Phase (band)
Phase is a UK-based rock band formed in Larissa, Greece in 2003. It was founded by Thanos Grigoriou, who was performing and recording with various members until the line-up was completed in 2011, with the addition of Damos Harharidis and Vasilis Liapis. They debuted with their digital single Perdition under Microsoft's "Playlist Seven" co-promotion campaign for the release of Windows 7, which was followed by two full-length albums "In Consequence and the Wait." History. Formation (2003;2008). Phase was formed in 2003 and played intermittently until 2008 when they began recording their album "In  Consequence" and performed at concerts. Soon after they had a functional line up they recorded "Perdition" which was the very first track Phase ever recorded to be later a part of Microsoft's Playlist 7 campaign. Response. Phase has been the subject of several alternative rock publications and has generally been well received by its critics. They have had interviews in various magazines and radiostations and have received praise for their shows. The band entered "Billboard"'s "uncharted" having as highest position #42, while they charted on #12 of the fastest rising acts powered by the week of 23 June  2012. Tom Robinson of the BBC has noticed their second record and has given them airplay on his radioshow. Collaborations. Duncan Patterson (Alternative 4, ex-Antimatter), better known from his involvement with the British rock band Anathema, has contributed on Phase's first record, In Consequence. Alexis Marcou has contributed in various of their artworks. Touring. The band has shared stages with various artists like Anneke van Giersbergen, Danny Cavanagh, Sivert Høyem (ex-Mardugada), Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), The Twillight Sad, Antimatter among others. Phase has performed and is still into performing a considerable number of shows without any  major management supporting them, in and out of their territory's borders, and they are said to be the second international rock act, after the Gorillaz, ever to play in Syria (Damascus, 7 January 2011). Musical style, genre and influence. The band takes influence from a variety of artists and musical traditions and they often cite Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Rainbow, Bruce Dickinson, the Beatles, David Bowie, Massive Attack, Loreena McKennitt, Rock and Metal Music, Greek Rebetiko and so on, while the bands they are mostly compared to are: Alice in Chains, Nirvana, The Tea Party, Anathema, Porcupine Tree  and more Charitable activity. On the beginning of 2016 marking five years since their gig in Damascus, they launched a fundraising campaign dedicated to Syrian families who were affected by the political crisis in the country. On 15 May 2016, Phase performed the frames of NevFest Festival at Sunderland Stadium of Light.