HANNIBAL, the band, was founded in 2003, firstly as the private project of singer Alex Balakakis (a.k.a. Hannibal), well known to Greek metal fans as the singer of the legendary Greek heavy metal band Spitfire (1992 – 2000 & 2006 – 5/2011). Hannibal were very soon elevated to a top local standard, as one of the most promising Greek hard and heavy bands. Their commitment to their music soon paid off and HANNIBAL got ready for take off. The release of their debut album “This Is U” (Sleaszy Rider Records, 2006) gave HANNIBAL some great reviews and they were invited by US label Midwest Nailgun Records, to take their place in a compilation for the American market. The chosen song was ‘Touch Me Now’ and though it was the only non American track, it featured for two years at the top #3 in audience preferences! HANNIBAL were also invited to support the legendary Scorpions at their 1st Athens Scorpions Festival. The Scorpions frontman Klauss Meine himself, hand-picked Hannibal out of 200 bands that applied for the support spot for this concert that took place in June 2007.
Великобритания
Hannibal went on in 2008, filling the bill of festivals such as the March Metal Day (Athens, 2008) along with bands like Nightwish, Nevermore, Annihilator and Edguy. For that particular show, they surprised the audience by inviting Roland Grapow (ex-Helloween, Masterplan) to join them on stage for an exciting medley. That same year, they were invited to join the Def Leppard, Whitesnake concert (July 1st, 2008), a highly successful event for the 2008 summer festival period. They also hosted several additional shows around Greece with bands like Unheilig and S.I.T.D.
After a two years brake and the relocation of the band in London UK, second album is ready! ‘CYBERIA’ is a concept album talking about the signs of the times and the whole album mixed by Alex ‘HANNIBAL’ Balakakis himself. New album is quite different than the first and HANNIBAL having a great record deal they are coming back louder and heavier!