by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

Nazareth started in 1968 in Dunfermline, Scotland. The original members were Dan McCafferty (vocals), Pete Agnew (bass), Manny Charlton (guitar) and Darrell Sweet (drums). Before they were Nazareth, they played in local bands, including The Shadettes. In 1970, they changed their name to Nazareth, inspired by the first line of The Band’s song “The Weight” (“I pulled into Nazareth…”). The band wanted to make big, powerful rock music with strong guitar riffs and soulful vocals. They started touring and working hard to build a name in the UK rock scene.

Nazareth released their self-titled debut album in 1971. It showed their rock style but did not make them famous yet. The second album, “Exercises” (1972), was more experimental, with acoustic elements. Their big break came in 1973 with the album “Razamanaz”, produced by Deep Purple’s Roger Glover. This record included hits like “Razamanaz”, “Broken Down Angel” and “Bad Bad Boy”, very energetic and catchy songs, perfect for live shows. Nazareth started to get attention all over Europe.

The mid-1970s were the golden years for Nazareth. They released a series of classic albums – “Loud ‘n’ Proud” (1973), “Rampant” (1974) and “Hair of the Dog” (1975). “Hair of the Dog”, my favorite album, was a huge success and became their most famous work. It included their signature song, “Hair of the Dog” (often called “Son of a Bitch” because of its infamous lyric). Another track from this album, “Love Hurts”, became a worldwide hit. Originally by The Everly Brothers, Nazareth’s version turned into a rock ballad that climbed the charts in the U.S., Canada and many other countries. By the late 1970s, Nazareth was playing in big arenas and touring internationally. They were a major force in hard rock, alongside bands like Deep Purple and Uriah Heep. The 1980s brought changes in music trends, but Nazareth continued releasing albums and performing live. Some key albums from this decade were “Malice in Wonderland” (1980), “The Fool Circle” (1981) and “2XS” (1982). The single “Dream On” from “2XS” became popular, especially in Europe. Even if they were not at the top of the charts anymore, Nazareth had a loyal fanbase and kept touring.

Nazareth faced difficult times in the 1990s and 2000s. Drummer Darrell Sweet died suddenly in 1999. His death was a huge shock to the band and fans. Other members left or retired, but bassist Pete Agnew continued leading the group. Vocalist Dan McCafferty had health problems and had to stop touring in 2013, after more than 40 years as Nazareth’s voice. Finally, McCafferty passed away in November 2022.

Even after these losses, Nazareth did not stop. They brought in new musicians and released new albums. Some recent works include “Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone” (2014), “Tattooed on My Brain” (2018) and “Surviving the Law” (2022).

In 2015, Nazareth was inducted into the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, a great honor for their contribution to music.

Nazareth’s sound is a mix of hard rock, blues and heavy riffs, with emotional vocals. Their music influenced many famous bands, including Guns N’ Roses (who covered “Hair of the Dog”) and Metallica. They were pioneers in making rock music heavier, but also showed how to create beautiful ballads.

Apart from the aforementioned classic albums, Nazareth had released two other, essential for every rock/hard rock fan albums: “Expect No Mercy” (1977) and “No Mean City” (1979).

Without a doubt, Dan McCafferty’s unique voice was the soul of Nazareth. Songs like “Love Hurts”, “This Flight Tonight” and “Hair of the Dog” would not be the same without his raw, powerful vocals. Fans all over the world still celebrate his life and music.

If you love rock/hard rock music, you owe a lot to Nazareth. They were among the bands that built the foundation of hard rock. Their music will always be with us — in our speakers, our memories, our hearts. Nazareth will always rock the world. So, this chance we all now have, to experience a Nazareth live show (with Carl Sentence as the lead vocalist and only surviving member from the 70s line-up being bassist Pete Agnew), should not be missed!

Το άρθρο GOLDEN R. FESTIVAL 2025: NAZARETH εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

by Dimitris Zacharopoulos

[Fabio Lione photo by Iro Kalligeri @irokalligeriphotography)]

In a corner of Greece, where greenery and cliffs meet the azure, and history whispers in the winds, a legend was born. The Golden R. Festival, an oasis of powerful sounds and boundless energy, opened its gates for the first time in 2002, indelibly etching its name on the map of the Greek music scene.

Starting with vision and passion, the festival gradually blossomed, embracing musicians from every corner of Greece and the world. Metal music legends such as Mayhem, Destruction, Warlord, Grave Digger, Daniel Cavanagh of Anathema, Gaerea, Sorcerer, Rotting Christ, Septicflesh, Mystic Prophecy, Suicidal Angels, and many, many others, have graced its stages, alongside rising stars ready to share their passion with the audience.

Beyond the musical events, the Golden R. Festival has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, touching the souls of thousands of people. Friends meet, new friendships are forged, and music becomes the common language that unites them.

It’s the first Greek multi-day metal festival with a single ticket and camping, amenities for people with disabilities, and abundant merchandise!

This year, the Golden R. Festival celebrates its 23rd anniversary with numerous exclusives and an unwavering promise: to offer music lovers an unforgettable experience, filled with powerful melodies, boundless energy, and a sense of independence.

Elements that make the Golden R. Festival unique:

• Rich history: 23 years of music and unforgettable moments.
• Variety of artists: Participation of legends and rising talents from various musical genres.
• Friendly atmosphere: An ideal destination to meet new people and share your love for music.
• Beyond music: The festival also offers other activities, such as camping, street food, merch, and meet & greet with the artists.
• Unique location: Nea Anchialos of the beautiful Volos, the city of the Argonauts, at the foot of the mythical mountain of the Centaurs, Pelion, is the perfect setting for an unforgettable festival.

The Golden R. Festival is not just a musical event. It is an experience, a way of life, a community of people who share the same passion for music. If you are looking for something authentic, powerful and full of energy, the Golden R. Festival awaits you!

Golden R. Festival 2025

The ultimate festival experience with 24 (!!!) bands on stage returns to the beach of Nea Anchialos, Volos.

Three full days packed with music, full merchandise, camping, late-night parties until dawn every day, and countless parallel activities invite you to dive into the fantastic world of GRF, living the ultimate rock & metal festival life & style at the perfect place and time!

When? August 29-30-31

Where? In Volos, specifically on the beach of Nea Anchialos

With whom? Together with some of the greatest bands on the rock & metal planet, such as Nazareth, Old Man’s Child, Fabio Lione’s Dawn of Victory (Performing Rhapsody), God Dethroned, Iron Savior, Bonfire, and bands from the cream of the Greek metal scene like Lucifer’s Child, Reflection, Acid Death, Order of the Ebon Hand, and many more. Joining them is the super metal group Sons of Damnation, featuring the legendary Jim Mutilator (Yoth Iria, ex-Rotting Christ, Varathron), Andreas Vingbäck/Heljarmadr (Dark Funeral, Grá, Domgård, Heljarmadr), and Thomas Eriksen (Mork, Udåd).

GRF2025 also pays tribute to the contribution of Kostas Tournas, while expanding its musical horizons with bands such as the legendary Blues Wire!

GRF2025 Full Schedule

Friday, August 29

Doors: 16:00

– Fabio Lione’s Dawn of Victory (performing Rhapsody): A legend of the power metal scene! Fabio Lione (Official) voice is the sound of power metal! As the current frontman of Angra and former of the legendary Rhapsody, Fabio Lione’s contribution to power metal is characterized as nothing short of enormous. With DAWN OF VICTORY, Fabio takes the stage with a special old school Rhapsody set, which is sure to thrill all fans of this legendary band. Surrounded by former band members Alex Holzwarth, Patrice Guers, and Dominique Leurquin, he is coming to Greece and exclusively to the Golden R. Festival 2025.

– Iron Savior

– Sons of Damnation

– Acid Death

– Order of the Ebon Hand

– Speedrush

– Braveride

Saturday, August 30

Doors: 16:00

– Old Man’s Child: The grand return of Old Man’s Child is happening, marked by 7 live appearances this summer. One of these—their first ever exclusive in Greece—will be at the Golden R. Festival. The unique Galder and his multifaceted talent are key elements of GRF2025. This year, on the beach of Nea Anchialos, we are making history.

– God Dethroned

– Lucifer’s Child

– Reflection

– Exilium Noctis

– Powercross

– End of Dawn

– Illusive Mirrors

Sunday, August 31

Doors: 16:00

– Nazareth: The legends of rock music are returning to Greece after many years for a live performance at the Golden R. Festival! One of the greatest bands in the history of rock, still continuing their live performances on all continents of the earth, pass on the fire of rock to the next generations.

– Kostas Tournas

– Bonfire

– Blues Wire

– Afterimage

– Telma

– Blacken

– Secret Range

For information regarding the above and much more, visit https://www.goldenrfestival.com

Tickets: https://www.more.com/gr-el/tickets/music/golden-r-festival-2025

Το άρθρο GOLDEN R. FESTIVAL 2025: THE ULTIMATE GREEK ROCK & METAL FEST! εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

                                            by Christina X 

photos by Christina X

Here we were, on the last day of Golden R. Festival, on a hot evening, heading down to Nea Anchialos to witness the black metal history that was about to unfold in front of our eyes. With a heart full of napalm and a lot of cold drinks, the day began.

First up on the stage was Deus Dethroned, a black metal act from Volos, who kicked off the show with a bang. Crushing riffs, a whole lot of energy and drums on point and ruthless, they left us with a taste of pure extreme.

At this point, rain began pouring and sadly the next bands (Afterimage, Graywitch and Isolert) had to be skipped, but promised to come back and give a proper show. However, that was only a small setback for the day and as the rain ceased, the show went on like no other.

Heavy/ power metal Americans Warlord entered, as to fulfill the performance they had for the previous day and had to reschedule due to rainstorm. They took the crowd by storm, as they chanted lyrics and thanked them for being here. Their rhythmic timing and connection truly took the act to the next level and lifted our spirits.

It was time for doom metal pioneers Sorcerer to take the stage and we were all awaiting with glee. The legendary quintet made their performances memorable, with their guitar riffs ablaze and vocals to match a metal god, they surely left a huge impression.

Varathron was ready. The time had come. As smoke filled our visions, the legends arose. Track after track, they played eloquently, masterfully and full of passion. The torches aflame in the crowd only fueled the Athenian menaces, who spewed lyric after lyric. My personal favorite of the night was “Unholy Funeral”, with Necroabyssious on vocals absolutely demolishing. This was a hell of a way to await the great Mayhem. Varathron, once again, prove why they are at the top of the game.

Τhe long awaited arrival of Mayhem was finally here. The Norwegian invocation was ready to tear the stage to pieces. With the visuals displaying videos from the band’s previous video clips as well as personal tapes, Hellhammer entered. Deafening screams echoed. One by one, Teloch, Ghul, Necrobutcher and last, Αttila Csihar, bloody and gorgeously obscene made their ways to the stage. Every moment was chilling and my hair stood up straight. Mayhem were crushing our souls song by song. They played on and it was like a spell had washed over us. Their set list included older tracks to newer ones and every member was on fire. “Freezing Moon” was the moment we were absolutely dazed. Torches lit behind us in the crowd made the night look like day and it was mesmerizing. They had one more surprise left for us. Necrobutcher took the microphone and introduced none other than Manheim and Messiah to come join them and play tracks from “Deathcrush”. It was one of the most emotional moments in a show I’ve been to.  As the lights dimmed and they exited, I just about couldn’t believe what I had witnessed.

There was history written that night and it will forever remain engrained in my heart and memory.

Το άρθρο GOLDEN R. FESTIVAL 2024: MAYHEM, VARATHRON, SORCERER, WARLORD, DEUS DETHRONED – VOLOS, GREECE – 31/08/2024 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.