Coroner

CORONER needs no introduction, having established themselves as one of the most important acts in the history of technical thrash metal. They are among the bands that forever changed the way we perceive technicality, songwriting and musical evolution within extreme metal.

Emerging from Zurich in the mid-1980s, and having initially worked as road crew for their fellow countrymen CELTIC FROST, CORONER developed a musical language entirely their own, blending thrash metal with classical music, avant-garde aesthetics, progressive rock, jazz, and, later on, industrial elements. Their innovative approach went on to influence countless bands that followed.

“R.I.P.,” “Punishment For Decadence,” “No More Color,” “Mental Vortex,” and, of course, “Grin” — an album that was initially ridiculed upon its release but eventually received widespread acclaim years later — have become integral parts of metal history. These are timeless records that have stood the test of time and continue to sound more contemporary than many releases coming out today.

Following their breakup in 1996, CORONER’s return to the stage in 2011, including performances in Athens and Thessaloniki, reignited fans’ hopes. However, the wait for new material lasted more than three decades. And in the end, every minute was worth it. “Dissonance Theory” is a modern metal album that proves CORONER are still ahead of their time. With Tommy Vetterli delivering yet another monumental guitar performance and Ron Broder’s distinctive voice remaining unchanged over the years, the band has returned without making a single compromise.

On October 30, 2026, Athens will welcome CORONER back, fifteen years after their last appearance in the city, for one of the few European dates on their tour. And they won’t be alone, as two more bands will join them exclusively for the Athens show!

Depressive Age

The German band DEPRESSIVE AGE, who briefly changed their name to D-AGE between 1996 and 2001, have achieved an almost mythical status in the underground metal scene. Originally formed in Berlin in 1984 under the name BLACKOUT, they adopted the name DEPRESSIVE AGE in 1988, drawing influence from bands such as CORONER, among others, and went on to release four albums with a truly distinctive sound. Blending technical thrash metal and progressive metal with dark atmospheres and melancholic undertones, and driven by Jan Lubitzki’s distinctive and unmistakable vocals, they managed to leave their own mark on the scene.

From the 1992 release “First Depression”, regarded as one of the greatest technical/progressive thrash metal albums of all time, through 1993’s “Lying In Wait” and 1994’s “Symbols For The Blue Times” to the extraordinary “Electric Scum” in 1996, DEPRESSIVE AGE proved just how unique they were within the metal scene. On the latter, they even incorporated gothic and alternative influences without losing their identity.

Unfortunately, the band remained inactive for a long period before finally reuniting in 2022, following two earlier, largely unsuccessful attempts in 2003–2005 and 2014. Since their return, they have performed at major European festivals, proving that their music remains timeless and as powerful as ever.

Although their new studio album, due for release through Fireflash Records, has yet to arrive, their upcoming performance in Athens will mark their first-ever appearance in Greece, offering a rare opportunity to experience this distinctive band live.

Cryptic Shift

British band CRYPTIC SHIFT, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the hottest new names in progressive/technical thrash/death metal. In just a few years, they have established themselves as one of the most talked-about acts in the modern progressive/technical thrash/death scene.

Having launched their career in 2011, they released several demos, singles and EPs before making their full-length debut in 2020 with the outstanding “Visitations From Enceladus”. Six years later, now signed to Metal Blade Records, they struck again with their recent and equally impressive second album, “Overspace & Supertime”. The record delivers a distinctive blend of technical death metal, thrash metal, jazz fusion, science fiction and the progressive metal spirit of the early 1990s.

Their lengthy compositions unfold like cinematic journeys through cosmic landscapes, packed with constant shifts in direction, technical virtuosity and extraordinary imagination. Their sound is arguably a little more extreme than that of BLOOD INCANTATION, while influences and elements drawn from DEATH, ATHEIST, CYNIC, NOCTURNUS, PESTILENCE, GORGUTS, VEKTOR, and ALLAN HOLDSWORTH blend seamlessly into a thoroughly distinctive sound of their own. This has already established CRYPTIC SHIFT as one of the most exciting new bands in the genre.

CRYPTIC SHIFT are happening right now, and in a few years, when they have grown into a much bigger name, we’ll be saying that we saw them opening this show.

On Friday, October 30, 2026, at Gagarin 205 Live Music Space, three generations of musicians who constantly push the boundaries of extreme metal and beyond will come together for one special night, sharing the same stage for a unique occasion.

The pioneers CORONER, the underrated DEPRESSIVE AGE and the rising stars CRYPTIC SHIFT.

Will you be there?

Το άρθρο DISSONANCE OVER GREECE: GET READY FOR CORONER, DEPRESSIVE AGE & CRYPTIC SHIFT εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.