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
