Almost a year after their historic and triumphant first appearance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus alongside the Athens State Orchestra, Septicflesh returned this year for two more performances of their unique artistic venture—merging extreme metal with classical music and bringing heavy metal to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, right beneath the Acropolis! Myth of Rock, which attended last year’s debut performance, was once again present at this magnificent archaeological site to capture everything that unfolded during Septicflesh’s third consecutive ritual!
by Iro Kalligeri and Dimitris Zacharopoulos
photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
As Seth had mentioned and promised, this year the band performed a different setlist compared to last year, in order to keep the audience’s interest high and to satisfy as many fans as possible. Indeed, that’s exactly what happened, adding an element of surprise. Of course, last year around this time we had no idea what to expect or how this majestic collaboration would sound, whereas now we were prepared! In any case, Septicflesh’s live performance was an exceptionally brilliant moment for the art of music in general, not only because two top musical genres were united, but also because heavy metal entered the beautiful venue of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus!
The concert began right on time, at 9 p.m. — metal fans, art enthusiasts, people who had traveled from abroad, and even curious tourists had once again filled the Odeon, as everyone wanted to witness this beautiful and groundbreaking artistic event, everyone wished to take part in this rare celebration of art, one that breaks boundaries, shatters prejudices, and offers true entertainment.
First, the Athens State Orchestra (conducted by Koen Schoots) and the choirs (the children’s choir and Libro Coro) took their places, opening with “Portrait of a Headless Man”. Then Septicflesh entered the stage, filling the metal fans with awe and admiration! The band was in fantastic spirits, radiating incredible energy, and their chemistry with the Athens State Orchestra was astonishing—stronger than last year! The five metal musicians, drawing on the experience of their recent past, delivered a more mature and profound performance, both technically and spiritually. Naturally, the Orchestra and choirs were flawless, while the breathtaking contributions of Fany Melfi, Aphrodite Patoulidou and Vahan Galstyan on duduk added even more depth. As for the setlist, Septicflesh focused mainly on their most recent albums. “Virtues of the Beast” was included, we also heard “Amphibians,” though “Persepolis” was absent! Still, the set was outstanding, packed with some of Septicflesh’s finest songs. For nearly two hours, we journeyed through the enchanting, mystical world of Septicflesh, a symphonic death metal pandemonium where the Greek heroes of extreme metal met the heroes of classical music. We savored every single second!
“Live at the Acropolis II” closed with the encores “Anubis” and “Dark Art”. Just as it began in majestic fashion, it ended triumphantly—this wonderful event shook the artistic life of our country and forever changed, for the better, the way others perceive metal, its musicians and its listeners! It is time for the music scene of our country to mature, to evolve, to progress! Metal has entered the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, it has entered all of our lives, and it deserves recognition and respect!
Thank you, Septicflesh!
