Rotting Christ returned to Brazil for a series of ten shows, which have been widely praised wherever they go.
This time, the Greeks landed in the country to promote their latest album, the highly anticipated Pro Xristou (2024). In São Paulo, the performance took place at Carioca Club on February 8th, featuring an excellent opening act by the Brasília-based band Miasthenia .
The band, led by vocalist and keyboardist Susane Hécate and guitarist Thormianak, incorporates keyboards to create diverse atmospheres, alternating between guttural and clean vocals, with lyrics sung in Portuguese.
The presentation was based on his most recent album, Espíritos Rupestres (2024), with the performance of five tracks: “Evocação”, “Bruxa Xamã”, “Espíritos Rupestres”, “Tapuia Marcha” and “Transmutação”.
The 30-minute show was enough to capture the audience's attention, who were captivated by the band's intense performance and unique musical approach.
Then came the moment for the night's hosts. Rotting Christ delivered a memorable performance at Carioca Club in São Paulo, bringing their dark and atmospheric sound to an audience eager for extreme metal.
Led by brothers Sakis Tolis (vocals/guitar) and Themis Tolis (drums), and accompanied by Kostas Heliotis (bass) and George Emmanuel (guitar), the Greek band demonstrated why it remains one of the pillars of black metal.
The São Paulo audience, always receptive to big-name bands, turned out in large numbers, creating an atmosphere of devotion in the face of the intense performance, full of classics and more recent tracks.
The show began with the impactful “Aealo,” a track that evokes a battle spirit with its epic melodies and powerful vocals. The weight of the guitars and Sakis' screams echoed through the Carioca Club, setting the stage for a night of sonic and spiritual intensity.
Next, “Pretty World, Pretty Dies” maintained the energy, bringing riffs full of melancholy and a dense instrumental, which had the fans singing fervently.
The sequence with “Demonon Vrosis” ignited the audience, with its catchy chorus and engaging rhythm, showcasing Rotting Christ's mastery in creating songs that oscillate between the epic and the brutal.
"Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy," the title track from the 2013 album, brought a dark and mystical atmosphere, evoking an almost ritualistic weight that made the audience raise their fists in reverence. "Like Father, Like Son" maintained the dense mood, with its somber cadence and captivating vocals, while "Elthe Kyrie" added an even more mystical touch to the setlist, with its dense approach and a striking chorus that resonated like a mantra.
The band's recognition came with the audience chanting their name. In response, Sakis announced they would play some classics. One of the most emblematic moments of the night was the performance of "King of a Stellar War," one of Rotting Christ's greatest anthems.
The audience's response was immediate, with everyone singing along and surrendering to the intensity of the music. The climax came with "The Sign of Evil Existence," which featured a special guest appearance by Armando (Mystifier) on bass, adding a special touch to the performance.
The collaboration between the extreme metal scenes of Greece and Brazil was celebrated by fans. Then, “Non Serviam,” one of the band's greatest classics, was received with absolute enthusiasm, with the entire Carioca Club chanting its chorus like a battle cry.
Another highlight was “Societas Satanas,” a cover of the band Thou Art Lord , which sparked the first mosh pit of the show, demonstrating the fans' total surrender to the visceral experience provided by Rotting Christ. “In Yumen-Xibalba” brought a brief pause to the chaos, introducing a more atmospheric tone, while “Grandis Spiritus Diavolos” and “The Raven” closed the main set with a perfect combination of melody and heaviness.
For the encore, the Greeks returned to the stage to perform "Noctis Era," a powerful track that ensured an epic ending to an unforgettable night.
The visibly satisfied audience applauded and celebrated every second of the performance. Rotting Christ, once again, reaffirmed their relevance in the extreme metal scene, delivering an impeccable show full of memorable moments. It was a night of worship, chaos, and devotion to metal.
Our contributor Wellington Penilha was also at the show and captured the performance. Check out the gallery below.
