2025 Αρχεία - Myth Of Rock

DANKO JONES – “LEO RISING” (2025, REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC)

MythofRock — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:54:00 +0000

Danko Jones has built a reputation as a high energy rock machine that doesn’t care about being fancy. They focus on a sound that sits right between the garage rock of the early 2000s and the “muscle” of 80s arena rock. If you aren’t familiar with their history, the first thing you notice is the energy. It’s a blue-collar approach to music, where the goal isn’t to show off technical skills, but to make sure the listener is moving. The production on this release is incredibly crisp. The vocals are front and center, delivered with a “swagger” that reminds me very much of Michael Starr from Steel Panther in some ways, but without the parody/comedy lyrics. There is an effortless quality to the singing that fits this style perfectly. While the lyrics can feel a bit hollow in certain spots, and the vocal placement in the choruses doesn’t always hit the mark, the overall vibe carries the weight. Overall, in the musical aspect the band keeps it simple. You won’t find complex time signatures or mind-bending solos here. Many of the lead lines simply follow the vocal melody, which can feel a bit repetitive if you’re looking for technical flair, however in many parts, the guitar does lean into those classic 80s pentatonic leads which add a noticeable layer of flavor to the mix. Nevertheless, these songs are party anthems. They carry a heavy 2000s era nostalgia, that feels tailor made for a high energy movie scene and ultimately, the classic skating games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, which I personally grew up playing and was always very fond of the soundtracks it featured. While listening, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that this music belongs on a game like this and was even amazed on how it hasn’t happened already. It really captures that exact energy that defined the genre’s golden age. It’s the kind of music that is hardwired into your brain if you grew up in that era. While they don’t offer crazy musicality, they are masters of their craft. It is pure, high-energy rock that is meant to be played loud and, in that context, they are more than great at exactly what they do.

♦ 7/10

Panos Niko

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MIDNITE CITY – “BITE THE BULLET” (2025, PRIDE AND JOY MUSIC)

MythofRock — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:18:51 +0000

The British hair metal revivalists Midnite City return with their fifth album, “Bite The Bullet”, released via Pride & Joy Music, under the supervision of Grammy-winning producer Chris Laney (Pretty Maids, Europe, Crashdïet, etc.). This is a highly melodic album, packed with layered synths and a strong glam aesthetic—nostalgic, yet at times slightly detached, which creates a sense of monotony. The songs aren’t classic hit material; instead, they flow together, leaving more of an emotional and atmospheric impression. “Heaven in This Hell” balances intensity with melody and is probably the album’s highlight, along with “Lethal Dose of Love”, a very characteristic track, and “Worth Fighting For,” which leans fully into an AOR style. That said, there’s a noticeable lack of strong peaks throughout the album, and it doesn’t feel like the band takes risks or pushes into something different. As a result, after the first three songs, a sense of repetition sets in, with similar tempos and riffs throughout. Midnite City could have done better – maybe next time!

♦ 6/10

Frost and Fire

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❤️ BEST ALBUMS OF 2025 🤟

MythofRock — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:20:56 +0000

2025 was a varied year, full of compelling and captivating releases that truly drew our attention—and, it seems, will continue to keep us good company for a long time. As 2026 arrives full of hope, Myth of Rock takes one final look back at the year that passed, highlighting the 20 best albums of 2025. Spanning a wide range of genres and catering to rock and metal aficionados of all stripes, these 20 releases are essential listens and worthy additions to any rock/metal record collection. Farewell, 2025—you will be remembered for the following full-length albums (listed in alphabetical order and according to the editors of Myth of Rock).

ACID DEATH – “EVOLUTION” (7HARD)

“Evolution” is an honest, technically impeccable work that gradually unveils a wealth of surprises. Acid Death’s skill is unquestionable; they deliver a masterclass in precise, passionate musicianship without ever exaggerating. Most striking, however, is that after so many years, the band’s flame doesn’t wither. They continue to stand strong and fully engaged, and “Evolution” makes it clear that they still have plenty left to say. (Alex Nikolaidis)

AEPHANEMER – “UTOPIE” (NAPALM)

Aephanemer has reached new artistic heights, following a unique and magnificent vision. I could talk for hours about this breathtaking album that is bound to shake the foundations of the symphonic metal scene! Filled with nothing but great moments, “Utopie” is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year. Fans of bands like Therion, Edenbridge and Nightwish will absolutely love it. “Utopie” is an impressively crafted record — shaped with wisdom, passion, and attention to detail. A complete symphonic metal album that will stay with us for a long time. A very long time. Aephanemer’s utopia is here! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

AVATARIUM – “BETWEEN YOU, GOD, THE DEVIL AND THE DEAD” (AFM)

Marcus Jidell and Jennie-Ann Smith, the two masterminds behind Avatarium have crafted another great album, another piece of great musicianship and inspired art. The band’s sixth album reaches a point where they create a complete and mature piece of music, which personally I cannot wait to listen to it live … it definitely stands out in Avatarium’s discography as it masters all their trademark elements and characteristics, in songwriting, production, performance, orchestration and everything. (Antonis Mantzavinos)

DREAM THEATER – “PARASOMNIA” (INSIDE OUT)

The band’s singular style is present throughout the record, with sonic elements drawn from all periods of their long and storied career. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a newer fan, this record will undoubtedly satisfy your craving for the sophisticated, dynamic sound that only Dream Theater can deliver. “Parasomnia” may not rival the band’s mythic masterpieces, but it is certainly a compelling and impressive new chapter in their ongoing story. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

EUPHROSYNE – “MORUS” (BLACK LION)

“Morus” is a journey. A trip to be taken solemnly and with great respect. It’s dark yet ethereal, breathtaking yet slow. The emotions this creation conveys are truly one of a kind. I must admit that this is my most recent favorite album to listen to. Euphrosyne did it again, and they are here to stay. I look forward to their next creations, as this album is truly admirable. (Christina X)

CRISTIANO FILIPPINI’S FLAMES OF HEAVEN – “SYMPHONY OF THE UNIVERSE” (LIMB MUSIC)

Cristiano Filippini’s Flames of Heaven and their new opus are every power metal fan’s dream come true — filled with energy, positivity, uplifting emotion, and majestic atmosphere. This is power metal done with passion and respect for the listener, offering the very best the genre has to give. It would be no surprise if Flames of Heaven become a big name in the scene. Either way, they’ve just released one of the finest power metal albums in recent memory — and they should be incredibly proud of it. As for us, we should just be grateful! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

THE HELLACOPTERS – “OVERDRIVER” (NUCLEAR BLAST)

This record makes you: avoid thinking of the successful ‘Eyes of Oblivion’ and live for what lies now in front of you, enjoying every second on this well balanced and placed record, where there are no fillers or indifferent – bypass – songs but inspired and authentic true rock n’ roll tunes that I look forward to listen them live very soon. This is AGAIN High Energy Rock N’ Roll at one of its finest moments. Play the album loud and let yourself get away with it! (Antonis Mantzavinos)

HELLOWEEN – “GIANTS & MONSTERS” (REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC)

The new, seventeenth offering of the Pumpkins will surely impress and enchant every melodic metal listener – it has the songs, the riffs, the melodies, the solos, the vibe, the class of Helloween. Unique, brilliant and mindblowing, Helloween are here, ass-kicking and loud playing. The euro power metal giants have done it again. Rejoice! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

MARCO HIETALA – “ROSES FROM THE DEEP” (NUCLEAR BLAST)

Hietala is truly a gorgeous storyteller. I would say this is what I expected but this record has truly exceeded it and I find myself longing to hear it time and time again. If you are a fan of his previous bands, I truly recommend you hear this record. It feels more personal and the connection Hietala conveys is astronomical. (Christina X)

JINJER – “DUEL” (NAPALM)

I feel like this record solidified Jinjer’s position in the scene, making sure to let everyone know that they are here to stay. I personally would love to hear something like this from them in the future. Great addition to their discography. This album is mature, masterful and overall, a great look for the band. (Christina X)

LIV KRISTINE – “AMOR VINCIT OMNIA” (METALVILLE)

The Queen of dark, symphonic metal is back with a blast of an album! … After the huge success of the previous one, “River Of Diamonds” (2023), and the re-edition of “Deux Ex Machina” (1998), the singer comes better than ever and delivers one of the best albums of this year. The quality of the songs is getting better, and the lyrics are to die for … (Rak Miranda)

LABYRINTHUS STELLARUM – “RIFT IN REALITY” (SELF RELEASED)

I am utterly astonished by “Rift in Reality”. This album firmly establishes Labyrinthus Stellarum as the torchbearers of cosmic black metal. Lost in the void, drawn toward distant stars and unfathomable realms, we stand in awe. Let us welcome and congratulate these bold voyagers – true heroes of the astral abyss. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

MEMORIES OF OLD – “NEVER STOP BELIEVING” (LIMB MUSIC)

This is pomp metal at its finest, a celebration of melody, imagination and fantasy. If you wish to reach and enter a mythical realm, “Never Stop Believing” is your portal. Open the door, take the path, and let Memories Of Old guide you into an ethereal place where magic and music become one. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

THE ORIGINAL ALICE COOPER GROUP – “THE REVENGE OF ALICE COOPER” (EARMUSIC)

All the songs offer something special, there’s not a weak moment to be found. If you’re a fan of classic hard rock, you’re going to love this album – It’s a release that will definitely strike an emotional chord with long-time Alice Cooper fans. “The Revenge of Alice Cooper” deserves to be placed right next to “Muscle of Love” (1973). This is the return we’ve all dreamed of — and yes, it lives up to the legend. After five decades of silence, the original Alice Cooper group has spoken again — and what they had to say is absolutely remarkable. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

PENTAGRAM – “LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE” (HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS)

With this new release, Pentagram rises once more like a phoenix. “Lightning in a Bottle” is a reminder of why this band matters. Doom metal fans, old-school heavy rock lovers and heavy hippie music enthusiasts should not miss it. Pentagram delivers a strong, passionate album that honors their past while sounding alive and hungry in the present. A must-listen for all doomheads and metalheads! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

TESTAMENT – “PARA BELLUM” (NUCLEAR BLAST)

In any case, the album -despite its peculiarities- aligns seamlessly with Testament’s spirit and current vision. At that age, the band showed a clear drive to experiment and evolve – and they did so with creativity and technical prowess, aided by a production team that amplified their signature heaviness and groove. I don’t care to rank “Para Bellum” within Testament’s discography – I don’t find any meaning in that. What matters is that it entertains, and for me, that counts a lot. (Alex Nikolaidis)

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN – “PORTALS” (NAPALM)

With “Portals,” The Vintage Caravan have made a statement — that classic rock and prog sensibility can still sound vital and full of emotion in 2025. They’ve opened a gateway to a new world of retro-inspired rock, and I sincerely hope they continue down this path. “Portals” is an album that awakens! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

VYR MUK – “CHANTS OF THE TENEBROUS DEPTHS” (SELF-RELEASED)

Vyr Muk delivers a death/black metal monstrosity—grim, poisonous, cobwebbed, and decayed—made for devotees of extreme metal. If you can’t handle bearing witness to this outcry, avoid “Chants of the Tenebrous Depths”. But if blackened death metal is what you breathe, live and sleep by, this album will be your new obsession! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

VOID DROID – “MYTHIC” (ONE LITTLE VICTORY)

“Mythic” hides a unique musical grandeur, built on brilliant compositional ideas that launch Void Droid into the realm of truly great artists. Embrace “Mythic” and welcome Void Droid as triumphant winners — they absolutely deserve it! (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

WE.OWN.THE.SKY – “IN YOUR ABSENCE” (DUNK!)

“In Your Absence” transforms into an instrumental masterpiece—beautifully standing on its own and clearly rising above other albums of the genre. With their new album, we.own.the.sky captivate and magnetically attract every listener who appreciates melody, atmosphere and emotion in music. “In Your Absence” is an album that tries to leave its mark and finally achieves that with great success. One of the rare cases in recent years of a wordless album that says so much, and says it so powerfully. (Dimitris Zacharopoulos)

Welcome 2026! Have a happy new year!!!

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LOWSUNDAY – “LOW SUNDAY GHOST MACHINE (2025 REMASTER)” (2025, PROJEKT RECORDS)

MythofRock — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 08:09:39 +0000

Thirty years since its release, “Low Sunday Ghost Machine” still sounds like a beautifully haunted transmission from another time — and this newly remastered anniversary edition only sharpens its emotional pull. Lowsunday’s debut album has always lived in that sweet spot where post-punk tension, shoegaze haze and dreampop melancholy blur into something timeless, and hearing it now with renewed clarity feels less like nostalgia and more like rediscovery. The remaster gives the original nine tracks extra space to breathe. Songs like “So Far Away” and “For A Moment” shimmer with a quiet intensity, while “Static” and “Blast” crackle with that nervous, guitar-driven urgency that defined so much great ‘90s alternative music. The layered guitars feel richer, the synths more atmospheric and Shane Sahene’s vocals still carry that bittersweet ache that made the album such a slow-burn classic in the first place. Yet, there is also expanded material in this reissue. The bonus tracks and 2025 electro mixes don’t feel like last minute additions — they genuinely deepen the album’s world. Reimagined versions like “Innocence” and “For A Moment” bridge past and future effortlessly, adding a subtle mechanical pulse without sacrificing the human vulnerability at the core of Lowsunday’s sound. There’s a sense throughout this release that the band has come full circle, reconnecting with their original vision while letting it evolve naturally. “Low Sunday Ghost Machine” remains a defining statement — melancholic, melodic and quietly powerful — and this remastered edition confirms its place as a cult classic that still resonates strongly in today’s darkwave and shoegaze landscapes.

♦ 8,5/10

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

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BILLY IDOL – “TOO MUCH FUN”

MythofRock — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:19:49 +0000

Directed by Harsh Patel, the video for “Too Much Fun” features footage captured at: Talking Stick Resort Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena, Budweiser Stage, Wembley OVO Arena, ‪Madison Square Garden‬, ‪Red Rocks, Greek Theater, and ‪The Forum‬.

“Too Much Fun” originally appeared on Billy Idol’s ninth studio album, Dream Into It, released in April 2025 via Dark Horse / BMG.

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LOWSUNDAY – “INNOCENCE (ELECTRO MIX 2025)” (2025, SINGLE, PROJEKT)

MythofRock — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 10:11:04 +0000

Lowsunday is revisiting its “Low Sunday Ghost Machine” debut album and gives us new editions of those critically acclaimed songs. The new 2025 electro mix gives “Innocence” a fresh pulse without deleting what made it special in the first place. You still get that soft melancholy, that reflective tone, but now it’s lifted up by electronic grit and extra layers that make the whole thing feel wider, deeper and more intentional. Shane Sahene’s vocals are the emotional anchor here — intimate, slightly haunted, calm but intense underneath. He doesn’t oversell the mood, he just lets it exist, which makes the song feel real, not theatrical. The production adds beats and synth textures that give the song a hypnotic sense. It feels like the original emotions were painted in watercolor, and the remaster traced the edges in neon. It has that blurry glow around the guitars you’d expect from 90s shoegaze, but the electro mix translates it into something more digital, mechanical, but still warm enough to hold onto. Is “Innocence” trying to reinvent alternative/indie music? No. Is it trying to be perfect? Also no. But it does exactly what a great single should: it pulls you in, makes you feel and stays in your head long after its end. You will hit repeat without thinking twice! It’s a reminder that good music doesn’t need to be complicated to be powerful — it needs honesty, atmosphere, and sometimes a good mix that knows when to push and when to breathe. A return that proves innocence is fragile, but sound can make it unforgettable.

♦ 8/10

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

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GOLDEN R. FESTIVAL 2025 – DAY THREE (3) (BONFIRE, KOSTAS TOURNAS, ETC.)

MythofRock — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:38:10 +0000

DAY THREE (3)

Sunday, August 31, and we set off for the Golden R. Festival, eager to experience a day full of diverse, highly interesting, and quality music! We arrived just before the soundcheck finished, and as soon as we got settled, the first band took the stage.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

Secret Range: Secret Range kicked off the third and final day of the festival with energy, playing some of their own compositions as well as covering classic metal songs, including “Holy Diver” (Dio), during which Marios Iliopoulos joined them on stage to sing. Having recently returned to the scene, Secret Range warmed us up for what was to come, while also managing to showcase some of their own ideas. Overall, I saw a band with real talent — both in songwriting and technical skill — driven by ambition and determination. With plenty of hard work, they are sure to achieve great things.

Blacken: From Secret Range, we moved on to Blacken, a band from Volos that plays in modern/heavy/southern rock styles. I really enjoyed their songs, as well as the confidence and ease they showed during their live performance. Blacken have a certain boldness in their music that comes across strongly and directly in a live setting, along with passion and dedication to what they do — a combination that the audience can clearly feel. Although their set wasn’t long, they still managed to win over the crowd. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing Blacken’s studio work!

Telma: The festival continued, and it was time for Telma! Another band from the Greek scene that’s definitely worth checking out and keeping an eye on. That afternoon in Volos, Telma delivered an explosive performance! Their alt/groove metal, with touches of thrash, sounded thunderous and blew our weary ears away. During their set, Telma showcased their skills, and with excellent sound, they thrilled every metalhead in attendance. Special mention goes to the vocalist — his voice and stage presence perfectly matched Telma’s overall musical style. It was a performance that truly raised the bar.

Afterimage: But Afterimage managed to raise the bar even higher with their amazing performance! Truly, this band, which follows a highly progressive metal style with touches of power metal, captivated us with their lyricism and grandiose approach. I want to highlight the unique vocals of Christos Papadakis, who sang every single word with a remarkable, almost proverbial precision. Of course, their guitar work was outstanding, especially since they had three guitarists on stage! Yes! Their songs are catchy, and I loved them even though it was my first time hearing them. And what melodies! They truly deserve all the praise!

Blues Wire: Now we move on to another historic Greek band, one of the top names in their field, electric blues. I’m talking about Blues Wire, a band that has spent their entire lives on stage, and that night in Nea Anchialos, they took us straight to heaven — which was no surprise! The power trio dove right in, playing the blues in their own deeply expressive way. It was obvious that this band loves the blues and pours their soul into every performance. Their execution was outstanding, and they seemed ready to play for another two or three hours. However, they had to stop after about an hour approximately, as Kostas Tournas was up next.

Kostas Tournas: One of the pioneers of Greek pop/rock, one of the finest representatives of Greek music, a beautiful, distinctive voice, and an accomplished composer — ladies and gentlemen, Kostas Tournas, who honored the Golden R. Festival with his performance. Many attendees had come to the festival that day just for Tournas, so by the time he and his band took the stage, a large crowd had gathered in front. The Greek musician began to perform and play his guitar, immediately captivating us, taking us on a journey, sending chills down our spines! We heard all his biggest hits, feeling so uplifted, romantic, and radiant. His band was perfectly in tune, providing the ideal support for Tournas to deliver the signature melodies of his songs flawlessly. At the end, we also heard two hits from Poll. Truly one of the festival’s standout moments!

Bonfire: Just before Bonfire took the stage, we got the news: Nazareth wouldn’t be performing after all due to flight issues, but their singer, who was already in Greece, would jam with Bonfire on some Nazareth songs. I was disappointed, but thought at least we’d get to see Bonfire as headliners — and that’s exactly what happened! Bonfire appeared on stage in a very impressive and commanding way — though one issue: their sound was initially extremely loud, to the point where it felt a bit distorted. Fortunately, the sound soon leveled out, and we could fully enjoy Bonfire. As mentioned, they started strong and kept the momentum going. Performing their classic hits, the German melodic hard rock/metallers kept us entertained and having a blast for quite a while! All the members were cheerful and lively — special mention goes to the fantastic stage presence and vocal performance of Bonfire’s Greek singer, Dyan. Yes, one of our own is on the microphone, and he has an amazing voice and charisma, fully deserving praise! Bonfire’s show closed the Golden R. Festival in style and included a jam session with Nazareth’s singer, Carl Sentance, who joined them on stage amid loud applause. Accompanied by three Bonfire members, he performed “This Flight Tonight”, “Love Hurts” and “Hair of the Dog” — a fantastic moment that gave us a great dose of Nazareth classics! Bonfire continued with more of their own songs, including my personal favorite, “Don’t Touch the Light”. With the crowd headbanging and swaying to their melodic hard rock/metal, Bonfire wrapped up their set and drew the festival’s curtain. I have to say — always such experiences, please!

And so, another Golden R. Festival passed into history, written in golden letters in the annals of the Greek rock/metal scene. Overall, the festival didn’t draw a huge crowd, but it was an absolute success! Kudos to the organizers, to the bands and their crews, and to everyone who came to Nea Anchialos to enjoy great rock and metal music! The most of the names for next year’s lineup have already been announced!

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GOLDEN R. FESTIVAL 2025 – DAY TWO (2) (OLD MAN’S CHILD, GOD DETHRONED, ETC.)

MythofRock — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:08:29 +0000

DAY TWO (2)

Saturday, August 30 — after a bit of rest, we happily stepped into the second day of the Golden R. Festival, which once again offered music for every taste! Let’s get straight to the action!

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

Illusive Mirrors: Illusive Mirrors is a band I’ve been following closely over the past few years, so I was already at the festival grounds when their first notes rang out. Despite having a new drummer and the blazing sun overhead, the Athens-based band didn’t step onto the stage hesitantly — quite the opposite! Dimitra Koenka, dressed in red, quickly took the lead and guided her band through a stunning live performance. They played some of their best songs, showing tight cohesion and technical precision, captivating us with their melodies. The hard rock/melodic metal of Illusive Mirrors sticks in your mind quickly, and especially in a live setting, tracks like “Over and Over Again” and “Save a Bullet” become absolutely thrilling anthems! It was one of their finest performances — yes, Illusive Mirrors have truly matured on stage, and I believe they’re ready for great things!

End of Dawn: Next up were End of Dawn, the symphonic/gothic black metallers from Thessaloniki, who took the stage and masterfully delivered their mesmerizing, dark, and atmospheric music. I was particularly impressed by the vocal and stage presence of their frontman, as well as the female vocals, which were perfectly integrated into End of Dawn’s extreme sound. I haven’t listened to their studio material, but from their set, it was clear that this band truly has something to say and offer! It’s the blend of operatic and gothic elements with extreme metal that makes End of Dawn’s approach genuinely compelling. For half an hour, the Thessaloniki group transported us into dark soundscapes, leaving us completely immersed in their terrifying world.

Powercross: Time to witness the brilliance of Powercross and find our way! The truth is, the Greek band delivers an uplifting, melodic power metal in the vein of Stratovarius and Helloween, so hearing them live naturally lifted our spirits. It was the second time I saw them live, and I thoroughly enjoyed their riffs, soaring melodies, and epic rhythms. I also can’t forget the stunning vocals of John Britsas! Despite a few minor sound issues, they didn’t let it slow them down and managed to deliver a powerful set that thrilled the fans in attendance. I can honestly say that Powercross appeared much more prepared and mature compared to their first show. Well done — I can’t wait to hear their second album!

Exilium Noctis: After that euro power break, Exilium Noctis brought us back into a black metal mood. And what black metal it was! Dark, blasphemous, profane… the Greek black metallers took the stage with full force, shaking us with their impressive songs. It didn’t take long to realize that this is an extremely skilled and talented band, with a bright future ahead! The highlight, of course, was their vocalist, who absolutely delivered, though the rest of the band more than held their own. At one point, Henri Sattler of God Dethroned even joined them on stage for a jam, and in that moment, Exilium Noctis were truly living a dream. Overall, we witnessed an outstanding band that has everything it takes to gain recognition in the wider metal scene!

Reflection: The time had come to enjoy one of the most notable bands in Greek heavy metal. Reflection are not only still active but also at the peak of their recording career! I was eager to hear tracks from “The Battles I Have Won,” though that only happened partially, as the Athens-based band focused more on their classic songs. Reflection’s performance was flawless — their passion overflowing, Stathis Pavlantis’ riffs and solos were amazing, and Kostas Tokas’ vocals were perfect for the band’s style. We got completely hyped by Reflection’s songs, singing along and headbanging non-stop! It was pure epic metal greatness!

Lucifer’s Child: As night fell, we welcomed Lucifer’s Child, the band of George Emmanouel. Although their blasphemous, satanic black metal isn’t really my style, I have to admit they played fantastically — radiating incredible energy, overflowing with passion, and delivering a sound that was simply massive! They proved themselves as one of the finest bands in the Greek extreme metal scene with a triumphant performance. The guitars were colossal, the vocals atmospheric, and the song structures exemplary! Lucifer’s Child blew us away and left the stage to thunderous applause!

God Dethroned: The Dutch veterans, with an impressive discography and a reputation as one of the finest death/black metal bands in the world, took the stage at the Golden R. Festival — and they absolutely crushed it! With remarkable ease and confidence, they won over the crowd and delivered a masterclass in extreme metal. I particularly loved their positive energy, as they performed their classic tracks (including songs from their 1999 album “Bloody Blasphemy”) with seriousness and dedication — there’s nothing better than seeing a renowned band give their all! The presence of Henri Sattler was awe-inspiring, every member was technically superb, and their tightness as a unit was undeniable: God Dethroned were a single, unstoppable force! It’s an honor and a rare opportunity to witness bands of this caliber live!

Old Man’s Child: The same goes, of course, for the headliners! Judging by the reactions of the few fans who had come to the festival, it was clear that most had arrived for Old Man’s Child. With their fans packed into the front rows, cheering wildly, the band took the stage and unleashed their black metal anthems. They delivered brilliantly, and led by Galder, they utterly dominated the festival grounds, leaving nothing but wreckage behind! It was a true black metal celebration, during which fans of the genre experienced moments of pure passion — a black metal party that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. Just watching the live performance, it was obvious that Galder is a forceful presence in extreme metal and that Old Man’s Child are a black metal powerhouse, rising straight from hell!

And with that, the second day of the Golden R. Festival came to a close — certainly a very successful one.

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GOLDEN R. FESTIVAL 2025 – DAY ONE (1) (FABIO LIONE’S DAWN OF VICTORY, IRON SAVIOR, ETC.)

MythofRock — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:48:06 +0000

Summer has passed, and all the concerts and festivals we attended now remain in memory as beautiful moments. Some of the very best highlights of summer 2025 were undoubtedly experienced at the Golden R. Festival. This is one of the most historic festivals in our country, and this year once again it brought together a host of remarkable artists and bands who more than honored the stage in Nea Anchialos, Volos! Let’s dive right into reliving this year’s Golden R. experience!

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

DAY ONE (1)

The first day of the festival took place on August 29, 2025. We arrived well before the scheduled start time of 5 p.m., giving ourselves the chance to get familiar with the area and organize our coverage of the event. The stage was set just a few meters from the beach of Nea Anchialos, and the festival grounds were spacious and comfortable, with everything arranged just as it should be. Still, despite the seaside location, the heat was intense, and by late afternoon the sun was blazing! But nothing could stop us!

Braveride: The first band of the festival was Braveride, the Greek epic power metallers who stormed the stage and showcased their impressive material. They played with passion, displayed tight cohesion, and handled the technical challenges of their songs with ease. As for the vocals, stepping in at the mic was Mike Livas, who, due to various circumstances, filled the role — and he absolutely nailed it, managing to learn the band’s demanding songs in just a few days. Braveride have a majestic, cinematic style in their music, which I really enjoyed! For me, this live show was the perfect opportunity to get to know them better.

Speedrush: Next up on the billing were the Greek Speedrush. I’ve seen this speed/thrash metal band live before, so I knew exactly what to expect — fast, aggressive, and relentless metal from a group of musicians with incredible songwriting skills, tight rhythm section and full command of what they do on stage! Once again, Speedrush were unstoppable, proving their mastery of the genre, showcasing a repertoire full of strong songs, and demonstrating real vision as a band. With the help of great sound, their performance was flawless, forcing us into nonstop headbanging! This is exactly the kind of band the metal scene needs — hardworking, down-to-earth, and passionate about what they do. Speedrush and total mayhem!

Order of the Ebon Hand: Order of the Ebon Hand are one of the most historic bands in the Greek extreme metal scene, so I was eagerly looking forward to seeing them live. Under the blazing sun — which hardly suited their dark sound — they delivered their sinister black metal with precision, frontman Orestis giving it everything he had. However, he went way over the top! We witnessed him repeatedly spitting into the photo pit right next to the photographers, slamming the microphone stand into the pit with enough force to risk injuring someone, climbing onto the speaker railings in a way that could have caused damage or accidents, and even throwing a cup into the crowd — again, a serious risk of hitting someone. Naturally, I was furious! Thankfully, nothing bad happened, so we can move back to the music… Order of the Ebon Hand put on a powerful performance, satisfied their fans, and got us fired up for what was to come.

Acid Death: Another key band in the Greek scene, Acid Death have been around for years, and as expected, they made sure we had a great time during their set. Indeed, Savvas Betinis and his crew stormed the stage with full force, unleashing crushing riffs and grooves, captivating us with their outstanding thrash/death metal. Their setlist featured selections from their extensive discography, but they also treated us with material from their upcoming, yet-to-be-released album. From this performance, one thing was clear: the Athens-based band is in top form — their sound was explosive, their chemistry flawless, and their energy absolutely contagious! Acid Death are ready to take off — and it’s about time!

Sons of Damnation: According to the information we had, Sons of Damnation was meant to be a project by the legendary Jim Mutilator (bass, Yoth Iria, ex–Rotting Christ), in collaboration with Andreas Vingbäck (Heljarmadr) and Thomas Eriksen. However, what we actually saw on the Golden R. stage was something different — a live collaboration between Mutilator and several other Greek musicians: Vasilis Stavrianidis (drums – Yoth Iria, Ignominous), Christos Kosmidis (guitar – Ignominous), Iordanis Sidiropoulos (guitar, vocals), Orestis (vocals, Order of the Ebon Hand), and Marios Iliopoulos of Nightrage. This lineup came together simply to have fun, performing covers of well-known rock and metal songs. While not exactly what we expected, we still had a great time with “Sons of Damnation” … enjoying solid, faithful renditions of Uriah Heep, Judas Priest, Metallica (“Enter Sandman” sung by Marios), Motörhead (“Killed By Death” sung by Orestis), and more. There was energy, emotion, and pure excitement — both onstage and off — and together we experienced something truly special. But now, it was time for the next act!

Iron Savior: Iron Savior is a band that proudly represents the Teutonic/Euro power metal scene. Led by Piet Sielck (vocals, guitar), the Hamburg outfit hit the stage without fuss and dove straight into their melodic brand of power metal. Full of energy and confidence, Iron Savior delivered both older and newer tracks flawlessly, much to the delight of their fans. As one of my favorite bands, this was actually the first time I had the chance to see them live, which made it even more special — especially when I realized that on rhythm guitar (temporarily) was Matthias Lange from Metalium, a musician I already knew! I also really enjoyed Sielck’s positive energy, his interaction with the crowd, and of course the setlist choices, which included gems like “Atlantis Falling”. If only they had played “Watcher in the Sky” too!

Fabio Lione’s Dawn of Victory: The creation of Dawn of Victory by none other than Fabio Lione filled me with joy, especially when I saw they would be coming to Greece! This is the band that once again gives Lione the chance to perform the classic songs of Rhapsody and Rhapsody of Fire! He is joined by his longtime bandmates Alex Holzwarth (drums), Patrice Guers (bass), and Dominique Leurquin (guitar) — a lineup we witnessed headlining the first day of the Golden R. Festival. Without delay, Dawn of Victory hit the stage, and the atmosphere instantly transformed the moment Lione appeared! What can I even say? The Italian singer was at the very top of his game — singing even better than in past times I had seen him live — and absolutely stunned us with his performances! His positive energy was obvious, he gave his voice an even more operatic dimension, and he nailed both the high and low registers flawlessly. It was a recital of pure lyricism and epic grandeur, with a fantastic setlist: “Land of Immortals,” “Dawn of Victory,” “Unholy Warcry,” “Holy Thunderforce” and more. The fans gathered at the front were completely blown away by the majesty of Lione’s voice and the sweeping melodies of the music. One of the most powerful moments of the set was Lione’s heartfelt tribute to Christopher Lee. Words cannot truly capture what we saw, heard, and felt that night. Thank you, Fabio!

With this impressive finale, the first day of the Golden R. Festival came to a close. It’s worth noting, however, that the turnout was not particularly large…

Το άρθρο GOLDEN R. FESTIVAL 2025 – DAY ONE (1) (FABIO LIONE’S DAWN OF VICTORY, IRON SAVIOR, ETC.) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

AS I LAY DYING: NEW LINE-UP, NEW SINGLE

MythofRock — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:04:57 +0000

Metalcore titans AS I LAY DYING make a thunderous return with their new single “Echoes” — a song that marks both a fierce sonic comeback and the dawn of an exciting new chapter for the band.

Drenched in emotion, precision, and melodic depth, “Echoes” dives into the inner wars we wage, the ghosts we outgrow, and the resilience born from reinventing ourselves. Fueled by unyielding passion and the band’s trademark intensity, the track captures AS I LAY DYING’s perfect equilibrium between crushing heaviness and heartfelt reflection.

“Echoes” also introduces the band’s revitalized lineup — a fusion of veteran skill and renewed creative energy, marking a bold new era for AS I LAY DYING.

Tim Lambesis – Vocals
Chris Clancy – Bass, Clean Vocals
Bill Hudson – Guitar
Don Vedda – Guitar
Tim Yeung – Drums

Lambesis comments: “As the only primary songwriter on every AS I LAY DYING album, I’m always going to a find a path forward for this catalog of music that I’m so passionate about. But sometimes things come together even better than expected. I’m incredibly grateful for my new bandmates. In addition to being incredibly talented, they genuinely care about my well being and the band we are now all a part of.”

Hudson adds: “Tim L and I first met almost 20 years ago and I’ve been in multiple bands with Tim Y. It’s an honor to be a part of the new chapter of AS I LAY DYING. What a great way to get together and play with so many friends of 15+ years at the same time!”

Clancy says: “Excited to finally share this new chapter. Check out the music video for ‘Echoes’. Proud of what we’ve created together. Hope you enjoy it.”

This revitalized lineup injects AS I LAY DYING with fresh energy and creative drive. Each member contributes a distinct voice and exceptional musicianship, shaping a sound that feels both true to the band’s roots and boldly progressive — grounded in legacy yet pushing fearlessly into new sonic realms.

This fall, the band will also hit the road for an explosive European tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark album “Shadows Are Security”. Fans can expect a powerful, career-spanning set packed with rare cuts, timeless anthems, and a renewed onstage intensity that reaffirms AS I LAY DYING’s enduring force.

Το άρθρο AS I LAY DYING: NEW LINE-UP, NEW SINGLE εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.