Friday is an excellent day for a live show, especially when it involves three of the hottest bands in Greece in lately. And while DARKLON have proven themselves many times over the past decade, the other two bands have been following parallel paths since their formation in 2022, quickly making a name for themselves.
The show began shortly after 8:30 p.m. with Epic Metallers STYGIAN PATH, who took on the difficult task of drawing the attention of an audience that was still in the mood for hugs, greetings, and buying beer. From the very first notes, they had already achieved their goal with their inexhaustible energy and flawless playing. Indeed, with a genre that may have a dedicated fanbase but requires the bands that support it to have specific qualities because it can easily cross the thin red line and become cringy. One of these requirements is that the singer must be able to support the epic character of the songs with all that this entails in terms of vocal range, theatricallity etc. Fortunately, STYGIAN PATH made the perfect choice with Panos Babilis, who, in addition to his voice, also has an impressive stage presence. Of course, the appropriate compositions are also required, and with their debut album “The Lorekeeper” they also hit the jackpot. Excluding the two instrumental songs on the album, we heard 5/6 of it plus a surprise choice: a cover of “Days of High Adventure” by Lombardy’s DOOMSWORD from their 2007 album “My Name Will Live on.” In this way, they obviously paid tribute to one of the band that has influenced them and let everyone know who they are.
Setlist
- The Eagle and the Lion
- Unholy Land
- Le Chateau du Deuil
- Days of High Adventure (DOOMSWORD cover)
- Tides of Time
- Prometheus
The menu then had Speed Metal from the Larissa-based band LEATHERHEAD who have made their way in the Greek Metal scene with great force both with their first, self-titled album and with their live performances. I had heard the rumors about them but I had to see it for myself. And LEATHERHEAD really did not disappoint me at all. The “Indian” Tolis Mekras has an impressive voice and is very communicative and expressive, the two guitarists are awesome but special mention must be made for drummer Michalis Zounarakis who really played at unimaginable speeds. In fact, in less than a month they will release their second album, “Violent Horror Stories” from which we got a good idea with two songs. The rest of their full set was dedicated to their debut, which many considered one of the top albums of 2024. It seems that LEATHERHEAD will continue to keep us alert for many years to come, which is not easy for a non-Athens based band.
Setlist
- From Beyond (intro)
- Equinox
- Dressed to Kill
- V.H.S.
- Into the Werewolf’s Lair
- Summoning The Dead
- When Death is Near
- House on the Left
- Under your Bed
- The Awakening (intro)
- Leatherhead
Nevertheless, the show was dedicated to DARKLON who with this live opened another big era in their career. With a new singer, the amazing Bill Chrepas, a new album, the speedy and in your face “Mind Reaper” (you can read in our magazine both our impressions from the pre-listening session and the relevant album review) and generally new air and quality old school US Metal they get on the stage of Piraeus Academy and conquered it. With a very well-prepared appearance (from the lights to the excellent sound), DARKLON presented “Mind Reaper” almost in its entirety but also honored their past with a mini best of setlist. My own favorite “Rancor And Agony” may have been left out but we had the chance to listen to other favorites like “The Redeemer” or “Darklon” and of course their new hits like the catchy “Mad Messiah” or the crazy “Shockwave”. Savvas on bass was the calm force of the group and gave the necessary depth to their compositions, Giorgos on drums was impressive, Bill proved that he fit perfectly into DARKLON songs and mentality and even made the band’s older material his own, and of course the mastermind, Kostas, proved why he is considered a riff machine.
Setlist
- In the Abyss
- Soulstealers
- Darklon
- Powercast
- The Redeemer
- Iron Glory
- Phyched Out
- Behead
- The Shockwave
- Way Back Home
- Mad Messiah
- Mind Reaper
Shortly before midnight, DARKLON finished their party under loud applause from an almost sold out Pireaus Academy. I know that the guys have high expectations from their songs and they believe in them. I think with this show they got the confirmation they needed from both old fans who have been following them for almost 10 year but also from newer fans who got to know them lately. All 3 bands came out victorious and confirmed that the future belongs to them.
Live Correspondent – Photos: Kostas Boudoukos
