The rendezvous had been arranged months in advance. Opeth and Leprous were slated to perform live in Athens, Greece, at the Lycabettus Theatre, and the fans were brimming with anticipation for an unforgettable event. How right we were!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
The live show commenced with Leprous. The Norwegian prog metallers stormed the stage just before eight o’clock, and they were on fire! Devoted to their prog artistry and eager to thrill their fans, they delivered their songs with unparalleled passion. Much like last year, Leprous captivated us, taking us on a journey through the realms of their enchanting music. With an incredibly heavy and crystal-clear sound, they electrified the atmosphere and mesmerized the audience with their charisma. The frontman astounded us once again with his extraordinary vocal talent, while the rest of the band was intensely focused, delivering a stellar performance. As the prog heroes of the new generations, Leprous sent shivers down our spines with their remarkable compositions, enthusiasm and energy!
The moment for the headliners had finally arrived. It had been nine years since Opeth’s last live performance on Greek soil, so our anticipation was palpable. As the Swedish band members took their places on the grand stage, our enthusiastic cheers reverberated through the magnificent, fan-filled Theatre. In mere seconds, it was clear that the feeling was mutual. Opeth commanded the stage and launched into their hymnal songs with fervor. Mikael Åkerfeldt and his bandmates orchestrated a prog death metal feast, emerging as the unparalleled protagonists while we were captivated spectators. This performance far surpassed their previous gig in Athens. Opeth played their stunning songs with relentless grace, selecting an incredible setlist. Åkerfeldt, in high spirits, chatted with the fans about Demis Roussos and other intriguing topics. Some of the highlights of this celestial show included “Face of Melinda”, “In My Time of Need”, “Black Rose Immortal”, “Sorceress” and “Deliverance”. It was a dreamy and moving experience, with the band delivering a masterful performance and the fans screaming and headbanging with abandon. Opeth was magnificent, and their show was a true tour de force!
After this immersive live show, we headed home utterly satisfied and feeling complete. Opeth and Leprous were true heroes of a magical Rockwave Night!
