When you’re planning to go to an indoor concert and the unbearable summer heat is starting to show, you really have to think twice about whether or not to go. Unless you really want to see the band(s) playing, in which case you just hope the conditions are humane enough. Fortunately, the historic basement in the center of Athens had air conditioning and posed no problem for those who decided to visit that night.
The show kicked off with the alternative metallers Still Dusk, whose intriguing debut full-length album “Chronicles Of Dystopia” had just turned one year old, and I was curious to see what they would perform since it was my first time seeing them. So, I can say I was pleasantly surprised. The band was completely tight and at ease on stage, with Ina Damianidou on vocals drawing all the attention. Not only did she perform all the songs with confidence and passion, but she also had a lot of energy and was constantly trying to get the crowd going. She came down from the stage twice to sing among them and during their only ballad, “Midnight Run” she asked them to sit down and turn on the flashlights on their cell phones. They also played a cover, “Just Pretend” by Bad Omens, which, although I’m not familiar with the song, seemed to be done right based on the crowd’s reaction. Overall, a band with good music and the right attitude on stage that will ensure you have a great time.
Setlist: 0.003, Born To Believe, Into Fractions, Eigengrau, Black Water, Midnight Run, Just Pretend (Bad Omens cover), Insidious, Sugar, Garden
Now, I’ve seen The Silent Rage play many times. At small venues (like this one), at larger ones supporting well-known international acts, at festivals. And what I’m about to say, I say with the utmost respect for all the previous members who have contributed so much over the past years, both in terms of live performances and, of course, in the creation of their two albums: the new lineup is the best they’ve ever had. The heavy/power metallers hit the ground running; Stamatis Katsafados on drums set a frantic pace as if he was being chased and the new members proved their worth from the start. Vassilis Batilas (Daylight Misery, ex-Fragile Vastness) was the calm force and Constantin Maris (Forbidden Seed, I Abyssick) the absolute star. He may not be able to constantly scream like his predecessor, but his Barlow-esque vocal style fit perfectly with all of the band’s compositions, which he adapted to his own style, making them his own. Energetic and engaging with the crowd, he was exactly what a frontman should be, inspiring the entire band, who were full of enthusiasm and always had smiles on their faces. There were a few minor slip-ups, which is understandable considering that the current line-up has been together for barely two months and their rehearsals can be counted on the fingers of two hands. So, if they were this good under these conditions, we can only imagine how much better they’ll be once they gel even more as a group. A thoroughly enjoyable performance that left the audience wanting more after the finale, during which their chief Nikos Siglidis revealed that at their next concert they will play their entire debut album “The Deadliest Scourge”, which turns ten this year.
Setlist: The Serpent Lord, My Race Won’t Last, Between Harmony & Sorrow, Wings Of Tragedy MMXXV, Stormwarrior, Crows Fly Back, Exhaling Fear, Nuances Of Life, Leading The Legions
George Terzakis
I really wanted to see Sunlight. This band has been through a thousand and one ups and downs (I don’t like the word problems), and yet the guys haven’t thrown in the towel to this day. Since 2009—their official founding year, if I’m not mistaken—almost a decade has passed from their 2015 debut “My Own Truth” to “Son Of The Sun” in 2024! But none of that really matters during a live performance. During their time as headliners, they focused on their newer material without forgetting their past, playing songs like “Follow Your Heart”, “Rockin’ All Around” and “Struggle For Deliverance.” Of course, when you hear the newer songs like “Son Of Fire” and “Apognosis”, the compositional progress is noticeable. Their melodic power metal is just right live—music that truly brings a big smile to the audience’s faces, who applauded them warmly. I believe the choice of Mike Karasoulis as their singer is the right one, as his voice fits the band’s style very well. Their set flew by, and I honestly didn’t realize how quickly the time had passed. Personally, I wouldn’t have minded two or three more songs, not just from them but from the other two bands as well.
Setlist: Son Of Fire, Apognosis, Forever Lost, Follow Your Heart, Mystery, Echoes Of Hope, Rockin’ All Around, Can’t Let You Go, Struggle For Deliverance
Although there were several other concerts taking place in our city that same evening, quite a few people chose to honor An Club with their presence and the musicians who performed made sure to reward them by giving their all. Everyone deserves congratulations and we look forward to seeing them on stage again soon.
Michael Ntalakos
photos: Yiannis Matsopoulos
