Origin: Greece
Location: Athens, Attica
Formed: 1993 (as Phlebotomy; previously Paralysis 1992–1993)
Genre: Atmospheric Death / Doom Metal
Status: Active
Label: Sleaszy Rider Records
Themes: Grief, Dreams, Religion
Phlebotomy is one of the foundational names of early Greek atmospheric death/doom metal, originally active between 1993 and 1995 before evolving into the internationally known On Thorns I Lay. Emerging from the Athens underground, the band helped shape the first wave of Hellenic doom/death alongside acts such as Nightfall, Septicflesh, and Rotting Christ’s early atmospheric period. Their sound combined mournful melodies, slow‑moving death/doom structures, ethereal keyboards, and deep growls, creating a style rooted in grief, dreamlike introspection, and religious or spiritual tension.
The band began in 1992 under the name Paralysis, contributing the track “Born to Suffer” to several early Greek underground compilations. In 1993 they adopted the name Phlebotomy, releasing the Promo Tape and the “Dawn of Grief” EP the same year. These recordings showcased their early signature: sorrow‑laden riffs, atmospheric keyboards, and a blend of harsh vocals with melodic, almost gothic undertones. Their 1994 demo “Voluptuous…” further expanded their sound, adding more expressive guitar work and a stronger sense of melancholy. These early works later became cult classics among collectors of early Greek doom/death.
Phlebotomy’s material from 1993–1995 was eventually reissued in the compilation “From Golgotha We Rise” (2023), preserving their early legacy and reaffirming their importance in the evolution of Greek atmospheric metal. The reissue was well‑received by fans of the genre, highlighting the band’s raw emotional power and the seeds of what would later become the more refined sound of On Thorns I Lay.
After 1995, the band transitioned fully into On Thorns I Lay, releasing a series of influential albums throughout the late ’90s and 2000s. In 2021, the Phlebotomy name was revived by original members, reconnecting with the project’s early death/doom roots while maintaining ties to their later evolution.
Current lineup
Stefanos Kintzoglou – Vocals (1993–1995, 2021–present)
Also in: ex‑Paralysis, ex‑On Thorns I Lay, ex‑Garden of Gods
Andrew Olaru – Guitars (?-1995, 2021–present)
Also in: ex‑On Thorns I Lay
Fotis Hondroudakis – Drums (1993–1995, 2021–present)
Also in: ex‑Zero Hour, ex‑Psychic Crush, ex‑On Thorns I Lay, ex‑Vorphalack
Akis Pastras – Guitars (2021–present)
Also in: Cremate, Damon Systema, Dexter Ward, Nightfall (live), Saturday Night Satan (live), ex‑On Thorns I Lay, ex‑Add the River
Past members
Jim Ramses – Bass (1993–1995)
Christos Dragamestianos – Guitars (1993–1995)
Andreas Bereris – Guitars (1993)
Angela – Keyboards (1993–1995)
Tolis – Vocals (1993)
Also in: Daimon, Legion of Doom
Demos
EPs
Compilations