🎤 2 winners will each receive a double ticket for one of the two shows:

🇬🇷 Athens – 09/10
🇬🇷 Thessaloniki – 10/10

🤘 THE GIVEAWAY QUESTION:

What is the title of WARLOCK’s debut album, and what year was it released?

⚡ Be quick! The first two people to send the correct answer will win!

📧 Send your answer by Wednesday, October 7 to:

dzaxmetal@yahoo.gr

In the subject line of your email, write:

👉 ATHENS – if you want to attend the Athens show
👉 THESSALONIKI – if you want to attend the Thessaloniki show

🏆 The two winners will be announced at noon on Thursday, October 8!

Don’t think twice… BE QUICK! ⚡

Good luck to everyone and…
🤘 ROCK ON! 🤘

#MythOfRock #Eventation #DoroPesch #Doro #Warlock #Giveaway #Athens #Thessaloniki #RockOn

Το άρθρο MYTH OF ROCK & EVENTATION GIVEAWAY – DORO PESCH! 🤘 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Released in 1995 through Century Media Records, “Mandylion” was much more than simply another album from a Dutch metal band. It was the beginning of a new chapter for The Gathering, the first album to feature Anneke van Giersbergen, and the record that finally introduced the band to a much wider audience.
The Gathering had already released two albums, “Always…” (1992) and “Almost a Dance” (1993), but neither had given the band the direction they were looking for. Their early material was rooted in atmospheric death/doom metal, with the influence of bands such as Celtic Frost and Hellhammer clearly present. But the musicians wanted something different. They wanted space, melody, atmosphere and a more progressive approach.

Then came Anneke! Her arrival changed everything. It is difficult to talk about “Mandylion” without talking about van Giersbergen – her performance is one of the defining elements of the album. What makes her so important to the band and the album is her beautiful voice and her personality, something difficult to find: Anneke could sound delicate without becoming weak, powerful without becoming aggressive, emotional without sounding forced. She could float above the guitars and then become the central force of a song. There was an innocent quality to her singing, with something mysterious and melancholic underneath it. The Gathering knew exactly how to use Anneke’s charisma.
The opening track, “Strange Machines”, remains one of the band’s signature songs. The riff is heavy enough to remind us where The Gathering came from, but the song already points towards somewhere else. Anneke’s vocals transform the atmosphere completely, while the guitars create a dramatic, cinematic backdrop. It is catchy, unusual and instantly recognizable.
Then comes “Eleanor”, one of the most beautiful moments on the record. It proves that heaviness is not always about distortion or aggression. The weight comes from the melody, the arrangement and Anneke’s delivery. This song has really aged remarkably well.
“Sand and Mercury” is an epic composition. It builds slowly, allowing the guitars and rhythm section to create tension before the vocals take over. It is expansive without becoming complicated, a powerful, wonderful recital, which stays with you forever!

Yet, “Leaves” is the emotional heart of “Mandylion”. The song has a simplicity that makes it incredibly effective. Anneke’s voice carries the melody with an almost fragile beauty, while the guitars provide just enough weight underneath it. Every element has a purpose here.
Generally, the album’s value lies in its very well-crafted songs, its strength is the wise songwriting. It isn’t dictated and influenced by the trends of the mid-90s. It is obvious that The Gathering were already experimenting with the boundaries between metal, gothic rock and atmospheric music, but they did not yet have the shoegaze, trip-hop and alternative influences that would become much more obvious on later albums. “Mandylion” is a metal album, but you can hear the band preparing to leave traditional metal territory behind.
Commercially, the album became the band’s breakthrough, selling more than 130,000 copies in Europe and helping establish them internationally. But its real impact can be heard in the countless bands and singers who followed a similar path, combining heavy guitars with atmospheric arrangements and expressive female vocals.
For the band itself, “Mandylion” is the beginning of something much bigger. The band would go on to make the extraordinary “How to Measure a Planet?”, the intense “if_then_else”, the atmospheric “Souvenirs”, and many other records that continued to push their sound forward. Anneke would leave the band in 2007 and build a successful career of her own. The Gathering themselves would continue through different eras and with different vocalists.
Regardless of the years that have passed and the albums they have released since, “Mandylion” remains The Gathering’s most historic, crucial and artistically important album. It changed their history and played a major role in shaping the atmospheric metal sound, as well as the evolution of female-fronted metal. “Mandylion” is one of the most remarkable creations in the mythology of heavy metal.

Today, thirty-one years after its release, it still sounds special, great and unique, bringing chills and emotion to longtime listeners and excitement to younger ones. “Mandylion” is the main reason The Gathering have managed to survive in these difficult times for metal music. It is their masterpiece, and after so many years, twists, changes, ups and downs, and bursts of creativity, The Gathering are reuniting with Anneke to perform live shows dedicated to this monumental album.
From “Strange Machines” to “Sand and Mercury”, from “Eleanor” to “Leaves”, it remains a journey through heaviness, beauty, atmosphere and discovery. By releasing “Mandylion” thirty years ago, Anneke and her boys opened doors to musical infinity!
On September 24th and 26th, The Gathering will be playing live in Thessaloniki (Moni Lazariston) and Athens (Lycabettus Theatre), and we all know where we’ll be on these two wonderful nights!

Το άρθρο THE GATHERING – “MANDYLION”: CONSTRUCTING THE UNIVERSE OF ATMOSPHERIC METAL εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Panos Niko

photos by Panos Niko

Chained Saint kicked off the proceedings setting an aggressive pace with sharp musicianship and heavy down-tuned riffing that instantly woke up the early bird crowd. Following them, Crypta delivered an absolute masterclass in ferocious death metal. The Brazilian powerhouse fronted by the dynamic Fernanda Lira tore through their material with blistering speed and tight technical precision, proving why they are rapidly becoming one of the most vital and exciting forces in modern extreme music today.

Once the stage went dark for Slaughter to Prevail, the tension in the historic venue reached a boiling point. The overall atmosphere was intensely dark, ominous and genuinely creepy at times, heavily amplified by the band’s terrifying masks, “industrial stage presence” and strobe lighting intense enough to induce seizures.

Standing right at the barricade in the front row, the auditory and physical impact was completely visceral. At one point during the set, Alex Terrible stepped up to the edge of the stage and unleashed his signature “unamplified” raw vocals directly over the front rows without a microphone. Hearing that booming, primal roar cut through the air was nothing short of massive. Backed by a world class drummer who pounded out relentless, non-stop blast beats with machine like precision, the band delivered an absolute clinic in modern deathcore execution. The chaotic energy quickly spread through the crowd, erupting into massive “bone crushing” walls of death and swirling mosh pits that consumed the entire venue. Beyond the sheer “musical brutality” the frontman took several meaningful moments between the tracks to connect with the audience. After expressing his gratitude for the Greek fans’ hospitality and unwavering support, he gradually shifted to more personal reflections, speaking candidly about self-improvement, the destructive nature of drug abuse and his own personal journey of getting his life together, adding a deeply human dimension to the evening.

The only minor downside to an otherwise flawless performance was that the headlining set lasted for exactly one hour. However, given the insane physical demands, vocal toll and sheer athletic stamina required to sustain such a hyperaggressive show, the concise runtime made complete sense. By the time the final feedback faded into the warm summer night air, it was clear that this was an absolute triumph for Thessaloniki’s metal scene.

Το άρθρο SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, CRYPTA, CHAINED SAINT – MONI LAZARISTON, THESSALONIKI, GREECE – 25/07/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

We are giving away two (2) tickets for the Athens concert and two (2) tickets for the Thessaloniki concert. The winners will be selected by random draw from those who correctly answer the following question:

What is the full real name of Slaughter to Prevail vocalist Alex Terrible?

Send your answer to dzaxmetal@yahoo.gr, using one of the following subject lines:

– “Athens Concert” if you wish to enter the draw for the Athens show.

– “Thessaloniki Concert” if you wish to enter the draw for the Thessaloniki show.

The deadline for entries is July 22. The four lucky winners will be announced on July 23. Good luck to everyone, and we’ll see you in the pit!

Το άρθρο SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL GIVEAWAY! εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

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.