Rotting Christ News

ROTTING CHRIST, the Greek extreme metal pioneers and one of the defining forces of the Hellenic black metal scene, will reissue the EP “Der Perfekte Traum” through Season of Mist. Originally released in November 1998 on Century Media Records, the seven-track release spans approximately 35 minutes and captures the band at a pivotal creative crossroads between the melodic darkness of A Dead Poem (1997) and the atmospheric depth of Sleep of the Angels (1999). The EP pairs two studio recordings with five live tracks drawn from the Triarchy of the Lost Lovers era. The haunting title track, performed entirely in German, weaves gothic textures with industrial undertones into one of the band’s most unusual and hypnotic compositions—a song that has endured as a live staple for over two decades. “Moonlight” leans further into melancholic, dark rock sensibilities, foreshadowing the band’s future explorations. The live recordings, captured in Poland during the legendary 1996 “Out of the Dark” European tour alongside Samael and Moonspell, preserve the band’s visceral stage presence in its rawest form and represent the first officially released live material in the Rotting Christ catalogue. The EP features the core duo of Sakis Tolis (vocals, guitars) and Themis Tolis (drums), with an uncredited session bassist on the studio tracks. The live recordings notably feature founding bassist Jim Mutilator, who had departed the band in 1996, making these among the final captured documents of the original rhythm section. The studio tracks on “Der Perfekte Traum” were recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany, in September 1998, with pre-production by Sakis Tolis in Athens. Woodhouse Studios, owned by renowned producer and engineer Siggi Bemm, was one of Europe’s premier facilities for metal and gothic production during this period. The five live tracks were recorded in Poland during the “Out of the Dark” tour, 1996. Now reissued on vinyl in a gatefold presentation, the release is available as a 12” vinyl gatefold in classic black and an exclusive gold, orange and black marbled coloured variant. This edition presents a long-overlooked chapter of Rotting Christ’s legacy, essential for dedicated followers and collectors alike. Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RCReissues

It’s now been 35 years since Rotting Christ emerged from the Athenian underground. Not only do the Greek legends continue to stand the test of time. With their fourteenth studio album, a new live Blu-Ray, and a re-recording of the mighty Aealo fast approaching, Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their brothers-in-arms Kostis Fouk and Kostas “Spades” Heliotis are writing another storied chapter in their monumental history .

After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world’s most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal.

After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world’s most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal.

After 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ still stand the test of time. Sakis Tolis, his brother Themis and their Greek brothers-in-arms have risen from the Athenian underground to become one of the metal world’s most reliable forces, backed by a pantheon discography that has both defined and defied black metal.

Celebrating over three decades of defiance and dominance, ROTTING CHRIST continue to reign supreme as spearheads of the ‘Hellenic’ black metal sound. From their origins with “Satanas Tedeum” and “Passage to Arcturo” in the early ’90s, to pioneering their signature ‘Hellenic’ melodic black metal sound with albums like “Sanctus Diavolos” and “Theogonia,” and crafting monumental works such as “Rituals” and “The Heretics” under the Season of Mist banner, ROTTING CHRIST have consistently shattered expectations and expanded their sonic horizons. The powerhouse duo of Sakis and Themis Tolis is not only reflected in their formidable discography but also in their electrifying live performances. Having played over a hundred shows internationally in 2024, their live prowess continues to impress fans across the metal spectrum, time and time again.

ROTTING CHRIST have stood the test of time for over three decades. From their humble beginnings on Satanas Tedeum & Passage to Arcturo in the early 90’s, the genesis of their ‘Hellenic’ melodic black metal sound in the 2000’s with Sanctus Diavolos & Theogonia, all the way to their later masterpieces Rituals & The Heretics, released through Season of Mist – ROTTING CHRIST are a force of their own. The true strength of ROTTING CHRIST lies not only in their discography, however. The Tolis brothers bring with them an unmatched energy across international stages, performing over hundreds of shows in 2024. Celebrating their 35 year existence, ROTTING CHRIST culminated their performances with a one-of-a-kind showcase of their discography at the Lycabettus Hill Theater in Athens, Greece – the band’s hometown. A two-hour long, career-spanning set with long-time classics from their early days dabbling in the rougher ROTTING CHRIST sound, to the newer, ‘Hellenic’ anthems such as The Raven or Demonon Vrosis.

After 35 years, even their faithful followers might have wondered if there was any sacred ground left for Rotting Christ to conquer. But the new album from the Hellenic black metal legends is a testament to a band that’s still on the rise. Pro Xristou has climbed charts all across the world, from their native Greece to the U.S. Billboard Hard Rock charts.

Brothers and sisters of the sacred metal conclave, the hour is upon us to unite under the blackened banner of ROTTING CHRIST once more. With hearts ablaze and spirits untamed, the Tolis brothers proudly present to you the bonus single ‘Primal Resurrection’ from the recently released full-length album, Pro Xristou.

Rising from the pillars of their Hellenic heritage, the sovereign kings of black metal, ROTTING CHRIST, invite you to partake in a monumental crusade across Europe. Hot on the heels of their enthralling 14th studio album Pro Xristou, the Greek metal legends unveil their spellbinding 2024 EU Tour dates, commencing this autumn.

In the pantheon of heavy music, few names resonate as profoundly as ROTTING CHRIST. With a legacy that has both defined and defied the realms of Black Metal, the Athenian heralds return to carve new scriptures of the dark with their latest opus, Pro Xristou. A grandiose narrative born of fire, rebellion, and an unbreakable spirit.

ROTTING CHRIST proudly present The Apostate, the latest single from the unparalleled masters of blackened ‘hellenic’ metal. This track is a vehement storm conjured from the depths of the band’s upcoming monumental release, Pro Xristou — a sonorous odyssey that not only celebrates the indomitable spirit of paganism but also challenges the encroaching shadows of conformity.

It’s time to unleash the beast, as ROTTING CHRIST unleashes Saoirse, the latest single from their forthcoming 14th studio album – the monumental Pro Xristou. A 35-year-strong journey through the catacombs of extreme metal spearheaded by the inimitable brothers Sakis and Themis Tolis gives you the backdrop of what should rightly be anticipated.

Rotting Christ have stood the test of time. While their name has caused plenty of gatekeepers to clutch their pearls, Sakis Tolis and his brother Themis have ascended from Greece’s blackened catacombs to one of metal’s most formidable bands.

Back in 1987, Sakis Tolis and his brother Themis started climbing through the dark catacombs of Greece’s metal scene as a grindcore act. Now, 35 years later, Rotting Christ tour the world as one of the biggest bands in black metal.

Rotting Christ have stood the test of time. While their name has caused plenty of gatekeepers to clutch their pearls, Sakis Tolis and has brother Themis have risen from Greece’s blackened catacombs to one of metal’s most formidable bands.

Greek metal titans Rotting Christ are now embarking on a North American headliner with support from label-mates Carach Angren and GAEREA as well as Eisenwald artist UADA!