In a night charged with electrifying energy and adorned with memorable melodies, the legendary Pain took Gagarin 205 by storm, delivering a concert that left the audience in awe. We had the pleasure of experiencing Pain's exceptional live performance, supported by Degenerate Mind, resulting in a night of unbridled sonic excitement.

The evening kicked off with Degenerate Mind, a Greek heavy metal band, setting everything on fire with their powerful and dynamic performance. Their fusion of heavy riffs, charismatic vocals and a thunderous rhythm section immediately captivated the audience, laying a solid foundation for the night's festivities. I liked very much their songs, especially the interesting guitar work, the heavy rhythm section of the bass and the drums and the passionate vocals.

As Pain took the stage, the atmosphere crackled with pure bliss. The iconic frontman, Peter Tägtgren, led the charge with a charismatic presence that immediately commanded attention. From the outset, it was clear that the audience was in for a sonic journey characterized by raw power, infectious energy and a generous sprinkling of beautiful, catchy melodies. Pain's setlist was a well-crafted blend of their diverse discography, featuring hits like "Shut Your Mouth", “Party in My Head” and "End of the Line". Each song was delivered with a ferocious intensity, creating a symbiotic exchange of energy between the stage and the audience. The seamless transitions between heavy, industrial-laden tracks and melodic, emotionally charged compositions showcased Pain's musical versatility. The band's musicianship was nothing short of extraordinary. The guitar work, marked by heavy riffs, paired seamlessly with the thunderous basslines and precision drumming. The incorporation of electronic elements added a futuristic layer to Pain's sound, elevating the concert to an immersive sonic experience. The audience became an active participant in the performance, adding to the overall sense of unity and enjoyment. Visually, the concert was a feast for the senses, synchronized with the ebb and flow of Pain's music, enhancing the overall impact of each song. I would like to note that a highlight of Pain’s show was the diversity of the vocals, since Tägtgren not only sang with a clean voice, but also did a lot of brutal vocals.

In conclusion, Pain's live concert, supported by the talented Degenerate Mind, was an example of heavy metal’s ability to captivate and exhilarate. The night unfolded as a celebration of music, uniting fans in a shared experience of sonic ecstasy. From the relentless energy to the beautiful melodies, Pain delivered a performance that will linger in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness this musical spectacle.

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

In a night that can only be described as a triumph for Greek metal, Sebia and Fortress Under Siege delivered an electrifying concert at Temple in Athens, Greece, showcasing the prowess of the Hellenic metal scene. We really had the privilege of witnessing this extraordinary display of musical power and majesty on this November night.

According to the program, Alchemists was the first band to perform, however, personal issues didn’t let them take part in this musical event.

So, … Sebia, a relatively new band in the Greek hard rock/metal scene, set the stage ablaze with their energetic performance. From the first notes resonating through the venue, Sebia demonstrated a level of musicianship that left a very positive impression. Their setlist, a fusion of melodic hooks, powerful riffs and interesting arrangements, showcased the band's versatility and ability to seamlessly navigate between intricate compositions and memorable choruses. The chemistry between band members was evident, with tight instrumentals and a charismatic stage presence that engaged the audience from start to finish - the lead vocalist's ability to connect with the audience, giving a theatrical recital, coupled with the band's enthusiasm, created a sense of unity within the venue. By the time Sebia concluded their set, they had successfully paved the way for the headlining act, leaving the audience waiting for the main event.

We didn’t have to wait for too long! In a few minutes, Fortress Under Siege emerged to a roar of anticipation from the crowd – I personally was so happy watching these guys on stage, since I loved their latest album, “Envy”. The air crackled with energy as Fotis Sotiropoulos and his bandmates launched into their set, delivering a performance that was nothing short of a power metal delirium. Fortress Under Siege's sound, characterized by soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and thunderous rhythms, enveloped the venue in a sonic tapestry that transported the audience to distant, beautiful realms. The precision of Fortress Under Siege's musicianship, combined with their dedication to the craft, engaged the fans, who were head banging and screaming for more. The lead vocalist's incredible range added a dramatic flair, complementing the band's pompous power metal. The guitar work was palatable, with Fotis Sotiropoulos as the main supervisor. The rhythm section was the solid foundation, where the other members built. Last but not least, the melodies added depth to the band’s performance, enhancing the overall sonic experience. The setlist, dedicated to the latest album “Envy”, but also a carefully curated journey through their discography, included all the band’s big songs. Each song was met with fervent applause and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, underscoring the band's status as a powerhouse in the Greek power metal scene. I went crazy when I heard the first notes of “Bring Out Your Dead”, “Distant Voices” and “Ride The Thunder”, some examples of the Fortress Under Siege latest grand opus.

In conclusion, the concert featuring Sebia and Fortress Under Siege was a celebration of the versatility, vibrancy and excellence within the Greek metal scene. Both bands delivered performances that transcended the confines of the venue, and of course, Fortress Under Siege was the undeniable protagonist. It was a night where the power of music united fans and artists, forging an unforgettable moment in the annals of Greek metal.

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri

I had seen Elysion many times live in concert, but never as the headlining band. So, when I heard that they would play in Athens, Greece, as the main act, I was excited and eagerly  anticipated this live show! Elysion would have Beyond Perception as the support band and Nightrage as special guests. It seemed we would have a great, headbanging night! Indeed, Elysion graced the stage with an awe-inspiring concert that left the audience spellbound. But let’s see what happened!

The evening commenced with Beyond Perception, setting the stage for an immersive musical adventure. Their dynamic set, characterized by heavy as hell guitars, a super-solid rhythm section and harsh vocals, laid the foundation for what would follow. Beyond Perception's ability to deliver sharp riffs and an irresistible groove, showcased a mature band with a distinct sound and the skills to offer us many more good albums and songs. 

As the crowd warmed up to the energetic performance of Beyond Perception, Nightrage unleashed a torrent of melodic death metal, delivering a high-octane set. The intense guitar work, thunderous drumming and ferocious vocals converged to create a sonic maelstrom that resonated with fans of the genre. Nightrage's relentless energy and stage presence ensured that the momentum built by Beyond Perception continued to swell, setting the stage for the main event. Marios Iliopoulos showed the way with his guitar playing and inspired awe to the fans. Nightrage is a great band, which, apart from commendable studio albums, has the ability to nail it on stage! No bullshit!

As the time passed, the anticipation for the headlining act reached a fever pitch. Finally, Elysion took the stage, the atmosphere shifted, and the venue was enveloped in an aura of enthusiasm. The Greek female fronted metal band, known for its ethereal sound and captivating stage presence, wasted no time in immersing the audience in a melodic soundscape. The lead vocalist's hauntingly beautiful vocals resonated through the venue, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that held the audience in rapt attention. The seamless interplay between heavy guitar riffs, solid bass lines and powerful drumming elevated their performance to a level of sonic grandeur. The setlist was a carefully curated mix of Elysion's discography, featuring crowd favorites like "Someplace Better" and "Fairytale." Each song was an example of the band's ability to convey sweet emotion and connect with the audience on a profound level. The chemistry among band members was evident, as they navigated through the diverse sonic landscapes with precision and flair.

The final notes reverberated through the venue and the crowd erupted in applause and cheers, showing its love for Elysion, who gave an amazing show. Christiana performed excellently, together with the guys who played at their full potential. Note that the headliners jammed with Marios Ilioupoulos and Fotis Benardo on drums, an incredible live experience!

Elysion, Beyond Perception and Nightrage collectively delivered an unforgettable concert that not only showcased the talent within the Greek metal scene, but also created an atmosphere of celebration. It was a fantastic live night that lived up to its promise of a great time. It is already enshrined in our memory!

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri

The Fuzztones is a legendary garage rock group, which had been very successful in the 80s and the 90s, an iconic band, known for its groovy, dirty, high-octane garage rock n’ roll, a myth of rock n’ roll with a great, cult status. We had the honor to witness a live show by The Fuzztones, for another time, since the band loves Greece and the Greek fans love the New York city rock n’ rollers!

Rudi Protrudi and his gang graced the stage of Kyttaro live club, in Athens, Greece, delivering a concert that will be etched in the memories of rock n’ roll enthusiasts for years to come. The anticipation in the air was palpable as fans gathered, their excitement building with every passing moment. The venue itself, bathed in dimmed lights and adorned with the emblematic Fuzztones logo, set the stage for an evening of musical transcendence.

The Snails was the support band, a Greek quartet, which plays in a style close to The Fuzztones, yet, you can detect some post-punk and indie rock elements in their music. They began dynamically, some sound problems didn’t bring them down and they managed to win the crowd with their nice, energetic and melodic rock n’ roll songs. The Snails showed they have the talent and musicianship to stand out from the rest and offer us some really decent rock n’ roll releases.  

The Fuzztones, pioneers of the garage rock revival, wasted no time in plunging the audience into their sonic universe. From the first chord, a wave of electrifying energy surged through the venue, instantly establishing a connection between the band and the fervent crowd. Rudi Protrudi, the enigmatic, emblematic frontman, commanded the stage with a magnetic presence that held the audience captive. His vocals, gritty and laden with emotion, seamlessly intertwined with the blistering guitar riffs and pulsating basslines, creating a phenomenal sonic tapestry. The setlist was a meticulously curated journey through the Fuzztones' extensive discography, featuring classics like "Ward 81" and "Bad News Travels Fast". Each song was a proof of the band's enduring influence on the garage rock genre, with the raw, unfiltered sound echoing through Kyttaro’s walls. The chemistry among band members was unique, with the synchronicity between Rudi Protrudi and the other guys creating an irresistible groove. The seamless transitions between tracks showcased not only their technical prowess but also their deep musical camaraderie. The atmosphere reached its zenith during the performance of classic tracks like "1-2-5" and "She's Wicked" as the crowd erupted in unison, listening to the anthems of a bygone era. The venue was transformed into a pulsating sea of passionate rock enthusiasts, with Rudi Protrudi being the undisputed leader, who sang, played the guitar and the harmonica and shook up like a teenager – or maybe Elvis?! As the final chords reverberated through the venue, and the crowd roared in appreciation, it was evident that The Fuzztones had delivered a performance that transcended the ordinary. The musical journey through their catalog, coupled with the electric atmosphere, created a night that will linger in the hearts of those fortunate enough to be in attendance.

To sum up, The Fuzztones' live concert in Athens, Greece, was a simple musical event, it was a rock n’ roll feast, a celebration of the enduring power of rock music! A hell of a show indeed, a true, original and pure rock n’ roll experience that left a lasting mark on the collective soul of the crowd, reaffirming the timelessness of The Fuzztones' contribution to the world of rock music.

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri