Friday, 20 December 2024

Greek Psychedelic Rockers NAXATRAS share first track off upcoming new album "V", out February 28th on Evening Star Records.


Greek psychedelic rock powerhouse NAXATRAS announce the release of their anticipated fifth studio album "V" on February 28th, and unveil the hypnotic cosmos-coveting new single "Spacekeeper" on all streaming platforms today.

Listen to new single "Spacekeeper" at this location 

Naxatras has spent over a decade forging a distinctive presence in the hard psych scene. With four critically acclaimed albums under their belt, they have evolved from a predominantly jam-oriented band into one that balances spontaneity with deliberate craftsmanship. This transformation is the natural result of years of touring, artistic exploration, and a steadfast commitment to their unique sound.​

In the band’s ever-present mindset of constant experimentation and evolution as a creative process, bits and pieces of ideas and patterns were brewing, waiting for the right time to surface. Now, those fragments have come to life, enriched by the band’s matured approach to songwriting. With a line-up that includes a keyboardist and an expanded percussion arsenal, Naxatras has embraced a multi-layered production, blending their analog warmth with a newfound clarity and complexity.

Their new album "V" represents a bold leap forward. The ingredients of the Naxatras sound have been multiplied and their influences broadened, incorporating not just the classic touchstones of 70s progressive rock but also world music and electronic elements, delivering songs that are both tightly constructed and daringly expansive.​ "V" balances the direct and the adventurous, taking listeners on a journey that is as grounded as it is cosmic. Exploring the saga of the world of Narahmon with the introduction of the Spacekeeper as a new chapter in their mythical lore, the album’s concept narrative reflects a band at the height of its creative powers, pushing boundaries while crafting music that resonates deeply.​

This is more than an album: it’s a defining moment for Naxatras. With their vast array of influences and years of expertise converging, "V" signals a new chapter, reaffirming their place as one of the most visionary acts in the progressive rock landscape.

NAXATRAS - New album "V" - Out February 28th on Evening Star Records (LP/CD/digital)
1. Celestial Gaze
2. Spacekeeper
3. Numenia
4. Utopian Structures
5. Breathing Fire
6. Legion
7. Sand Halo
8. The Citadel

Hailing from Greece, Naxatras has been a powerhouse in the world of modern psychedelic rock since their inception in 2012. With a signature sound steeped in the warm, vintage vibes of the '70s, their music weaves together groovy rhythms, dreamy melodies, thunderous riffs, and beautifully captivating guitar solos.

Naxatras recorded their self-titled debut album in 2015 at Magnetic Fidelity, with renowned engineer Jesus I. Agnew leading the process. Embracing a fully analog approach, the album was recorded, mixed, and mastered using analog equipment, with all tracks performed live in just one day. Naxatras quickly became a landmark release in the genre, earning widespread critical acclaim and cementing its place as one of the best-selling albums in its field. In 2016, Naxatras unveiled their second full-length album "II" alongside a new EP. The momentum continued in 2017 with the release of their single "All the Stars Collide Into a Single Ray" and the recording of their third full-length album, once again embracing fully analog, live recording techniques. "III" debuted in 2018, followed by a live album capturing their electrifying, sold-out performance at Athens' iconic venue Gagarin 205.

For their fourth album "IV" (2022), Naxatras expanded their sonic horizons by bringing multi-instrumentalist Pantelis Kargas on board to enrich their sound with keyboards and synthesizers. The artwork, a stunning creation by longtime collaborator and friend Chris RW, continues the artistic partnership that has visually defined all of their releases. The band has developed a reputation for high-energy live performances, combining elements of psychedelic/progressive rock, stoner, funk, jazz, electronic and eastern music with a trippy video wall to accomplish full stimulation of the senses. They have gone on numerous tours and performed in most European countries, including distinguished festivals such as Desertfest, Ozora and Dunajam and a tour in Australia.

Naxatras have always managed to maintain their independent DIY ethos while the production value of their albums, music videos and merchandise is consistently top-notch. Their highly original works exist in a universe of its own, both conceptually and aesthetically.

NAXATRAS is

John Delias - Guitar & Vocals
John Vagenas - Bass & Vocals
Kostas Charizanis - Drums & Percussion
Pantelis Kargas - Keyboards & Synthesizers

NAXATRAS links

Facebook ⎜ Bandcamp ⎜ Instagram ⎜ Youtube ⎜ Spotify


Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.