On a brisk autumn evening, four rising Greek metal acts gathered at Temple in Athens, promising a night of thunderous riffs, raw energy and heavy metal fervor. Jehovah On Death, Primal Roots, HellPass and Shinigami had set the stage for a gathering that no metal fan should miss, and Myth of Rock couldn’t resist attending this heavy metal rendezvous. With high expectations and excitement in the air, we arrived at the venue in Gazi a few minutes before the event kicked off, bracing ourselves for a maelstrom of metal madness.
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
The first band to command the stage was Jehovah On Death, an occult heavy rock quintet that has steadily gained a reputation in the local scene. Having witnessed most of their recent live performances, I can confidently say this show was their most electrifying yet. The band unleashed a storm of powerful riffs, driven by their guitar work, which served as the backbone of their sonic assault. Their energy was palpable, translating into a riveting performance that captivated the few but dedicated fans in attendance. Jehovah On Death delivered a set that was spellbinding, their enthusiasm contagious as they carried the audience into their world of dark, heavy rock. Each song felt like a ritual. It was an excellent start to the evening, setting the tone for what was to follow.
Primal Roots took the stage next, bringing their own brand of melodic/progressive heavy metal to the night. Having seen them live multiple times, I was once again struck by their unyielding passion and intensity. The quartet performed with adrenaline-fueled precision, channeling their emotions through their music. Their sound, rich with intricate guitar phrases, soaring vocals and a heavy rhythm section, resonated deeply with the crowd. Primal Roots showcased exactly why they are considered one of Greece’s most promising newcomers. Their set was packed with energy and the band appeared to be in perfect sync, delivering a fiery performance that left the audience eager for more. Their music, while progressive and aggressive, maintained a melodic accessibility that drew fans in and left a lasting impression. They were simply wonderful.
As the night progressed, HellPass stormed the stage with their mix of heavy and power metal, full of thrash elements. Hailing from Thessaloniki, this band wasted no time in cranking up the intensity. Their sound was sharp and unrelenting, while the rhythm section felt like a huge hammer, pummeling the audience with wave after wave of sonic power. The vocals soared above the instrumentation, adding a fierce edge to their performance. HellPass lived up to the hype surrounding their name, delivering a performance that was exhilarating and commanding. Their charismatic stage presence, coupled with their aggressive sound, made their set one of the highlights of the night. The crowd, though small, responded enthusiastically to their high-octane performance, proving that HellPass is a band to watch.
Closing out the evening was Shinigami, a band that has started carving out their own niche in the Greek metal scene. Their sound was intricate and multi-layered, and they performed their songs with finesse and conviction. The band’s musicianship was top-notch, delivering a clear and immersive sonic experience. However, their interaction with the audience left something to be desired. While they performed with vigor, the band’s engagement with the fans felt somewhat distant, resembling more of a casual conversation than the intense connection one expects in a live metal show. Despite this, Shinigami maintained a solid energy throughout their set, and their good vibe was undeniable. It will be interesting to see how they evolve as a live act, as their potential is undeniable.
As the night drew to a close, we left the venue feeling thoroughly satisfied. The performances were excellent, showcasing a wealth of talent within Greece’s metal scene. It’s unfortunate that the attendance was small, but with the oversaturation of live events on the calendar, it’s understandable that not every show can draw large crowds. Nonetheless, the passion and dedication of these bands shone through, and their performances deserve recognition!
