Rotting Christ | 35 Years Of Evil Existence - Live In Lycabettus | Season Of Mist

 

Formed in Athens, Greece, in 1987 by brothers Sakis and Themis Tolis, Rotting Christ emerged as one of the pioneering bands in the first wave of Hellenic black metal. Initially rooted in grindcore and raw black metal, the band quickly evolved by incorporating dark melodies, ritualistic rhythms, and occult themes. Over the years, they have released a series of influential albums that helped define the Greek metal scene, including “Thy Mighty Contract” (1993), “Non Serviam” (1994), “Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers” (1996), and later genre-blending works like “Theogonia” (2007), “Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού” (2013), and “The Heretics” (2019). With lyrics ranging from Greek mythology and ancient rites to esoteric themes and philosophical rebellion, the band has cultivated a distinct artistic voice across decades. Through relentless touring and constant reinvention, Rotting Christ has remained a cornerstone of extreme metal not just in Greece but across the globe.

"35 Years Of Evil Existence—Live In Lycabettus" is not simply a live rite—it is a feast of survival, identity, and artistic endurance. Captured at the legendary open-air Lycabettus Theatre in Athens, this album is the band’s largest homecoming statement to date, gathering nearly two hours of music spanning their entire career. It is performed not only as a concert but as a ritual—an offering to both long-time devotees and newer followers.

The tracklist is carefully selected to reflect every era of the band’s transformation. The early black metal classics like “The Sign Of Evil Existence”, “Fgmenth Thy Gift”, and “Sorrowful Farewell/Among Two Storms” retain their primal essence but are elevated with the band’s current live precision and deep-rooted confidence. Their inclusion is not nostalgic; they feel vital and urgent, as if written yesterday.

Later anthems such as “Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Του Εαυτού,” “Ἄπαγε Σατανά,” “Fire, God And Fear,” and “Grandis Spiritus Diavolos” represent the modern incarnation of Rotting Christ—ritualistic, multilingual, and sonically powerful. These songs feel commanding in a live setting, driven by martial rhythms and atmospheric layers that complement the band’s now-signature chant-based vocal delivery.

Tracks like “Aealo,” “In Yumen Xibalba,” and “Athanatoi Este” embody the band’s connection to Greek heritage, mythology, and mysticism. The crowd, audible and fervent, becomes an essential part of the performance. It’s clear that this event is more than a concert—it’s a ceremonial gathering between artist and homeland.

The atmosphere captured on this album is evident. Every echo off the stone of Lycabettus Theatre, every distant roar, and every strike of the drums contribute to the sense that this was a singular moment in the band’s history. From the opening invocation “ΧΞΣ'” to the thunderous “Under The Name Of Legion”, the sequencing allows for a sweeping overview of their transformation.

The cover art by Antonis Vailas visually mirrors the music’s spiritual and mythological intensity. A moonlit battle between divine and infernal figures unfolds under the Athenian sky—appropriate for a band whose entire existence has danced between sacred and profane.

"35 Years Of Evil Existence—Live In Lycabettus" is a commemorative milestone that does not rely on embellishment or spectacle but rather on presence, dedication, and conviction. It serves both as a gateway for new listeners and as a well-earned reward for long-time followers.

“Etoimoi gia poutana ola!!!?”

Score: 9/10