Rotting Christ
Formed: 1987
From:
Athens,
Greece
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Rotting Christ News
Below is our complete Rotting Christ news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
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Mystic Festival Release Daily Schedule Line-Ups
Who, when and where will induce your headbanging? Starting today it’s a mystery no more – Mystic Festival announced the detailed hourly program for the festival. There’s a couple of new names in the mix – Heathen, DVRK, and Species, as well as the winners of Road to Mystic: Unblessed Divine, Extensa, Bloodfeather, and Sever. Forbidden and Blood Vulture had to cancel their appearances at this year’s festival.
You can check out the schedule broken down by days below.
Immolation Premiere New Music Video
Veteran New York death metal band Immolation have released a new music video for “Bend Towards The Dark,” directed by guitarist Robert Vigna. The clip arrives alongside the April 10th release of their twelfth studio album, “Descent.”
Commenting on the release, the band collectively stated: More...
Behemoth Premiere Music Video For Bathory Cover
Polish blackened death metal band Behemoth have unveiled a cover of “The Return Of Darkness And Evil,” originally by pioneering black metal act Bathory. First released in 1985, the track also served as the title cut of Bathory’s sophomore album from that same year.
Behemoth’s new rendition will act as the official theme for this year’s Mystic Festival, set to take place June 3rd–6th in Gdansk, Poland. The event—widely regarded as the country’s largest metal festival—will be headlined by Behemoth, Megadeth, and Black Label Society.
It was the festival itself that initially approached Behemoth about creating a theme for this year’s edition, though vocalist/guitarist Adam “Nergal” Darski ultimately chose to record a cover instead. Speaking on that decision, he said: More...
Unverkalt Shares New Song Featuring Sakis Tolis
After drawing closer and closer to the edge over the past decade, Unverkalt are plunging into the darkness that’s always awaited below. The post-metal luminaries are still possessed by a cinematic vision, but their new album and first for Season of Mist throws back the velvet curtain in favor of a blackened veil. While wrestling with the weight of our accursed histories, "Héréditaire" now stands as their heaviest and most heartfelt offering.
Today, Unverkalt are thrilled to release a new video for the song that serves as the emotional pillar of Héréditaire. Fueled by contempt for those content on watching the world burn, "I, The Deceit" radiates strength with support from the band’s Greek brother-in-arms Sakis Tolis of Rotting Christ.
"I enjoy discovering new, unique and compelling music in today’s overwhelming world of information, and I believe I truly succeeded with Unverkalt," Sakis Tolis says. "This is an exceptional piece of art, worth every minute of listening."
"‘I, The Deceit’ captures the stillness of those who let the world burn, not out of ignorance, but because it serves them," Unverkalt vocalist Dimitra Kalavrezou says. More...
Behemoth Premiere New Music Video "Nomen Barbarvm"
Behemoth have unveiled an official music video for their song “Nomen Barbarvm,” marking the latest single from their current album, The Shit Ov God. The Polish blackened death metal titans once again teamed up with director Dariusz Szermanowiczr for the visual.
Vocalist/guitarist Nergal offering the following about the clip: More...
Rotting Christ Premiere Re-Recorded "Santa Muerte"
Rotting Christ have released a stream of a newly re-recorded version of their track “Santa Muerte.” The updated rendition appears on the Greek black metal veterans’ re-recorded, re-mixed, and remastered edition of their 2010 album "Aealo", which is set to arrive on January 23 via Season Of Mist.
Rotting Christ Added To Mystic Festival Line-Up
From the Greek seaside through Norwegian woods to Georgia swamps and Arizona deserts – metal is played everywhere and everywhere it is excellent. Rotting Christ, Shining, Gatecreeper, and Black Tusk are coming to Mystic Fetival to prove it.
Rotting Christ
A legend of the Greek scene. They started out in the 80s with grind chopping to then in the early 90s lay the fundaments behind the original sound of Greek black metal. Passage to Arcturo, Thy Mighty Contract and Non Serviam are considered classics of the genre today. Though they conjured it themselves, the parameters of the genre soon proved too narrow for Rotting Christ and the Tolis brothers decided to continue their journey through the darkness following their own path, unchangingly marrying an atmosphere of gloom and grandeur with the characteristic melodic structures and a deep immersion in the Hellenic culture.
Shining
Cold Norwegian black metal, progressive rock from the times when it really was progressive, and even some jazz… Sounds like a recipe for a disaster, unless it is done by Shining – and they do it in equally mesmerising and captivating manner. Jørgen Munkeby, the leader of the band, is an equally skilled guitarist as he is a saxophonist, and a great vocalist at that. He’s also probably the only man in the world who can boast about having been a member of drastically different but equally excellent bands like Jaga Jazzist and Emperor. Shining are just wrapping up recording their newest album. In which direction will this rollercoaster turn?
Gatecreeper
The desert monster of Arizona, one of the leading representatives of the new wave of American death metal. On their critically acclaimed third record, Dark Superstition, they combine the wildness of the first albums of Death and Obituary with the armoured power of Bolt Thrower and the Swedish melodic structures, giving it all their own, new spin. Gatecreeper claim that they play stadium death metal and who knows, maybe they will be the ones charging the way for the reemergence of the genre from the underground.
Black Tusk
Bring on the sludge, the Shipyard will hold! The four-piece hailing from Georgia is bringing to Mystic Festival their signature mixture of punk nonchalance, stoner heaviness and swamp filth. From their over two-decades-old debut EP, When Kingdom Falls, to last year’s album The Way Forward, the band keeps faith with their battle-tested formula, which, in its concert iteration, boils down to a simple rule – get yourself sweaty, get yourself dirty, and get yourself deaf. More...
Rotting Christ Announces New Blu-Ray Release
After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world's most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal.
As they continue to tour the world, today, Rotting Christ are announcing a new Blu-Ray edition of their latest live album "35 Years Of Evil Existence - Live in Lycabettus." This Blu-Ray honors Rotting Christ's lasting legacy by capturing their first time performing at the historic Lycabettus Hill Theater in Athens. A sold-out crowd of 7,000 people were treated to a two-hour setlist that spanned the band's entire career, from early mighty classics to their latest monumental hit "Like Father, Like Son."
"Dear friends, we are proud to announce that our new live album will now be available on Blu-Ray", Sakis says. "It was filmed last summer during our very special 35th anniversary show alongside our Athenian brothers and sisters at the historic Lycabettus Hill Theater. Thank you for your attention, support and dedication over all these years. You can be sure that we will be at the frontline of the battlefield until the end. Non Serviam!" More...
Report
Brutal Assault 2025 Five Days & 73k Steps of Metal
This year was Brutal Assault’s 30 anniversary and the organizers gifted metal fans with over 140 bands ranging from the avant-garde to the most extreme black metal plus every heavy metal genre in between those two. Even though I was exhausted by the end of the festival, I have nothing but incredible memories to look back upon. If you’re into statistics the following are Metalunderground’s for the fest: Thirty-four bands covered, two face-to-face interviews (Gene Hoglan from Dark Angel and Malevolent Creation), 73,000 steps with temperatures ranging from the upper 50’s to the middle 80’s Fahrenheit over a five-day span with fifteen minutes of rain on the warm-up day. Not too shabby.
If this is your first time hearing about this festival, I’ll make this quick. Brutal Assault takes place at the 18th century Josefov Fortress located in the metalhead friendly town of Jaromer, located on the eastern edge of the Czech Republic. The fortress has served as Brutal Assault’s home base since 2012 and its massive worn brick walls and labyrinth of hallways and catacombs make Brutal Assault one of the most unique and popular European summer metal festivals year after year. If you’ve never been to Brutal Assault before, check out the video below for a brief and partial walkaround of the festival’s grounds.
In the past, I would normally post reports of the bands that I saw day by day and also my overall opinion of that year’s festival. To be honest, I think writing long-winded reports is now considered outdated in terms of Road Reports and more of you would prefer to read the bullet points and watch some videos to get the gist of the festival being reported on. Without further ado, here’s the skinny on this year’s Brutal Assault.
I was able to catch the majority of this year’s headliner acts to include Macabre (warm-up day), Kerry King, Rotting Christ, Gojira, Blood Fire Death, Fear Factory, Mayhem, Dimmu Borgir, Cult of Luna, Opeth and The Halo Effect. With all the aforementioned bands worthy of headliner status, one band stood out above the rest, and it wasn’t even close. That band was Gojira.
Even before Gojira was awarded Olympic gold medal status among heavy music fans around the world, they had already proven that they were one of the world’s top metal acts long before last year's Summer Olympics performance. Fast forward to Gojira’s set at this year’s Brutal Assault set and I think just about everyone that witnessed it would say that it was a jaw dropping and heart stopping performance.
I’ve seen Gojira plenty of times and they’ve always been excellent, but this time it was just on a different level. They only way I can describe it was that they were perfect. Their sound, the musicianship, their stage show and the energy flowing back and forth between crowd and band was amazing. If you don’t believe me, just go on YouTube and watch for yourself. I was able to record one song and even though it’s farther back from the stage, you can get the gist of it.
Rotting Christ Shares Live Album
Rotting Christ has officially shared its 15th official album "Live in Lycabettus-35 years of evil existence." It was recorded in their hometown of Athens celebrating together with thousands of brothers and sisters from all around the world with their 35 years of existence as a band. Enjoy the audio version of this show. It was recorded and filmed on the 29th of June of 2024 at the historical hill of Lycabettus in Athens, Greece and mixed by Fotis Benardo at Deva Soundz Studios, Athens and mastered by George Neratzis. More...
OpEd
Brutal Assault Is Almost Here!!! Are You Going?
Here are some quotes from past attendees on YouTube:
"You go to Brutal once, you will fall in love instantly!" - @gybarni
"This is the best festival in the whole world! Can't wait for next year! <3" - @eveningwhispers13
"Best festival ever :D See you in BA 28!" - @AnsiSysX86
And the quotes go on and on...need more convincing? Watch the 2024 aftermovie below. More...
Brutal Assault Reveals Daily Lineups
Brutal Assault, the annual celebration for all fans of extreme music, announces the division of bands by day for this year’s edition. At the same time, single-day ticket sales have been launched – available for all five days of the festival.
The festival traditionally kicks off on Tuesday with a warm-up event, giving visitors a chance to get pumped up for the four days of sonic mayhem to follow. This year’s warm-up will feature thrash/speed maniacs Carnivore A.D., Norwegian doom prophets Funeral, and cult American trio Macabre. Representing the Czech scene is a handpicked lineup: Marked As An Enemy, Cutterred Flesh, Pan Lynx, Faüst, and See You In Hell.
Wednesday marks the start of the main program with a heavy and uncompromising punch. Fortress Josefov will quake under the force of American sludge titans Mastodon, industrial legends Ministry and Static-X, and thrash metal icon Kerry King, who will make his Brutal Assault debut. Death metal fans can look forward to Dying Fetus and Blood Red Throne, while black metal rituals will be delivered by Rotting Christ and Ruïm.
Thursday will maintain the high tempo – French juggernauts Gojira return to Josefov, joined by '90s modern metal icons Fear Factory and Norwegian progressives Leprous. A triple dose of American death metal comes courtesy of Obituary, Suffocation, and Nile, while metalcore fans can brace for Fit For a King and August Burns Red. The day also includes a tribute to legendary band Bathory by the project Blood Fire Death.
Friday won’t give listeners a moment to catch their breath. On stage will be black metal pioneers Mayhem and symphonic heavyweights Dimmu Borgir. Modern metalcore will be represented by Landmvrks and Counterparts, post-metal melancholy by Cult of Luna and Harakiri for the Sky, and a gothic metal mass by Paradise Lost.
Saturday offers a fitting finale to the entire festival. Look forward to progressive death metal masters Opeth, brutal blasts from Brujeria and Benighted, and Australian prog-metal gem Karnivool. Old-school energy will be brought by hardcore legends Agnostic Front and thrashers Overkill, while modern melodic death metal will be served by Swedish project The Halo Effect.
The festival is also launching the sale of a limited number of single-day tickets! These are available for each day of the event – a perfect choice for those who can’t attend the whole week but still don’t want to miss out on the highlight of the metal summer. Single-day parking is also available.
Brutal Assault will take place in the Czech Republic at the Josefov Fortress during August 6-9, 2025.
Festival passes are available HERE! More...
Behemoth Premiere New Single & Music Video
Polish blackened death metal outfit Behemoth have debuted their latest single, “Lvciferaeon,” now available for streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you below. The accompanying video was once again directed by Dariusz Szermanowicz (Leprous, Gaerea). Behemoth’s new album, The Shit Ov God, is scheduled for release on May 09th, 2025.
Frontman and guitarist Nergal offered the following thoughts on the track: More...
Warbringer Premiere New Single & Music Video
Californian thrash metal band Warbringer have unveiled the third single from their upcoming album Wrath And Ruin. Titled “Through A Glass, Darkly”, the track and an accompanying music video have just been released, streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below. Juan Rodriguez handled both the direction and editing for the clip.
Frontman John Kevill had this to say about it: More...
Rotting Christ Premiere New Live Music Video
Greek black metal veterans Rotting Christ have unveiled another live performance video from their forthcoming release, “35 Years Of Evil Existence – Live In Lycabettus.” Captured during their June 29th, 2024 hometown concert at the Lycabettus Hill Theater in Athens, Greece, this live album is slated for release on April 4th. Below, you can watch their performance of “Demonon Vrosis” (aka “Δαιμόνων Βρώσης”) from that set.
Warbringer Premiere New Single & Music Video
Thrash metal outfit Warbringer has unleashed their latest single, "The Sword And The Cross," marking the second preview from their upcoming album, Wrath And Ruin. Set for release on March 14th via Napalm Records, the album continues the band's legacy of blistering aggression and razor-sharp riffing.
Frontman John Kevill shared his thoughts on the track: More...
Rotting Christ Debuts New Live Video
Rotting Christ has stood the test of time. Over the past 35 years, Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their brothers-in-arms have risen from Greece's blackened catacombs to become one of metal's most formidably reliable forces. Backed by a legacy that has both defined and defied black metal, last year, the Greek legends carved out a new set of dark, melodic scriptures with fresh rebellion on the unbreakable "Pro Xristou."
Now, Rotting Christ are celebrating 35 years of evil existence with a new live album. This two-hour set was recorded at the Lycabettus Hill Theater in the band's hometown of Athens. Like a Greek pantheon, it spans the band's entire career, from early evil classics to the pillars of their Hellenic legacy, including the stadium-shaking title track from their spirited eleventh album. You can check out the video below.
"35 Years Of Evil Existence - Live in Lycabettus" comes out April 4th on Season of Mist. More...
Rotting Christ To Release New Live Album
Greek extreme metal icons Rotting Christ has announced that they will be releasing a brand new live album this year, entitled "35 Years Of Evil Existence - Live In Lycabettus." A message from the band reads as follows:
"Dear friends,
"We can proudly anounce the release of our upcoming official Live album "35 years of evil existence" later this year that took part at the hill of Lycabettus in Athens-Greece, where we celebrated together with thousands brothers & sisters our 35 years of our existence as a aband!
"Thanks for your attention and stay tuned for updates. and the first video that soon will be released!"
While no release date or tracklisting has been confirmed as of yet, the cover artwork can be seen below. More...
Rotting Christ Added To Brutal Assault Lineup
More black metal rituals unleashed! Witness the occult fury of ABSU, the ancient mysticism of Zemial Official, the dark legends of Rotting Christ, and the raw, punk-infused chaos of Mantar!
Brutal Assault will take place in the Czech Republic at the Josefov Fortress during August 6-9, 2025.
Festival passes are available HERE! More...
OpEd
Diamond's Mine: The Best Of 2024
2024 is finally pinched off from our collective sphincters and as is becoming a far too familiar gripe by now, the state of the world is akin to a two day old Big Mac; neglected, unappealing and probably infested by vermin. However, we once again have been able to rely on the music we love to get us through this dumpster fire of an existence and were given some treats too, not just in the form of incredible albums but also the Acid Bath reunion we all thought would never happen, as well as the equally surprising comebacks of Nevermore and Nailbomb, not to mention The Sword and Slayer. Of course, we also said goodbye to such bands as UFO, Misery Signals and Twelve Foot Ninja and sadly dealt with the passings of former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di'anno, ex Great White singer Jack Russell and Blake Harrison of Pig Destroyer and Hatebeak, to name only three dearly missed comrades. Time and metal marches ever on though and as always, we begin this recap by welcoming some new names into the fold.
Best Newcomer
Though it's becoming ever more difficult for new bands to make a name for themselves, there were quite a few who were able to put themselves on the map this year. One early example would be Hellman, from the Chilean capital city, Santiago, who unleashed their debut full length, "Born, Suffering, Death" at the beginning of the year, a very good example of death n' roll, recommended for those of who miss Entombed. There were quite a few bands who released their first albums this year but for me, there was one clear winner... More...