The band

Through the Light

Formation and early years (2009-2011)

Sunlight began in the summer of 2009 in Ilioupoli, a suburb of Athens, founded by Panos Anastopoulos (keyboards) and Antreas Panagoulias (drums). They were soon joined by Makis Kaponis (guitar and backing vocals), Nikolas Argyridis (bass and backing vocals), and Giorgos Georgiou (vocals). The band’s early steps moved through Greek folk rock before giving way to the heavy/power metal direction that identifies them today.

With Ilioupoli—“the city of sun”—as their hometown, Nikolas proposed the name Sunlight, grounding the band in its origins. A year later, Dimitris Giannakopoulos replaced Giorgos on vocals, and Antreas passed the drums to Joni Moas. In spring 2011, Sakis Kotsiras took over the drum seat, forming the lineup that would lead Sunlight into its next stage.


“Rockin’ All Around” (2011)

On 9 December 2011, Sunlight self-released their first EP, Rockin’ All Around. Containing three tracks from the band’s forthcoming full-length album, the release offered a clear glimpse of what was underway. The EP captured the band’s developing identity and drew early notice: burst.gr remarked that listeners could hear the work invested in the songs and suggested that the debut album would surprise many fans of 80s hard rock.

Warmly received by the Greek audience, the EP also travelled beyond Greece, with a limited number of copies distributed in Japan through Rock Stakk Records, marking Sunlight’s first steps onto the international stage.


Beginning of debut album recordings (2012)

A major milestone in Sunlight’s history came in late 2012 with the start of recordings for their first full-length album, marking the band’s transition into a new creative phase. The announcement followed a performance in Athens, where they opened for the influential Italian epic/progressive metallers Dark Quarterer. Around the same time, Panos Mourtzinos joined Sunlight, replacing Nikolas Argyridis on bass and backing vocals, completing the lineup that would shape the debut release.

 
“My Own Truth” release and tour (2015)

Following a successful collaboration with renowned producer Dion Christodoulatos (Sorrowful Angels, Foray Between Ocean, Silent Winter), Sunlight’s debut album, My Own Truth, was ready to make its mark. The band signed with Metal Scrap Records, one of Ukraine’s leading independent metal labels, setting the release date for 30 April 2015. A few weeks earlier, the music video for the title track, My Own Truth, was unveiled, generating anticipation ahead of the album.

To promote the release, Sunlight embarked on a series of live performances in Greece and Ukraine, bringing their music directly to the stage. The album received strong reviews, with Metal Temple noting: “The first song, Back to Life, features an amazing guitar intro by Makis, showcasing strong power metal influences and simple but fantastic guitar arrangements reminiscent of European hard rock bands like KROKUS.”

Shortly before the release, Sakis Kotsiras departed, and Dimitris Kapoukakis stepped in on drums, completing the lineup that would carry My Own Truth through its tour.

International Reach, Touring and Composing (2016 – 2019)

My Own Truth quickly sold out in most of the countries where it was distributed. In March 2016, the band released their second official music video, for Struggle for Deliverance. That year, Sunlight toured six European countries, followed in 2017 by a Balkan tour and additional performances in Greece. Amid this period of expansion, the band was also finalizing the next chapter in their discography, marking a creative peak in their journey.

 

Overcoming Challenges to Release Son of the Sun (2019 – 2024)

Embracing a melodic heavy/power metal style, Sunlight entered Devasoundz Studios in Athens in June 2019 to record their second album, Son of the Sun, under the guidance of renowned producer Fotis Benardo (Nightfall, Rotting Christ, On Thorns I Lay), who also handled the mix. Mastering was carried out by George Nerantzis (Pain of Salvation, Nightrage, Dark Funeral). During this period, the band maintained momentum by releasing a video cover of Deep Purple’s classic “Child in Time”.

As part of their evolution, Sunlight collaborated with Shane Rice (Mythosphere, Ex Libris) to refresh their logo and with Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Soilwork, Epica) on the album’s cover art. Despite challenges from the pandemic and lineup changes, final touches were completed in December 2023, marking the culmination of a long period of growth and refinement.

The band remained with Metal Scrap Records, releasing two singles—Forever Lost and Son of Fire—the month before the album, offering a preview of the full project.

New vibe, same spirit (2024-present)

Sunlight shapes their next era, defined by renewed energy and experimentation. The revitalized lineup features founding members Makis Kaponis (guitars, backing vocals), Panos Anastopoulos (keyboards, sound design), and Nikolas Argyridis (bass, backing vocals), joined by the powerful Mike Karasoulis (vocals) and Andreas Kalogeras (drums).

Returning to the stage in February 2025 in Athens, Sunlight launched the Son of the Sun tour, reconnecting with audiences across Europe after years of anticipation. Experience the light live— many exciting moments ahead…

Discography

“Son Of The Sun” CD & Digital; 2024; Total Metal Records;

“My Own Truth” CD & Digital; 2015; Total Metal Records;

“Rockin’ All Around” MCD; 2011; self-released.

Sunlight are

Michalis Karasoulis
Vocals
@mikekarasoulis

Makis Kaponis
Guitars
@mak.kaponis

Panos Anastopoulos
Keys
@panos.ps

Andreas Kalogeras
Drums
@andreas.kalogeras

Nicolas Argyridis
Bass
@novaridis