Golden R. Festival 2025 (29, 30, 31 August) proudly announces an exclusive world premiere: Sons of Damnation – a brand-new force featuring battle-hardened veterans of the metal scene!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
The lineup includes Jim Mutilator, legendary former member of Rotting Christ and Varathron, who recently captured worldwide attention with his new band Yoth Iria; Andreas Vingbäck (Heljarmadr) of Dark Funeral, Grá, Domgård, and Heljarmadr; and Thomas Eriksen of MORK and Udåd. Together with special guests, they will deliver a unique jam session celebrating the compositions that shaped the birth and evolution of heavy music.
Jim Mutilator: In the shadows of Athens during the mid-1980s, a quiet storm was brewing. A teenager, named Jim Patsouris, picked up a bass guitar and started walking down a path that would change Greek extreme metal history. Alongside two young brothers—Sakis and Themis Tolis—he formed a band called Black Church. No one could have predicted it then, but this modest project would soon evolve into Rotting Christ, the band that would begin an entire movement.
Patsouris adopted the name Jim Mutilator, and with it, a dark persona that perfectly matched the rising storm in his music. By the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, the global metal scene was erupting—death metal reigned supreme, and a mysterious black metal cult was emerging in the cold north. Greece, however, carved its own path, and at the heart of it all was Mutilator. When Rotting Christ unleashed “Thy Mighty Contract” in 1993, the world took notice. The album didn’t just introduce the world to Greek black metal—it defined it. Dark, melodic, atmospheric, yet savage, it was a stark contrast to the raw chaos of Norway’s second wave. Mutilator’s bass lines and lyrical vision helped cement a style that remains unique to this day.
But Jim wasn’t content with shaping one legendary band. Around the same time, he joined Varathron, another cornerstone of the Greek scene, and recorded on their debut, “His Majesty at the Swamp”, an album revered as one of the most iconic black metal releases of the era. To appear on two genre-defining classics in a single year is something few musicians can ever claim.
Despite his growing reputation, Mutilator preferred to remain behind the curtains, letting the music speak for itself. After leaving Varathron in 1993, he focused on Rotting Christ, recording “Non Serviam” (1994) and” Triarchy of the Lost Lovers” (1996)—two albums that elevated the band to cult status worldwide. Even after his departure in 1996, his lyrical contributions continued up until “Sleep of the Angels” (1999), proving his creative imprint was far from gone.
Now, decades later, the legend rises again. Jim Mutilator launched Yoth Iria and with renewed energy, he reminds the world why his name remains etched in the annals of black metal. Yoth Iria has released two full-length albums and gazes boldly at the black metal horizon.
Andreas Vingbäck (Heljarmadr): Heljarmadr, born Andreas Vingbäck in Sweden, is a prominent figure in the modern black metal scene. Known primarily as the frontman of Dark Funeral, the founder of Grá and guitarist/vocalist of Domgård since 2009, Heljarmadr has built a career rooted in darkness, intensity, and relentless dedication to extreme music.
Heljarmadr’s reputation reached a peak when he became the vocalist of Dark Funeral, one of the most iconic Swedish black metal bands, in 2014. His arrival marked a new chapter for the band, as he brought both fierce vocal power and commanding stage presence, continuing the legacy of darkness that Dark Funeral is celebrated for. His work with the band includes the acclaimed albums “Where Shadows Forever Reign” (2016) and “We Are The Apocalypse” (2022) and extensive touring across the globe, reinforcing his status as one of the genre’s most formidable frontmen.
Thomas Eriksen: Thomas Eriksen is a Norwegian musician, songwriter and producer best known as the founder and creative force behind MORK, one of the most respected names in contemporary black metal. Born in Halden, Eriksen has built a reputation as a multi-talented artist dedicated to preserving the spirit of Norwegian black metal while infusing it with his own personal vision.
In 2004, Thomas Eriksen founded MORK as a one-man project, handling all instruments, vocals, and songwriting. MORK’s early work immediately resonated within the underground, earning praise for its authenticity and chilling aura. With several acclaimed albums under his belt—such as “Isebakke” (2013), “Eremittens Dal” (2017), and “Katedralen” (2021)—MORK has become a cornerstone of modern Norwegian black metal. Over time, MORK evolved from a solo project into a live entity, bringing Eriksen’s vision to stages across Norway and abroad.
Thomas Eriksen has also contributed to other musical endeavors, including the Norwegian project Udåd. Eriksen’s dedication to the scene extends beyond music— he hosts the popular podcast “The Thomas Eriksen Podcast”, featuring conversations with metal musicians and cultural figures.
Expect a journey beyond genres—spanning timeless heavy metal classics, the aggression of thrash metal and death metal, and the chaos of the first and second waves of black metal.
A once-in-a-lifetime performance you don’t want to miss! Secure your tickets now! #GRF25
