Alex Larin from Cyprus Butterfly made an interview with Nick, Suicidal Angels frontman, prior their live appearance in Cyprus on March 13th 2026. Read below the translated interview (Click -here- for the original in Russian on Cyprus Butterfly website).
The Greek band Suicidal Angels has remained one of the most consistent forces in European thrash metal for more than two decades.
Formed in 2001, at a time when the scene was largely shifting toward nu‑metal and alternative experiments, the band deliberately chose a different path — brutal old‑school thrash in the vein of Slayer and Sepultura. Over the years Suicidal Angels have shared stages with genre legends, toured the world, and built a devoted following. In an interview with Nick Melissourgos, the band’s frontman (vocalist and guitarist), we talked about their beginnings, reflected on their philosophy and the Greek metal scene, and found out what the audience can expect from their concert in Cyprus.
Alex: Hi Nick! The band Suicidal Angels formed in 2001. At that time many bands were moving toward nu‑metal, while you focused on old‑school thrash inspired by Slayer and Sepultura. Why did you choose the classic direction instead of the trends that were fashionable then?
Nick: Hi! That music, thrash metal, hit me like a punch in the gut when I first heard it, and it was exactly what I wanted to play. I have never been someone who follows trends, and I remain that way. Even though thrash became trendy at one point, I never gave in. We are still here, we are still performing, we are still making this music, and we will continue to do so.
Alex: What was the Greek metal scene like in the early 2000s? Did you attend shows by major thrash bands at that time?
Nick: Yes, of course, I went to shows — I was 15 years old and hungry for all of it. I wanted to see them, meet them, say hello. A few years later I had the honor and opportunity to share the stage with them, because they chose us to join their tour lineups.
Alex: You toured with bands like Kreator and Slayer. What was that experience like? Did it change your outlook as musicians?
Nick: We toured with practically every band that influenced our music. Words can't describe it. I could spend hours telling stories, events, meetings, and funny moments with each of them. One of the main revelations was that they're people too — down‑to‑earth and very interesting personalities you can learn a lot from.
Alex: Greek thrash bands like Convixion (played in Nicosia in 2023) and Exarsis (played in Nicosia in 2022) have performed in Cyprus and received an enthusiastic response from the audience. How would you describe the Greek thrash‑metal scene today, in early 2026?
Nick: First of all, I want to say that I’m very happy the Greek scene is developing, regardless of the metal subgenre. I’m really glad to see Greek bands crossing borders and spreading their music around the world. The Greek scene has grown bigger and stronger over the years, and it’s completely different and much more powerful than it was 15 or 20 years ago. I wish and hope this continues, because we have a lot of great bands.
Alex: On your albums we often see a similar mascot on the covers. Does he have a name or a backstory? Who came up with him?
Nick: The person behind the mascot is Mr. Ed Repka. The mascot doesn't have a name yet, and I think that's part of the magic. Anyone can give him whatever name they want. Even we don't know exactly what he's called. To be honest, it's kind of funny that it remains a mystery. But we're very happy to see him on our covers.
Alex: Many fans say Suicidal Angels deserve to lead a "new Big Four" of thrash metal. Since you toured with members of the original Big Four (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax), how did they react to your music? If there were a new Big Four today, which bands would you include?
Nick: First of all, it's a great honor for us that our fans think that. We really hear that more than once, and again it's a huge honor for us. I can't say which bands would be included, because there are many bands from our generation or even younger that could take part in such a "four."
Alex: You played in Ukraine in 2011. What do you remember from that tour? Were there any local bands that impressed you?
Nick: Oh, god, that was a long time ago… hahaha. It was a wonderful experience, great hospitality and a warm welcome. Not only in 2011, but also around 2016 when we visited Ukraine again. The same incredible feelings, amazing people, fun, and lots of vodka!
Alex: You also played in Russia in 2016, in Saint Petersburg. What memories from that trip stand out?
Nick: We actually played in Moscow as well. Like before, the hospitality was excellent, the people were wonderful, and there was plenty of vodka! We’re definitely looking forward to the chance to return as soon as possible.
Alex: Your early demo was called United by Hate. What unites the band today?
Nick: Honor, ambition, and thrash metal.
Alex: You’ve played almost all over the world. Where is the wildest crowd? And where would you like to perform?
Nick: Oh, damn… We’ve had a ton of crazy stories almost everywhere, hahaha. As long as there’s a stage somewhere in the world ready to take us, we’ll gladly play there. That desire is always there — we’re always ready to seize any opportunity.
Alex: Nick, I know you like to read. Which books have influenced you recently?
Nick: Lately I’ve been delving into the problems of the modern world through the lens of older theories — it feels like humanity has lost a lot over the centuries. Today we’re even afraid to simply greet our neighbors. Honestly, I don’t understand why. Unity could make us all better. Time for reflection, for deep thought, could make us all better. But the modern world moves too fast, leaving no room for inner reflection. Too much information, too many options, too much of everything, and in the end the basket is empty.
Alex: Nick, you mentioned you're interested in Nietzsche's philosophy and sometimes reflect those ideas in your lyrics. Are you influenced by any Greek philosophical schools or thinkers?
Nick: All modern philosophers are influenced and inspired by ancient Greek philosophy. Plato, Aristotle, Socrates — and the list goes on. It's a chapter of my life I still study, and it plays an important role not only in my song lyrics but also in my personal way of life, my daily routine, and in the philosophy of Stoicism.
Alex: Suicidal Angels already have eight full‑length albums, each packed with powerful riffs. How do you avoid repeating yourselves and keep the music fresh? Where do you find inspiration?
Nick: Self‑repetition is our biggest fear. Despite that, we strive to keep developing our music. Inspiration is everywhere, but the challenge is not to get stuck on ourselves. Of course, we have a certain style that defines us, but we’re always open to new ideas. One thing is certain: we will keep pushing for the highest quality and the best version of ourselves in music.
Alex: Sanctify the Darkness was released on the major label Nuclear Blast, but later you moved to the smaller independent label NoiseArt. Why did that change happen, and how did you end up back?
Nick: We won the RTN award — a contest among about 1,200 bands. The voting portal was open to decide the winner, and we came out on top. By the time the album was released the contract was no longer active, but the label that signed us was directly connected to Nuclear Blast, so essentially we were working with the same people. That label later closed, and Nuclear Blast took us back under its wing.
Alex: How do you put together setlists for shows, given your extensive discography?
Nick: It’s really difficult, especially when a new album comes out. We try to include as many songs as possible from across our discography to please all our fans. I know it’s not always easy, and sometimes people have specific requests, but believe me, we try our best.
Alex: After so many years on the road, do you feel worn out by life touring?
Nick: Honestly, I completely miss life on the road whenever I stay home longer than usual, haha. I love traveling, meeting new and old friends from around the world, discovering new cultures, trying local dishes, and so on.
Alex: Have you ever thought about recording a song in Greek?
Nick: Yes, of course, but it’s quite difficult to make a metal song entirely in Greek. Using some Greek words, yes, that’s possible, but a whole song is very hard. Still, I’m open to the idea and I don’t rule it out. When the time comes, I think it will happen naturally, but I won’t force it.
Alex: What are you planning to do in Cyprus besides the concert, and what should the Cypriot audience prepare for?
Nick: We hope we’ll have time to walk around the city and try the wonderful Cypriot cuisine. It’s been quite a while since our last visit, and we promise to put on a show that will leave no one indifferent. We’re very excited about this and hope to return to beautiful Cyprus again soon!
See you soon, brothers!
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