: Thank you for your support! We appreciate you listening to our music and coming to our shows. We hope to see you soon!
Chris: Support your local underground scene! Respect to anyone that took the time to read these words and more to those who got to this last line. We are Weevil and we play fuzz’n’roll.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well