For over 20 years ROTTING CHRIST have spearheaded the Greek extreme metal scene. After nine studio albums (with a tenth on its way) and controversial run-ins with the likes of Dave Mustaine and the Roman Catholic Church, they stand as one hell of an uncompromising band.
Formed in 1987, they quickly changed their sound from grindcore to black metal, which is where the legendary Euronymous, tragically betrayed by Varg of Burzum, comes into the picture. “We were brothers with Euronymous and we were about to release a split LP with Burzum but his murder didn’t allow this,” says vocalist and guitarist Sakis. “Maybe in another life… who knows?”
Their tenth and as yet untitled studio album is likely to be a landmark of 2010. “We have just finished it and everyone that has heard it admits that we’ve stepped up from our previous album Theogonia ,” says Sakis. “It’s actually my goal as an artist to manage to take a step forward artistically and to not copy myself.” And this has shown through their changes stylistically – from raw black metal to extreme gothic metal to melodic black metal and more in between.
Due to their name, the band have been followed by controversies everywhere they go. That being said, they have also become proud fighters in ‘resistance to the system,’ a system that, in 1980s Greece, was founded on religious fundamentalism from the Roman Catholic church. The band make the bold statement that “this is METAL… a punch to any conservative idea!” and if that’s not an anthem for the masses, then what is?
Aside from writing and recording the new album, they’ve had their first appearance in a video game, namelyBrutal Legend . Their song Ad Noctis appears in the in-game soundtrack, along with 106 other heavy metal songs. “We’re proud that the biggest video game company in the world chose one of our songs,” Sakis says. “As long as people open their minds and start to believe that metal music is more than something listened to by freaks.”
Over the years their lyrical themes and musical influences have progressed with each new album. Sakis insists that “we used to be rebels without reason, but now we’re rebels WITH a reason. We are getting more mature but we’re still reactionists!” Screamfest will be Rotting Christ’s first show in Australia. The band proudly declare that they look forward to spreading Lucifer over Australia, and that Aussie fans should “KEEP THE DARK CULT ALIVE.” Horns up people!
Rotting Christ are part of the uber-ly br00tal lineup at Screamfest, held at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre over Thursday December 31 and Friday January 1. Tickets through Ticketek.
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