Rotting Christ
Bio
The Greek brothers Sakis and Themis Tolis formed Rotting Christ in 1987 and they played a pioneering role in the development of the black metal scene in Mediterranean Europe.
Rotting Christ started out as a death/grindcore band but by the time their first EP ‘Passage to Arcturo’ (1991) dropped, their sound had shifted towards black metal, with the introduction of gothic metal elements from the mid-90s onwards. Rotting Christ are not a satanic band as their lyrics focus on mythology and the occult. However, they are not afraid to experiment as illustrated by the generous use of female choirs on ‘Aello’ (2010). The band around the Tollis brothers partly reinvented itself on the excellent ‘Kata Ton Daimona Eautou’ (‘Do What Thou Wilt’), with catchier and more easily digestible extreme metal. Their most recent feat, ‘Pro Xristou’ (‘Before Christ)’ further cements their status as Greece’s most influential metal band. Their live shows are an immersive experience and that is why they enjoy such an enviable live reputation.
