German powerhouses Gamma Ray united with Silent Winter and Sense of Fear to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Metal Hammer Greece magazine, delivering an unforgettable night at the Principal Club Theater on Monday, December 9, 2024. We had the pleasure of witnessing them give it their all.
by Christina X
photos by Christina X and Mörker
It was a warm yet gloomy Monday evening as we lined up around eight o’clock to enter the venue hosting the 40th anniversary concert of Metal Hammer, featuring Gamma Ray. A myriad of faces passed by until our turn finally came. As we slowly made our way to the front of the stage, a wave of anticipation washed over us—this was going to be an epic night.
Sense of Fear was the first to hit the stage. The heavy metal band from Kozani kicked things off with a bang, performing tracks from their 2018 full-length album, “As the Ages Passing By…”. Their hard-hitting yet melodic riffs perfectly complemented the thunderous drums in the well-crafted compositions. The vocals seamlessly intertwined with the melody, resulting in a captivating performance.
After a brief break to allow the tech crew to prepare for Silent Winter’s performance, the show resumed. One by one, the power metal titans from Volos took the stage as ominous intro music filled the venue. With a roar that could awaken the dead, Silent Winter transformed the Principal Club Theater into a temple of power metal worship.
They performed a substantial portion of their discography, and each song hit the crowd like a spear—no necks were left unmoving. The band truly took the venue by storm with their hauntingly beautiful keyboards, precision-perfect drumming, and the piercing screams of Mike Livas. The result was breathtaking.
Gamma Ray! What can one say about the German band that helped define the sound of power metal? The lights dimmed, the music paused, and the silence was so profound you could hear a pin drop. Then, Gamma Ray took the stage. The crowd erupted in deafening cheers, and the band delivered a flawless performance.
Ten years after their last visit to Greece, Frank Beck and Kai Hansen greeted the Thessalonikian audience in Greek, earning thunderous applause, before launching into their set. Track after track, the atmosphere was electrifying. The stage became a battleground, the riffs their weapons, and the crowd the triumphant army.
Flawless transitions between ballads, high-speed anthems, and emotionally charged tracks kept the energy soaring. The maelstrom of feelings was indescribable, leaving the crowd in awe. Chants of “Gamma Ray! Gamma Ray!” filled the venue, creating an emotional and unforgettable moment. The band delivered a set packed with iconic hits and stirring ballads, making it a truly beautiful sight to behold.
As the high-energy night drew to a close, a wave of nostalgia set in. This wasn’t just a concert—it was an experience to remember.
