“Sangue Innocente” was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Ulag Zone by Mauro Ulag Mancinelli, while the vocals were recorded at Sound Distillery Recording Studio by Damiano Paoloni.

“Sangue Innocente” track listing:

01. Realize
02. Childhood Denied
03. Sangue Innocente
04. The Gambler
05. Sole Freddo
06. The Other Side
07. Occhi Vuoti
08. A.I.
09. Sing In The Sky
10. Ho Dimenticato

Το άρθρο IBRIDOMA: NEW ALBUM OUT IN A FEW DAYS εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

the setlist for the concert was as follows:

01. Overture
02. Morphine Child (instrumental intro only)
03. Dead Winter Dead
04. Jesus Saves
05. The Wake Of Magellan
06. Miles Away
07. Sirens
08. Another Way
09. This Is The Time (1990)
10. Unusual
11. Chance
12. Adagio In G Minor (Tomaso Albinoni & Remo Giazotto cover) (excerpt played by Johnny Lee Middleton with orchestra)
13. The Storm
14. Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)
15. Not What You See (Zak with orchestra only)
16. Handful Of Rain
17. Lights Out
18. Tonight He Grins Again
19. The Hourglass
20. Believe
21. Gutter Ballet
22. Edge Of Thorns

Encore:

23. Temptation Revelation
24. Power Of The Night
25. Hall Of The Mountain King

photo by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)

Το άρθρο SAVATAGE: PERFORMED WITH ORCHESTRA IN POMPEII! εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Eldritch were formed in Livorno, Italy, back in 1991, when guitarist Eugene Simone and vocalist Terence Holler decided to bring their shared passion for melodic and progressive metal to life. Italy, at the time, wasn’t exactly a hotbed for heavy metal, especially for the kind that Eldritch were aiming for – something technical, emotional and sophisticated. But that didn’t stop them. The band’s goal was simple: to combine the aggression of American power metal with the complexity and depth of progressive rock/metal.

After a couple of demos, Eldritch caught attention across Europe and signed with Limb Music, releasing their debut album “Seeds of Rage” in 1995. The record immediately stood out in the crowded mid-’90s metal scene, with its strong melodies, sharp riffs and expressive vocals. Tracks like “Under This Ground”, “Blind Promise” and “Colors” showcased a young band bursting with creativity and technical mastery. You could already sense that Eldritch were not content with clichés — they were building something different, something more emotional and intelligent than the average power metal release of that era.

Their sophomore album, “Headquake” (1997), was the point where Eldritch shaped their own sonic identity. It was a masterpiece – heavier, darker and more mature, with intricate arrangements that balanced virtuosity and atmosphere. The band was no longer just another melodic metal act from Italy — they were a formidable force in the European prog/power metal scene. “Ghoulish Gift”, “Lord of an Empty Place” and “Sometimes in Winter” demonstrated how Eldritch could effortlessly blend powerful riffs, haunting vocal lines and emotionally charged lyrics.

By the late ’90s, progressive metal was thriving thanks to acts like Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Vanden Plas. Yet Eldritch managed to stay unique. Their music had a certain Mediterranean melancholy, a sense of melody that reflected their Italian roots. It wasn’t just about showing off musical skill; it was about expressing human emotion through complexity.

Their third record, “El Niño” (1998), pushed things further. Influenced by the aggression of thrash metal and the precision of prog, it became another defining album. The title track and “Bleed Mask Bleed” are still fan favorites — examples of how Eldritch could shift from technical fury to emotional depth in a single song.

The early 2000s marked a new era for the band. “Reverse” (2001) introduced more modern and mechanical elements, blending progressive metal with touches of industrial and groove metal. This was not an easy step — the metal world was changing fast, and many bands struggled to remain relevant. But Eldritch proved once again that they weren’t afraid to take risks. Their experimentation never felt forced; it was something natural.

Two years later came “Portrait of the Abyss Within” (2004), an album that displayed the band’s emotional and conceptual depth. It was a more introspective work — perhaps their most personal one until then.

After that album, Eldritch released seven full-length records, “Neighbourhell” (2006), “Blackenday” (2007), “Gaia’s Legacy” (2011), “Tasting the Tears” (2014), “Underlying Issues” (2015), “Cracksleep” (2018) and “Eos” (2021). It is true that the band wasn’t able to maintain the same high level as on “Headquake”, “El Niño” and “Reverse”, yet every Eldritch album remained a serious work with something meaningful to say.

The latest Eldritch album is “Innervoid”, which was released in 2023, one year after the departure of longtime vocalist Terence Holler. Featuring new singer Alex Jarusso, the record marks both a rebirth and a reaffirmation of what Eldritch have always stood for — emotional power, melodic sophistication, and technical brilliance. Jarusso’s voice fits naturally into the band’s sound, bringing fresh energy and expressiveness without altering their core identity.

The rave reviews and the enthusiastic feedback from their live shows gave a new push to the Italian prog/power metallers, who are now looking toward the future with fresh, raw energy, beautiful melodicism, and brilliant musicianship — qualities that still set them apart from their contemporaries!

What makes Eldritch special is not only their music virtues, but also their attitude. They have always stood outside the mainstream, focused on the quality of their art rather than commercial success. Eugene Simone’s guitar work remains the backbone of their sound: sharp, emotional, and technically flawless. Terence Holler’s voice, one of the most expressive in European metal, brings life to every lyric, from anger to melancholy. The rhythm section and Oleg Smirnoff’s keyboards add depth and energy, creating the band’s trademark mix of complexity and melody.

Over the years, Eldritch have influenced countless younger bands across Europe and USA. They’ve played alongside icons like Pain of Salvation, Symphony X and Threshold, proving that Italian metal can stand proudly among the best in the world. And while Italy has given us some great metal names — Rhapsody, Labyrinth, Vision Divine, Athena, Secret Sphere — Eldritch occupy a special place. They are the intellectuals of Italian metal!

As the band returns for their upcoming Greek mini-tour, a connection between Eldrich and the Greek fans is growing. What shall we expect from the Italians? Surely, powerful performances, melodic epics, and that unique blend of Italian passion and precision. Songs from “Innervoid”, “El Niño” and “Headquake” will remind us why Eldritch are still one of Europe’s finest. Be sure you catch Eldritch live!

Το άρθρο ELDRITCH – THE ITALIAN ELEGANCE IN METAL εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

♦ 8/10

Christina X

Το άρθρο DEATHLESS LEGACY – “DAMNATIO AETERNA” (2025, SCARLET) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

♦ 8/10

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Το άρθρο NOVERIA – “THE GATES OF THE UNDERWORLD” (2023, SCARLET) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Το άρθρο DEMIDEAD – “WAR AGAINST OURSELVES” (2024, AD NOCTEM) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

♦ 9/10
Christina X

Το άρθρο ALTERIUM – “OF WAR AND FLAMES” (2024, AFM) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

2024 is set to be a historic year, especially for Italian cult progressive metallers ATHENA XIX: formerly known as ATHENA, they are re-united with front-man and founding member Fabio Lione, who is also the vocalist of their labelmates ANGRA among others. Lione’s return marks a new era for the band as they’re preparing the release of their much-anticipated fourth studio album which is due out later this year through Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). While fans have been waiting impatiently for further details to be shared, ATHENA XIX finally present a first musical sign of life, titled ‘The Conscience Of Everything,’ today.

The band state, “This song deals with humanity in all its iterations, leading listeners through a world filled with complex melodies and deep instropection. This opus is much more of an experience than a mere song and also only the beginning of our common journey. Abandon yourselves!”.

About ATHENA XIX

Originating in 1991, ATHENA released their most successful album to date, “A New Religion?,” in 1998 – still recognised and appropriately rewarded as the best prog metal album of an Italian band ever. The original band members finally re-united in 2019 — after several line-up changes and a hiatus — writing new songs which will be released later this year via Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).

ATHENA XIX are:
Fabio Lione | vocals
Simone Pellegrini | guitars
Gabriele Guidi | keyboards
Alessio Sabella | bass
Matteo Amoroso | drums

Το άρθρο ATHENA XIX: RELEASE DIGITAL COMEBACK SINGLE εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Where, when and how was Blax formed? Give us the story of the band until now.

The band adventure started in March 2020, when our singer and songwriter Giampaolo Polidoro, alias Blax, started to collaborate with our guitarist Marco Fanella, alias Hektor, for the recording of the first demo-tape, which later became the music you can listen through our album “Meravilia”, recorded during 2021. The Blax project became a family in 2022, when the drummer Massimiliamo Bergo (alias Argex), the bass player Giulia Balestrieri (alias Katla) and the guitarist Emil Dellantonio (alias Hexen) joined the band.

You released your debut album some months ago. How do you see that album now? Are you satisfied with the reaction of the press and the fans? Would you change something to it, if you had the opportunity?

Yes, people who listen to album “Meravilia” express good feeling about the gothic sound, which is reflected in the whole band image and concept. The very well done production of the album is another positive point received from both fans and music press. Now our aim is to let more and more people know our first album by playing live around the world.

How would you describe the music of Blax? I think your style is melodic industrial/gothic rock. Do you agree with me?

Yes, we think that the more appropriate way to call our music is “hard goth” as the gothic

influences meet a 80s hard rock inspired sound. The band has a theatrical image related to the

representation of this goth Blax family.

Which bands made you wanna play music? Which are your favourite bands now?

Helloween and Iron Maiden made me to play music at the very first beginning. Now bands like Ghost are my favorite.

Who is responsible for the music and lyrics of Blax? How do you compose music and write lyrics?

Every song of the first album “Meravilia“ was born from our singer Giampaolo (Blax) and then developed together with the guitarist Marco (Hektor).

Where do your lyrics refer to?

The album “Meravilia” is thought as a concept album as the songs are meant to tell the stories around Blax family, so a central narrative is present in the album.

Why did you name the band Blax and the album “Meravilia”?

The name was spontaneously born, while trying to grasp in its meaning between dark and black, intending a “black” soul. “Meravilia” represents the place where this family lives, as you can image from the album cover.

Describe the recording sessions of ”Meravilia”. Who did the production? The mixing and the mastering?

The recordings took place in Ravel 5 Studio in Latina where the guitarist Marco Fanella led the full recording and production of the album “Meravilia”.

If you had the chance to collaborate with a famous musician, who would he/she be? Why?

With the band Ghost, because it is very near our music and scene.

How much important is atmosphere and feeling for Blax?

It is very important, because the gothic atmosphere needs to have an image related to the music sound.

How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect you?

Actually pandemic was a time period that helped us to be creative, because Giampaolo, our singer and songwriter, was starting to create the idea of Blax during the pandemic in 2020.

Have you started working on new songs? Give me all the necessary information, please!

The composition process is going ahead for new songs that will elevate Blax sound and family representation.

Which are your plans for the future? Some live dates or even a tour?

We have several dates, we will play outside Italy like in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Greece, etc.

Send your message to the fans!

What we want is to play for all people who can appreciate our compositions, letting them be part of the Blax family, because sharing the same passion for music is what make us a family. You can get in touch through social networks for sure, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels, and then listen to our music on every music platforms. Thank you!

Το άρθρο BLAX – MEET THE BLAX FAMILY! εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

♦ 8/10

Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Το άρθρο ONCEWERESIXTY – “LOCO SUNSET BOULEVARD/GHETTO BLAST NOIZE MACHINE” (2024, UGLY DOG) εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.