One of the most progressive and pioneering groups in the black metal realm, Samael finally returned to Greek soil for two highly intriguing live shows in Athens and Thessaloniki. Even though I’m not deeply involved with the black metal sound, I hold Samael in high regard. Against labels, prejudices and taboos, the Swiss band looked ahead, followed their inspiration, and infused black metal with a wide range of elements — symphonic, industrial, electronic and gothic. With a style entirely their own, they released historic and monumental albums that left a mark on the extreme metal scene and offered fans something different, fresh, revitalizing and beautiful. Myth of Rock was present at the Athens show, and here is our report…
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
The show took place at the Ground Stage of Gazarte, which on the night of November 7 opened its doors to the metal crowd arriving for the event. Samael were set to perform one of their classic albums in its entirety, “Ceremony of Opposites,” a good enough reason for many fans to gather at the venue — though it didn’t end up completely full. Still, the anticipation in the room electrified the atmosphere, and it was clear to everyone that the moment for action had arrived!
Samael weren’t the only ones on stage — before them, the Athenian doom/death metallers DreamLongDead appeared and delivered their set. The truth is that although I knew of their existence, I had never listened to them before. So, the roughly 45 minutes they played were a real revelation for me. From the very first notes, DreamLongDead unleashed their primitive, monolithic doom/death metal and left us speechless. Focusing on their long, labyrinthine tracks, the Greeks poured their souls into the performance and executed it flawlessly. With a very solid and tight sound, the band showcased their inspiration and influences, ultimately offering something truly their own. The vocals were intense and full of character, the riffs were monstrous, and the rhythm section was a crushing anvil. It was one of those live shows that leave you fulfilled — bringing a sense of catharsis through “pain.” I can’t wait to see them again; I’m off to listen to their songs.
With all these thoughts in mind, we said goodbye to the Greeks and eagerly awaited the Swiss pioneers, who didn’t take long to step onto the Gazarte stage. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as they welcomed the four musicians who instantly filled the space. At the center, as expected, were the two brothers and leaders of the band, Vorph and Xy — Vorph up front, imposing with his voice and commanding presence, and Xy in the back, enriching the black metal core of the songs with his prog, industrial, electro and gothic touches from behind the keyboards. It was obvious that Vorph is a major personality in the black metal scene, while Xy is a true mastermind, using drumbeats and, in some moments, even real drums. As planned, Samael performed the entire Ceremony of Opposites, shaking Gazarte to its foundations and driving the audience into a frenzy. And even after playing the whole album, they continued with a blend of older tracks, newer material and an unreleased song (“Black Matter Manifesto”), showcasing the breadth of their work and satisfying everyone — long-time fans and newcomers alike. Sure, they could have added two or three more songs from their extensive catalog, but Samael had already moved and electrified the crowd. They had triumphed, and their final exit felt heroic, bringing to a close a performance that was artistically flawless.
After the show ended, I was particularly happy, having finally seen live a band that accomplished so much and released so many great works in the ’90s and ’00s, even if they never became a number-one act. And it was clear to all of us that Samael are still here, with plenty more to give to the extreme metal genre!
