by Tasos Bouhoutsos

                       photos by Eleni Giamouridi

Cryptic Shift were the first to take the stage, bringing a highly technical form of death/thrash that immediately set them apart. Their music is built around constant shifts in rhythm, tempo and structure, often moving into unusual and almost disorienting territory, while retaining a strongly aggressive core. It was clear from the crowd’s response that they already have listeners here, with the positive reaction coming from people who seemed familiar with their material rather than simply welcoming an opening act. The band approached the set with confidence and professionalism. There was not much movement onstage, perhaps partly because their music demands a certain level of concentration, but that did not mean the performance lacked energy. The vocalist remained impressively steady while also handling the guitar, while the whole band carried out the demanding parts with precision and force. The sound was good overall, although a little more clarity would have helped bring out the full detail of such intricate arrangements. Their music may not be immediately accessible to someone encountering it for the first time, especially without a taste for highly progressive and technical extreme metal, and it is not always easy for the compositions to get someone on first listen. For those drawn to this kind of challenging, constantly shifting approach, however, Cryptic Shift offered a very rewarding opening performance, making a positive impression in general, proving to be more than a decent opening act.

Depressive Age followed, and from the moment they stepped onstage, their appearance felt like a long-awaited meeting finally coming to pass. There was a sizeable part of the audience that had clearly come specifically to see them, beyond those already present for the other bands. With a substantial discography and a distinctive musical identity, they have built a following that may be selective, but is evidently deeply attached to what they represent. The band seemed to recognize that response and returned it with a nearly excellent performance, supported by a very good sound and solid, tight playing throughout. Their set drew from all their albums, combining a great variety of material with carefully chosen songs that they clearly knew were particularly loved by their audience, delivering some special moments too, for the more dedicated ones. The flow between the changes was excellent, giving the performance a remarkably unified character that carried many tastes, while the band’s own distinctive atmosphere was enhanced by the lighting and translated beautifully into the venue. There was plenty of energy and movement from the band, with Jan Lubitzki standing out as an imposing, unmistakable frontman, carrying himself with an almost unshakable presence. What also stood out was the authenticity they brought to the stage. Despite the subtle industrial elements within their music, Depressive Age carried a broader metal and hard rock attitude, giving the performance a classic feel without making it sound dated or predictable. Their connection with the audience was understated but genuine, and the crowd remained highly engaged throughout. Even listeners who did not seem particularly familiar with their style were gradually drawn into the atmosphere they created. By the time they finished, the venue had filled considerably and the feeling had reached exactly the right level for the headliners.

The wait for the headliners felt longer than it actually was, but the anticipation finally came to an end as the lights went down and the intro, “Oxymoron”, filled the venue. Coroner took the stage with “Consequence”, followed by “Sacrificial Lamb”, both tracks from their recent album, Dissonance Theory, whose material – as expected – stood comfortably alongside the older songs. The crowd responded enthusiastically, moving and singing along, although many followed the musicians closely rather than reacting with the movement of a more straightforward thrash show. The sound remained full and powerful, even as it became rougher and louder towards the later part of the set. Ron Royce delivered a strong, credible vocal and bass guitar performance, retaining the distinctive edge central to Coroner’s identity, while Tommy Vetterli appeared at ease, handling the demanding guitar parts and characteristic solos with confidence. The new drummer also proved more than capable, playing powerfully and making an impressive impact in several passages, while fitting naturally into the band’s chemistry. Together, the trio maintained the tightness and precision that have always defined Coroner, with the additional keyboard elements supporting the sound without taking away from its core power. The set continued in full-power mode with songs like “Divine Step”, “Serpent Moves”, “Masked Jackal” and “Metamorphosis”, before “Grin” brought the main set to a close with its industrial, claustrophobic yet mesmerizing atmosphere, creating a peak in a rollercoaster of various expressions of their entity. The encore reached back to the band’s earlier material with “Die by My Hand” and “Reborn Through Hate”, solidifying the flawless performance we’ve just experienced. Though their interaction with the audience remained understated throughout – as their Swiss “class” would suggest, the band clearly enjoyed themselves, just as the crowd enjoyed the show. Arriving with the confidence of a new album that has already received a warm response, they had every reason to be satisfied and it showed. As the members gradually left the stage, the ambient sound continued, with the live keyboardist the last to leave and offer a final goodbye. It was a performance worthy of Coroner’s name, one that effortlessly cemented their relevance in the present, while proudly carrying their important legacy.

All in all, this was a night that delivered everything it had promised, and perhaps even more. The choice of bands was particularly well judged, bringing together three distinct expressions of a shared musical spirit, each with its own character and flavor. It made for a carefully curated bill that offered variety without losing its coherence, and the audience clearly appreciated the full range of what was on offer. It was equally rewarding to see people approach the event with an open mind, ready to enjoy each band on its own terms. The quality of the performances matched the expectations, and the night came to a close with the feeling that everyone had got exactly what they came for. See you at the next one.

Το άρθρο CORONER, DEPRESSIVE AGE, CRYPTIC SHIFT – GAGARIN 205, ATHENS, GREECE – 30/10/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

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.