by Panos Niko

On July 24 and July 25 2026, Athens and Thessaloniki respectively will witness a landmark event for the Greek metal scene. For the first time Slaughter to Prevail, the deathcore powerhouse that has redefined the boundaries of modern extreme music, will perform in Greece. After years of viral growth, sold-out tours and festival appearances around the world, the band’s arrival in Greece is more than just another concert. It is the culmination of a decade long journey that transformed a remote internet collaboration into one of the most recognizable names in modern metal.
The story of Slaughter to Prevail is inseparable from the rise of social media as a new platform for heavy music. Formed in 2014 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, the band emerged not from a traditional rehearsal room, but from the digital world. Aleksandr Shikolai, better known as Alex Terrible, had already built a large online following through vocal covers that showcased an extraordinary range of guttural and fry screams.
Thousands of miles away in the UK, guitarist Jack Simmons discovered those videos and reached out. The two began writing together remotely, overcoming both distance and cultural differences to create music built around crushing heaviness rather than technical excess. Their partnership proved that independent musicians no longer needed to share the same room to create something capable of reaching audiences worldwide.
After years of visa complications and geopolitical uncertainty, the band relocated to Orlando, Florida, in 2022. The move provided the stability needed to tour extensively and continue growing. Today, the lineup is completed by Dmitry Mamedov on rhythm guitar, bassist Mikhail “Mike” Petrov and drummer Evgeny Novikov, forming one of the most consistent and explosive live acts in modern metal.

Slaughter to Prevail’s catalog reflects a band that has continuously evolved without abandoning its identity. Early releases such as the “Chapters of Misery” EP (2015) and the debut album “Misery Sermon” (2017) established them as one of the notable names in the modern slamming deathcore scene, combining down-tuned riffs, punishing grooves and relentless breakdowns.
The release of “Demolisher” in 2020 marked a major turning point for the band. Driven by its devastating breakdown, Alex Terrible’s instantly recognizable vocals and a viral music video that introduced the band to millions of new listeners, the song became their breakthrough moment and helped establish Slaughter to Prevail as one of the most visible names in modern deathcore.
With “Kostolom” (2021), the band expanded its sound by incorporating the bounce and groove of 90s nu-metal, writing songs built for massive festival crowds without sacrificing heaviness. That evolution continued on “Grizzly” (2025), where tracks like “Russian Grizzly in America” and “1984” blend crushing breakdowns with atmospheric production, showing how far the band has come from its early “DIY” beginnings.
At its core, Slaughter to Prevail’s sound is built around impact. Their music combines the brutality of modern deathcore with the groove-driven approach of hardcore and nu-metal, creating songs that are designed to feel as powerful in a live setting as they do through headphones. The band relies heavily on extremely low-tuned guitars, massive breakdowns, crushing rhythms and Alex Terrible’s distinctive vocal range, which moves from deep gutturals to high pitched screams with unusual control.
While their foundation comes from the deathcore movement, elements associated with bands such as Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, Cannibal Corpse and Slipknot can be heard throughout their music. The technical aggression of death metal, the rhythmic focus of groove metal and the accessible bounce of 90s nu-metal all play a role in shaping their identity. Rather than simply copying their influences, Slaughter to Prevail has combined these elements into a sound that feels modern, heavy and immediately recognizable.
Success has not come without controversy. Throughout their career, Slaughter to Prevail has faced criticism from various groups and authorities over their violent imagery, stage performances and provocative aesthetics.
Rather than softening its image, the band has remained committed to its artistic identity. From concert cancellations and public controversy to opposition fueled by cultural and religious criticism, Slaughter to Prevail has consistently refused to compromise. Alex Terrible has repeatedly stated that he has no interest in reshaping his art to satisfy critics, viewing censorship as an attack on creative expression. That attitude has only strengthened the connection between the band and its audience, who see authenticity as one of its defining qualities.

While Slaughter to Prevail is built on the strength of the entire band, Alex Terrible has become one of the most recognizable figures in modern metal. His public image combines extreme performance, physical discipline and an uncompromising personality that extends far beyond the stage. Away from music, he has become known for strength training, combat sports and a relentless commitment to self-improvement.
That passion reached a new level in May 2026 with the launch of his own fighting promotion, “Blood4Blood”. Created in partnership with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and promoter Danny Wimmer, the inaugural event in Daytona Beach combined live metal performances with professional bare knuckle fights. Alex performed with Slaughter to Prevail before stepping into the ring himself for the night’s main event against Cameron “The Bull” Delano. Although he suffered a third round TKO loss, the event was widely considered a success and reinforced his reputation as someone who fully commits to everything he does.
Long before “Blood4Blood”, Alex had already become an internet sensation through viral videos that highlighted his fearless personality. The most famous featured him interacting and playfully wrestling with a massive Russian brown bear named Tom, footage that quickly spread across social media and became closely associated with his image. Combined with his imposing physique, signature masks and unmistakable vocals, those moments helped turn Alex into one of the most distinctive frontmen in heavy music.
Despite that larger-than-life persona, Alex is entering a different chapter. He has spoken about stepping away from touring in the future to focus on writing new music and spending time with his toddler son. That announcement gives this Greek debut even greater significance. For many fans, it may represent one of the last opportunities to experience the band live before they eventually step away from the road for an extended period.
The performance at Floyd and Moni Lazariston promises to showcase everything that has made Slaughter to Prevail one of the defining metal acts of the last decade. Their iconic masks, once a simple DIY idea, have become central to the band’s identity, creating a cold and intimidating visual contrast to the chaos unfolding in the mosh pit.
Alex Terrible remains the centerpiece of every performance. His infamous ability to unleash his trademark growls without a microphone, filling moments of silence with a voice that seems almost impossible to produce naturally, has become one of the band’s most talked about live trademarks. It is a display of the extreme vocal control, physical discipline and raw power that have made him one of the most recognizable frontmen in modern metal. Fans in Athens and Thessaloniki can expect a setlist spanning the band’s entire career, from the raw aggression of the early releases to the polished brutality of “Grizzly”.

Beyond the sound itself, Slaughter to Prevail’s live shows have become known for their overwhelming crowd energy. Their breakdown heavy songwriting has turned pits into organized chaos, with walls of death, circle pits and massive waves of movement becoming a defining part of their concerts. Songs like “Demolisher’ have become almost synonymous with these moments, transforming the audience from passive spectators into an active part of the performance. For many fans a Slaughter to Prevail show is not simply something to watch, it is something to physically experience.
Slaughter to Prevail represents a new generation of metal that embraces the genre’s roots while using modern platforms, viral media and larger than life personalities to bring extreme music to a wider audience. Their success has shown that even one of metal’s heaviest subgenres can break through the underground when combined with a strong identity, relentless touring and a connection with a global online community.
When they finally step onto a Greek stage this July, fans will not simply be witnessing another tour stop. They will be witnessing one of the defining bands of the decade at the peak of its powers, before an important new chapter begins.

Το άρθρο BLOOD, BEARS AND BREAKDOWNS: SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL ARRIVES IN GREECE εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

Day 2

Following a highly successful first day, New Long Fest continued on Sunday with a line-up that showcased a wide range of heavy music styles. While the first day was predominantly focused on punk, the second offered a far more diverse musical palette and promised an equally exciting experience. Once again, we were there from the moment the gates opened, fully equipped with everything we needed, and took our place to enjoy the first band of the day, which was…

Little Black Something: Little Black Something are an Athens-based band that has found the perfect recipe by blending heavy rock, alternative rock, and punk rock into an irresistible sound. They had plenty to say at New Long Fest. As I quickly realized, they have written a wealth of great songs that truly come alive in a live setting. Undoubtedly a cool band, they were exactly what the festival needed at that point of the day, while the sun was still beating down. The small but enthusiastic crowd clearly enjoyed every moment, rewarding each song with warm applause. It was a thoroughly accomplished and highly satisfying performance from Little Black Something.

Nix:  We then made our way to the smaller stage just as Nix were about to begin their set—and it proved to be an excellent decision. Their blend of shoegaze and alternative rock sounded both inspired and deeply atmospheric, effortlessly drawing the audience into its dreamy soundscapes. The Athens-based band treated us to a selection of their beautiful songs, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Tight, cohesive, and completely focused on their craft, they took us on a captivating musical journey that felt both precious and unforgettable. I am absolutely convinced that, if they continue on this path, they have all the potential to deliver truly outstanding masterpieces in the years to come.

Messier 13: Next up were Messier 13. As the band themselves describe it, they play shoegaze/slowcore—a fitting label for the hypnotic, laid-back, and deeply emotional journey that defines their music, part of which we were fortunate enough to experience at this year’s New Long Fest. I came away thoroughly impressed by a band that doesn’t rely on volume or sheer noise to make an impact. Instead, Messier 13 spoke directly to our souls that afternoon, inviting us to reflect, feel, and become completely immersed in their music. They are undoubtedly a band with tremendous potential, one that raises expectations for what lies ahead.

Bastard Sword: I thought it was about time we enjoyed a power trio! Bastard Sword, the band in question, specialize in a compelling blend of stoner and doom metal, enriched with generous doses of epic atmosphere and psychedelic textures. From the moment they hit the stage, they had us captivated with their crushing riffs and monumental compositions. I thoroughly enjoyed their concise yet highly effective set, and their sophisticated approach to the genre genuinely caught me by surprise. Bastard Sword are a band with the right mindset and a clear artistic vision, qualities that allow them to transform their musical ideas into something truly compelling. Bravo!

Honeybadger: One of the finest emerging bands in the Greek stoner rock scene, Honeybadger simply had to be part of this year’s New Long Fest. Armed with a powerful, tight sound, infectious enthusiasm, and the unwavering support of the audience, they delivered a highly convincing live performance. Much of that success came from the strength of their original material, combined with a fearless “give it everything you’ve got” attitude that never let the energy drop. Having seen what they can do both in the studio and on stage, I can confidently say that Honeybadger continue to impress on every level. Keep it up, guys!

Kidney Black: This was the second time I had seen Kidney Black live over the past few months, and I have to say I enjoyed them considerably more this time around. The Greek band blends heavy rock with post-punk and alternative rock/grunge influences, and they do so with confidence and authenticity. Their set kept us thoroughly engaged, delivering a series of powerful musical moments throughout their performance. The only observation I would make is that their live presence could benefit from a bit more energy and movement on stage. Overall, however, they put on a very solid performance and left a positive impression.

We.Own.The.Sky: I was deeply impressed by We.Own.The.Sky’s album “In Your Absence”, which showcases breathtaking post-rock/post-metal, driven by powerful rhythms and an utterly immersive atmosphere. Naturally, I had been eagerly anticipating their appearance at New Long Fest—and they rewarded that anticipation with a spectacular performance. Their set was of the highest standard, the kind of live show you would expect from an internationally established act. Performing some of the finest moments from their repertoire, they played with absolute focus and flawless chemistry, united as one and drawing the audience into a mesmerizing musical journey. Without question, We.Own.The.Sky rank among the finest post-rock/post-metal bands in Greece today, and their performance was nothing short of magnificent.

Their Methlab:  And the post-rock/post-metal journey continued! Immediately afterwards, Their Methlab took the stage, and they were equally impressive with their performance. I really enjoyed their songs, their stage presence, as well as the way they connected with the audience. During their approximately 35-minute set, Their Methlab delivered instrumental rock filled with character, vision, and style, creating haunting atmospheres through powerful riffs and subtle, deeply emotional melodies. Their unique approach to post-rock/post-metal captivated us, and they truly gave a remarkable performance. This is what it’s all about!

Slow Crush: And what came next? Of course, Slow Crush—the Belgian shoegaze band who stepped onto the New Long Fest stage ready to give it their all! And that is exactly what they did, with the now much larger crowd showing its appreciation and cheering them on. To be honest, Slow Crush did not completely win me over, although the alternative rock elements in their sound worked particularly well and added an interesting dimension to their music. Nevertheless, they delivered a more than respectable performance, playing their songs with confidence, attitude, and pride, while their sound was impressively powerful. They are definitely a band worth keeping an eye on!

Stinking Lizaveta: At 11 pm, Stinking Lizaveta took over the small stage of New Long Fest, drawing a packed crowd. They were the second international band of this year’s festival and, without a doubt, the biggest surprise of the entire two-day event. The Philadelphia-based power trio completely blew us away with their unique take on what is described as “doom jazz”! Personally, I would say their sound is closer to heavy rock infused with strong doom and progressive elements. Whatever label you choose to give them, their music sounded absolutely fantastic. Their hard rock approach was both soulful and incredibly intelligent, blending heaviness with creativity and sophistication. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, clearly impressed by what they had just witnessed. Stinking Lizaveta are a band that truly deserve far greater recognition and a much wider audience.

Naxatras: And so we reached the climax of the second day of this year’s festival: Naxatras, the outstanding Greek prog/psychedelic/space heavy rock band. The last time I had seen Naxatras live, they were absolutely phenomenal. This time, however, I felt they were not quite at their usual level of enthusiasm. Yes, they performed very well, as they always do, but there seemed to be something slightly holding them back. In my opinion, this was largely due to the smaller attendance on the second day of the festival. Fewer fans meant a more restrained atmosphere, quieter reactions, and a generally more relaxed environment—something that certainly did not help the band reach the same level of energy they have achieved in the past. Nevertheless, credit must be given to Naxatras for giving their absolute best, both technically and emotionally. Regardless, we had the chance to enjoy another great performance from them, and they were excellent! The quality of their songs is simply undeniable—their compositions open up incredible sonic dimensions and take the listener on extraordinary journeys. It may have been a challenging night for Naxatras, but in the end, everything turned out just fine!

With a celebratory yet somewhat intimate atmosphere, New Long Fest 26 came to an end. The curtain fell on what I can confidently describe as a truly successful festival, where everyone—both the bands and the music lovers who attended—had an amazing time. Before we wrap things up and renew our appointment for next year, I would like to highlight that, in my opinion, the best band of the entire festival was Stinking Lizaveta! See you next year, everyone. Let’s stay healthy and return once again to enjoy so many exciting and talented bands!                

Το άρθρο NEW LONG FEST 2026: DAY 2 – NEA MAKRI, GREECE – 21/06/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

The date was set for June 27 at the Olympic Tennis Center at OAKA. It was my first time attending a concert at this venue, and I have to say I was genuinely impressed—it proved to be an excellent setting for a rock show. There was something else I noticed as well: every single attendee was seated, meaning there was no standing area at all. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Some people would argue that it’s unthinkable for a rock concert. To them, I’d simply say that all-seated rock concerts have been the norm in many countries for decades. In fact, most concert halls, arenas, and venues abroad are entirely seated. Many historic clubs, venues, and stadiums fall into this category. So, if this still seems unusual in our small country in 2026, what can I say? Sooner or later, we’ll get used to it too.

With those thoughts in mind, time flew by until the members of Kostas Tournas‘ band took their places on the large stage. The moment Tournas himself appeared, the audience erupted into applause. The legendary Greek musician treated us to a selection of his greatest songs, warming our hearts and taking us on a nostalgic journey back to earlier days. “Ela Ilie Mou”, “Anthrope Agapa”, “Omorfi”, “Opou Fisaei o Anemos”, “Min Tis To Peis”, “O Pio Kalos Tragoudistis” and several more made for a wonderful performance in a beautiful, compact set that will stay with us for a long time. Once again, Kostas Tournas proved what a remarkable musician he is—a defining figure of Greek rock and a truly wonderful person who speaks through his music.

After treating us to his wonderful melodies, Kostas Tournas bid us farewell, leaving the stage to the crew as preparations began for the night’s main event. According to the schedule, Foreigner were set to take the stage at 9:00 p.m., and right on time the legendary headliners made their entrance onto the spacious stage of the Olympic Tennis Center before a large and enthusiastic crowd. The excitement reached another level as Foreigner opened with the classic “Double Vision”, and two things became immediately clear to me: the band’s phenomenal sound and the incredible voice of their new (since 2025) singer, Luis Maldonado. Every member of the band is an exceptional musician, but beyond their individual technical brilliance, what really stood out was how tightly connected they were on stage. Their chemistry was flawless, and the result was a series of outstanding performances of Foreigner’s greatest songs. It was obvious that musicians of this caliber knew exactly what they were doing when they chose Maldonado. The Mexican frontman sounded remarkably close to Lou Gramm, possessing tremendous power and vocal range. Beyond his technical abilities, however, Maldonado proved to be a fantastic frontman, performing with heart, enthusiasm, and constant interaction with the audience, effortlessly getting the crowd to follow his every move. Jeff Pilson (bass) and the rest of the band put together an excellent setlist, performing virtually every major Foreigner classic, with the exceptions of “Say You Will” and my personal favorite, “Starrider”. The sound was outstanding, the lighting equally impressive, and the audience responded with energy and joy, singing along to the unforgettable songs of these classic hard rock legends. At first, we remained seated, but before long we abandoned our chairs, made our way to the front barrier, and joined countless other excited fans who simply couldn’t stay in their seats any longer. Among the evening’s highlights were “Blue Morning, Blue Day”, “Cold as Ice”, “Feels Like the First Time”, “Juke Box Hero” and, of course, the ultimate love ballad, “I Want to Know What Love Is”, which also featured the backing vocalists from Kostas Tournas’ band. The concert came to a thrilling close with “Hot Blooded”, sending both the band and the audience into a frenzy. It was a classic hard rock show that lifted us to the heavens, reminded us of the past, brought tears to our eyes, and had us rocking from beginning to end. So many musicians may not have been there, but the emotions were overwhelming, and the music was simply magnificent.

When the concert came to its triumphant end, we were all absolutely thrilled. It had been a true hard rock party, and everyone had an amazing time. There are no second thoughts, no room for negativity at our celebration. We don’t need toxic voices, self-proclaimed experts, or the music police telling us how we’re supposed to enjoy ourselves. What we want is more classic hard rock shows like this. OK?

Το άρθρο FOREIGNER, KOSTAS TOURNAS – OLYMPIC TENNIS CENTER, ATHENS, GREECE – 27/06/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

To be honest, I had been wondering just how different this concert could be and what new experiences this latest encounter with Roth might have in store for us. Yet the mere fact that he would perform the entirety of “Virgin Killer” (1976), the classic Scorpions album, was more than enough reason for us to make our way to the venue on Liosion Street. As it turned out, however, this concert had far more to offer.

The support slot was given to Achelous. I must admit that I initially had my reservations about this choice, as I felt that the Greek metallers did not quite match Roth’s style; perhaps a classic hard rock band would have been a more fitting companion. Achelous took the stage right on time, with Gagarin 205 only half full at that moment. The Greek band came out firing on all cylinders, delivering their brand of epic/power metal packed with powerful riffs, intoxicating melodies, catchy refrains, and intricate guitar work. Their excellent songs kept us company for approximately 45–50 minutes in a set overflowing with passion and energy. Achelous managed to convince even the most skeptical listeners that they are a truly talented band—one that works hard and has already composed genuine epic metal anthems. I am eagerly awaiting their next studio release. In the end, Achelous proved to be a perfect fit before Roth!

By then, we had been thoroughly warmed up and were more than ready for the wonders that were about to unfold. The German guitar master made his appearance to loud cheers and the audience’s thunderous applause!

The show unfolded in two distinct acts.

In the first part of the show, Roth performed alone on stage, accompanied by pre-recorded backing tracks. After a short intermission, the second part followed, with Roth joined by his touring band to perform songs from the early days of Scorpions.

At first, wielding his famed Transcendental Sky Guitar, Roth performed interpretations of Mozart, played material from his solo career, while videos—and even some of his own paintings—were projected onto the screen behind the stage. Roth demonstrated just how great an artist he truly is and how remarkable his body of work remains. His playing, blending rock with classical music, captivated us completely, carrying us away to the sun and the stars. Without exaggeration, we found ourselves transported elsewhere—to beautiful and distant realms. It was a crescendo of guitar artistry and human expression. Rarely have we felt something so unique at a concert. That first part alone was worth everything.

The second part was equally spectacular, with Roth now joined by his live band to perform the entirety of “Virgin Killer”, sending us straight to seventh heaven. As classics such as “Pictured Life”, “Catch Your Train”, and “Backstage Queen” filled the air, Gagarin 205 erupted and Roth was rightfully hailed by the crowd. Naturally, the emotional impact of “Polar Nights” and “Yellow Raven” was immense. The recital came to a close with several other classic Scorpions songs from the 1970s, including “Sun in My Hand”, “We’ll Burn the Sky”, “In Trance”, and “Sails of Charon”. I would also like to point out that the band’s bassist and vocalist, Niklas Turmann, was suffering from a cold, so in several parts of the show he was assisted by Célia Ramos. The result was quite beautiful vocally, with their voices complementing each other wonderfully.

 Uli Jon Roth brought Heaven to Earth, and we were privileged to witness a truly monumental concert! I was already a fan of Roth before this show, but now I understand so much more about both the man and his music. This was more than a live performance—it was a masterclass in musical art and history. Uli is one of the true Gods of Music, regardless of genres, styles, or labels. Period.

Το άρθρο ULI JON ROTH, ACHELOUS – GAGARIN 205, ATHENS, GREECE – 05/06/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

With all this in mind, we entered Piraeus Club Academy, which quickly filled up—not to capacity, but enough to create a lively atmosphere. The band chosen to open the evening was Black Soul Horde, a group that has earned considerable praise from the Greek metal audience over the past few years. Led by vocalist Jim Kotsis, the band stormed onto the stage, delivering pure, solid and uncompromising heavy/epic metal that immediately grabbed our attention. With several strong albums and a catalog of thoughtfully crafted songs behind them, they had no trouble putting together a highly engaging setlist. Black Soul Horde possess a sophisticated musical approach that demands the listener’s full attention, yet at Piraeus Club Academy they won over the audience with ease. Kotsis’s vocal performance was particularly impressive, reaching consistently high standards throughout the set, while the weeping guitars created a dense and evocative atmosphere with every phrase. Black Soul Horde are a skilled and talented band, and if they continue on this path, they have every chance of making a significant impact on the international metal scene.

Before long, it was time for Raven to make their triumphant appearance. Without unnecessary introductions or overblown theatrics, the British veterans stepped onto the stage and proceeded to tear the place apart. Raven played like men possessed. There is simply no other way to describe it. They were relentless, explosive and absolutely unstoppable. Brothers John Gallagher and Mark Gallagher spent the entire show charging from one side of the stage to the other, running, jumping, shouting, and pouring every ounce of energy into their performance. These are two eternal teenagers, seemingly untouched by time, musicians who have mastered the art of giving everything they have until the very last note. The sound was thunderous, the attitude infectious and the metal they delivered was fast, wild and electrifying. The setlist drew from every era of their career and kept the audience fully engaged, although I personally would have loved to hear my favorite Raven song, “Don’t Need Your Money” in its entirety—sadly, only the main riff made a brief appearance during the guitar solo. The guitar and bass solos were immensely enjoyable, while the medley of “Rock Bottom”, “Victim Of Changes”, “Supernaut”, “Breadfan” and “Children Of The Grave” sent the crowd into a frenzy. The entire performance felt like having a megaton bomb explode right in front of us.

Watching musicians of their age perform with such passion and intensity is genuinely inspiring. There was no arrogance, no narcissism and none of the clichés that often accompany veteran acts—just pure heavy metal delivered with honesty and conviction. Raven stole the show, and we responded by giving them the hero’s welcome they deserved. These are the kinds of concerts we need more of: authentic, unique, utterly unforgettable.

After Raven’s metal onslaught, we were left feeling exhilarated and completely satisfied. We had received exactly what we came for—and then some. This is the kind of metal that makes you feel like a small child on a playground, free from worries, responsibilities and everyday concerns. For a couple of hours, nothing else mattered except the music, the energy and the shared passion of everyone in the room. It was a reminder of why we fell in love with heavy metal in the first place. Thank you, Raven!

Το άρθρο RAVEN, BLACK SOUL HORDE – PIRAEUS CLUB ACADEMY, ATHENS, GREECE – 27/05/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

Reflection Black will perform live on Friday, June 12, at the open-air venue of Universe K-5 Arena, setting the stage for the opening day of Disorder Festival, the city’s new dark music festival, which brings together some of the biggest international names from the darkwave, post-punk, and synth scenes.

This will mark Reflection Black’s first live appearance since the release of their new album, Burning Obsidian Star, in March. The band is expected to focus on material from the new record, delivering their signature dark gothic rock and post-punk atmosphere to the audience.

Headlining the first day of Disorder Festival are She Past Away, one of the leading acts of the darkwave scene, with the Turkish duo also bringing along material from their newly released 2026 album, Mizantrop. Also appearing on the festival’s stage that day are Swedish synthpop duo Kite, performing in Greece for the very first time, and German veterans Diorama.

Join us on Friday, June 12, at Disorder Festival, Athens’ new landmark event for dark alternative music!

Advance ticket sales available now.

https://www.more.com/gr-el/tickets/music/disorder-festival/

Doors: 18.00
E-ticket general admission: 40€
Universe K-5 Arena

87 Kifisou Avenue, Athens 12241, Greece

Find Reflection Black

Bandcamp

https://reflectionblack.bandcamp.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/nightofnolight/

Spotify

https://shorturl.at/0WR6L

Το άρθρο REFLECTION BLACK: TO PARTICIPATE IN DISORDER FESTIVAL εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

Το άρθρο METALLICA – “CREEPING DEATH” & “KING NOTHING” (LIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE – 09/05/2026) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

Iron Maiden launched the 2026 leg of their Run For Your Lives world tour on Saturday night, May 23, with a powerful performance at Olympic Athletic Center of Athens.

While the majority of the setlist remained unchanged from the 2025 run of the tour, the Athens show featured one major surprise: the return of “Infinite Dreams,” taken from the band’s seventh studio album, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. The performance marked the song’s first live appearance since 1988, when it was originally played during the band’s tour in support of the landmark record.

Before introducing the sixth song of Iron Maiden’s set, frontman Bruce Dickinson took a moment to address the crowd, saying: “We couldn’t think of a better place in Europe to start this tour… We know a few of you have seen some of this show before. We thought we’d just do a little bit of something different, just for this next song, because it’s a song that we have not played for many, many years. No, it’s not ‘Alexander The Great’. But it will be when you go to bed tonight — your ‘Infinite Dreams’.”

Το άρθρο IRON MAIDEN – “INFINITE DREAMS” (LIVE IN ATHENS, GREECE) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

photos by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

As one of the three greatest metal bands of all time, Metallica had been away from Greece for many years. I had, of course, admired them and experienced the power of a Metallica live show several times in the past. Even so, every single time you see this colossal band, it feels special and carries its own great significance. And a Metallica concert is always a great spectacle. This time, however, their performance would be an astonishing production unlike anything seen before. It was not just the fact that they would be playing at the Olympic Stadium (Athens), but that they would perform on a 360-degree stage placed at the very center of the stadium, surrounded by eight towering axes/video walls. As you can imagine, the entire setup was something unprecedented, fully worthy of Metallica’s legendary reputation and immense stature. The unbelievably fast sell-out and the circular stage had already prepared us for a concert destined to make history. And it truly did.
After many months of anticipation, the big day had finally arrived. Metallica were about to perform for us, and everyone’s excitement had reached its peak. After all, the opening of the Metallica pop-up shop in Athens had already set the mood, drawing us even deeper into the experience and intensifying the anticipation even more. And so, we arrived at May 9th, a day that, as you can imagine, belonged entirely to the great Metallica family. We were going to see Metallica — and at that moment, nothing else mattered.
By midday, we had put on our short-sleeved band shirts and jeans. It was a bright, warm day, with just enough of a cool breeze to make it perfect, and we set off for the Olympic Stadium (Athens). The streets were packed with metalheads; the whole city seemed to be living for the concert of the year. We made our way to the electric railway station, thinking we would easily catch the train that would take us close to the stadium. Not a chance. Every train that arrived was already crammed with people, so full that there was simply no way for us to get on. After letting three packed trains pass, we finally spotted a tiny opening on the next one and somehow managed to squeeze ourselves in. Packed together like sardines, we soon arrived at Eirini Station, stepped out, and instantly became part of the massive crowd flowing toward the stadium. We walked quickly, and at last we reached our seats. Settling in comfortably, we waited for Metallica to take the stage.

Even though we arrived at the very last moment, we still managed to catch the first support act of the day, Knocked Loose. The truth is, I did not know much about them beforehand, so it was only natural that I was caught off guard when they launched into their set. Their songs move at the crossroads of metalcore, hardcore, and punk, with touches of nu metal here and there. They struck me as extreme in every possible way: their sound was deafening, their groove flattened everything in its path, the guitars sliced through the air like blades, and the vocals sounded sick, raw, and completely torn apart. The overall result was a bit too hardcore for my personal taste, and I do not really think Knocked Loose were the ideal support band for Metallica. Still, we have to admit that they achieved exactly what they were there to do: warm up the crowd, which slowly but surely began headbanging and opening up mosh pits. It was clear that this is a band with vision and character. Everyone could sense that if they pay close attention to the finer details of their songwriting and arrangements, they are more than capable of delivering truly great things in the future. And with that, Knocked Loose’s performance came to an end, and from that moment on, all eyes were fixed on Gojira.

The French progressive death metallers did not take long to step onto the circular stage that had been set up for Metallica. The crowd filling both the arena and the stands of the Olympic Stadium (Athens) erupted in cheers the moment they appeared. After their remarkable performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the Frenchmen have truly become metal superstars, and that aura, that commanding presence, was evident throughout their entire set. Just watching them, you could immediately tell that this is a major band. Their sound was precise and powerful, their chemistry admirable, and the way they reproduced their studio recordings live was deeply impressive. But beyond all that technical excellence, Gojira possess what matters most: truly outstanding songs, the very foundation upon which their greatness is built. Yes, it was still early evening, and naturally everyone already had Metallica on their minds. Yet those circumstances did not unsettle Joe Duplantier and his bandmates in the slightest. They gave absolutely everything to win over the audience. And they succeeded. They proved their worth and prepared us in the finest and most high-quality way possible for what was still to come.

The big moment was drawing near, and nothing could hold us back. The instant the video walls displayed the official concert poster, absolute chaos erupted inside the Olympic Stadium. In fact, the fans in the stands began creating continuous waves, just like at a football match. It was a fantastic experience, an incredible atmosphere, a true celebration of joy. We were all so happy to be there, about to witness Metallica — some for another one time, others for the very first. United and completely fired up, we were ready to explode. And then, finally, it happened. First came AC/DC’s iconic “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock n’ Roll)”, followed by Ennio Morricone’s immortal “Ecstasy of Gold”, now the traditional intro to Metallica’s live shows. The packed stadium — more than 80,000 people strong — rose to its feet and gave the four metal superstars a thunderous welcome. And what a dreamlike opening it was. They launched straight into “Creeping Death”, sending the entire crowd into madness. The momentum continued with “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, as flares lit up the night and complete chaos took over. Since this was not a “No Repeat Weekend” show, Metallica delivered their greatest hits — a divine best-of setlist that brought every fan’s fantasy to life. And the classics kept coming: “Fade to Black”, “Master of Puppets”, “One”, “Sad But True”, “King Nothing”, “Moth Into Flame” and “Fuel”, all shook the stadium to its foundations. Thankfully, the emotional highlights were there too, with the deeply moving “The Unforgiven” and “Nothing Else Matters”, moments that brought a different kind of intensity to the night. Of course, they could have played a few more tracks from “Master of Puppets” and “…And Justice for All”, but let’s not ask for absolutely everything.
The experience of witnessing Metallica live and hearing the songs we grew up with performed by their very creators was something else entirely — absolutely thrilling. Tears of joy streamed down many faces and heartbeats raced! These were irreplaceable moments, the kind of memories no one would ever trade for anything. Only a true fan can fully understand what I mean … For the older ones, it made us feel young again; for the younger ones, it was a moment that made them grow. It was pure delirium.
Metallica were clearly in tremendous spirits, and that energy helped them deliver at the highest possible level. They performed their anthems flawlessly, with tight and often slightly reworked interpretations, never allowing minor technical issues — like the brief drum problem during “One” — to distract them for even a moment. Just as importantly, the four musicians were genuinely enjoying themselves, and that translated into fantastic communication with the crowd. James Hetfield, as the natural frontman, spoke to us the most and constantly played off the audience’s energy, but Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich also each took their turn addressing the crowd, each leaving their own distinct mark on the night. What especially impressed me was what Hammett said about Greek culture and music theory, acknowledging how it was born in Athens through Pythagoras. And of course, there was the unforgettable Hammett–Trujillo doodle, when they performed the theme from “Zorba the Greek” along with part of “Den Horas Pouthena” by Tripes. The crowd below completely lost its mind — no one was expecting any of that.
Overall, the sound was extremely powerful — among the best I have ever experienced at a concert, the lighting was perfectly executed, and the entire circular stage concept truly felt like a one-of-a-kind experience. It was, without a doubt, a massive production, one that will be remembered for years and has set the bar incredibly high for future rock and metal shows. It really makes you wonder how other live performances will compare now, because so many of them might suddenly feel smaller and less impactful. The only slight drawback I could point out regarding the circular stage is that at certain points it was quite low, meaning that people in the arena didn’t always have a clear view of the band.
After “Enter Sandman”, the curtain fell in triumphant fashion, with Metallica saying goodbye, thanking us, and throwing out a huge number of guitar picks — far more than anyone could count. This incredible live show came to an end in a truly celebratory atmosphere, while we were still trying to process everything we had just experienced. In my opinion, it was the best Metallica concert I have ever seen, and one of the greatest rock/metal live shows ever held in Greece. Ever.
Shortly before midnight, we left the Olympic Stadium and started our way back home. With the best memories in our minds, the sound of Metallica still echoing in our heads, and an overwhelming sense of happiness, we were floating in a sea of pure joy. Anyone who attended that concert will have stories to tell for a lifetime. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we see Metallica on stage again. Until then, we have plenty of beautiful moments to remember.

Το άρθρο METALLICA, GOJIRA, KNOCKED LOOSE – OAKA, ATHENS, GREECE – 09/05/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

“Wow!! Massive thanks to the #MetallicaFamily in Greece for setting a new attendance record Saturday night at Athens Olympic Stadium! Over 90,000 of you packed in, and trust us… we could feel it! We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this leg of the #M72 World Tour”.

It was an amazing heavy metal concert indeed, which left super-satisfied both the band and its fans! A great moment in metal history!

Το άρθρο METALLICA THANK ATHENS! εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.