Text by Marcelo Gomes
After 5 years since their last visit to Brazil, the legendary Greek band Rotting Christ returned to the country to celebrate 35 years of their career with a mini-tour that included São Paulo (February 29th), Brasília (March 2nd), and will continue in Belo Horizonte (March 3rd). In São Paulo, the show took place at the Carioca Club and, despite being on a Thursday, drew an excellent crowd.
Minutes before the scheduled time, the members of Rotting Christ went on stage to check the sound, something unusual these days that ended up confusing some fans who thought they would start earlier.
With lots of smoke and low light, Sakis Tolis (vocals/guitar), Themis Tolis (drums), Kostas Foukarakis (guitar) and Kostas Heliotis (bass) took to the stage to the sound of “666”, setting the dark tone for the night. They followed with “P´unchaw kachun- Tuta kachun” and the audience grew more excited with each passing moment. It was no different with “Demonon Vrosis”, whose opening riff was accompanied by clapping and managed to get everyone off their feet.
Without respite, they performed the track “Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy,” bringing a more extreme atmosphere to the performance. Drummer Themis showcased his skill as he relentlessly pounded the bass drums. With a more percussive drive, they played “Apage Satana,” immersing the audience in a ritual that invoked the dark. The fans seemed hypnotized, repeating everything that vocalist Sakis shouted like a true cult.
In celebration of the band's 35-year history, Sakis says they will play a song never before played in Brazil, "Pix Lax Dax," a track from the album "Pro Xristou," which will be released in May 2024. The song, with its more measured pace, captivated fans and brought back the elements that made the band famous. Of course, at a celebration party, the classics "King Of Stellar War" and "Archon" couldn't be missing. The audience got so excited during the latter that they formed the first mosh pit of the night. But the place really came down with "Non Serviam," the Rotting Christ anthem, whose chorus was sung in unison.
The cover of “Societas Satanas” by the band Thou Art Lord further ignited the mosh pits at Carioca Club. The dance floor seemed like pandemonium with the insane response from the fans, who energetically responded to Sakis' every command. On stage, it was no different; bassist Heliotis moved from one side to the other while guitarist Foukarakis headbanged as if there were no tomorrow, even dropping his microphone during “In Yumen- Xibalda”.
After “Grandis Spiritus Diavolos,” finally redeemed, they were cheered and even received a customized Brazilian flag with the band's name, crowning this special moment. The satisfaction on each member's face was visible, and in return, they left the flag on top of the drums until the end of the show. Towards the end of the setlist, they also played “The Raven” and “Noctis Era.”
They said goodbye, but the fans were thirsty for more. The Greeks didn't disappoint, returning with a special guest, Fernando Iser , who participated by singing the classic "The Sign Of Evil Existence". The party ended with "Fgmenth, Thy Gift", leaving all who revere the band with their souls forever marked.
With a 1 hour and 30 minute show, the enthusiastic fans gave a festive tone to the celebration of the band's 35th anniversary. The Greeks delivered a transcendental experience in a show with a ritualistic atmosphere that captivated the audience from the start. Judging by the warm reception they received throughout the show, the band will certainly return in the near future.
Our contributor Wellington Penilha went to the show and captured the evening. Check out the photo gallery below.
