The dark side of metal

The Greek extreme metal band Rotting Christ is to Greece what AC/DC is to the metal scene in general – a pioneer in heavy metal.

Rotting Christ has been giving heavy metal what for since 1987 and was one of the first black metal bands in the region, and the European underground metal scene. The four-member band is also known for creating the signature Greek black metal sound in the early 1990s.

The band, that consists of brothers Sakis and Themis Tolis, George Emmanuel and Vangelis Karzis, has caused quite a stir with their name and were criticised for being anti-catholic. Commenting on this Sakis Tolis said “we are not a satanic-crusader type of band but rather one of the many bands that represent the dark side in todays Metal music.”

Despite the name, the band’s traditional lyrical themes have gone from talking about evil to more mystical and mythical themes. Their musical direction has also taken different twists and turns on each album, including the use of clean melodic baritone vocals, gothic metal and industrial music traits.

If you are intrigued by the name, the history of the musical vibe, then catch the band on Friday when they take the Diachroniki Music Stage in Nicosia into the dark side.

Rotting Christ Rituals World Tour
Live performance by the heavy metal band. June 24. Diachroniki Music Stage, Nicosia. 8pm. €22/18. Tel: 99-783455

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