Band Line Up 2016
ROTTING CHRIST finally release their first official live album. It is nothing but appropriate that a band with a 27 year success story, 12 albums, and more than 1.200 shows under their belts celebrate this event with a double album. 'Lucifer Over Athens' was recorded in the Greeks' hometown in front of a crowd going wild in December 2013. This striking testimony of the veterans' massive prowess on stage marks a high point in the career of ROTTING CHRIST.
With a stable and strong line-up, band leader Sakis confidently marches his phalanx not only to conquer the live audience but also to capture the listener with 'Lucifer Over Athens'. This grandiose show of force is supported by a gigantic barrage of classics and fan favourites to grace a carefully selected setlist.
The Greeks also worked extremely hard on recording and preserving the atmosphere and live sound of the concert for this document. ROTTING CHRIST were founded as early as 1987 by guitarist and vocalist Sakis Tolis together with his brother
Themis on drums. They started out playing death/grind, but had already turned to darker paths by the time their debut full-length "Thy Mighty Contract" (1993) was unleashed. On the following seven albums covering a ten year period from 'Non Serviam' (1994) to 'Sanctus Diavolos' (2004), ROTTING CHRIST steadily refined their style by experimenting with elements from death, heavy and gothic metal without betraying their black roots. At the same time the band went from underground heroes to headliner status.
Yet with the highly acclaimed 'Theogonia' (2007) the Greek veterans added an unmistakable native element to their sound, which gave their ninth full-length a very distinctive and individual twist. Such a masterpiece can hardly be surpassed, but ROTTING CHRIST held their ground with 'AEALO' (2010). Their country’s rich ancient heritage was translated into the universal language of metal with added female choirs, ancient reed pipes as well as folkloristic melodies and rhythms.
Their latest masterpiece 'KATA TON DAIMONA EAYTOY' (2013) took this musical and lyrical concept another step further, confirming ROTTING CHRIST's individual sound incorporating subtle female vocals, piano, bagpipes, horns, and other means. All of these elements are expertly combined and enhanced by excellent songwriting, honed to perfection by long years of experience and the test of constantly performing live. Now 'Lucifer Over Athens' comes as a gift that the band made to itself and the multitude of ROTTING CHRIST supporters around the globe, who have been waiting for years to hold a live document such as this in their hands. Time to put the volume on ten, close your eyes and enjoy 'Lucifer Over Athens' at home!
