Rotting Christ

Greek metal pioneers return to Australia


Rotting Christ return to Australia in January. The band – Sakis Tolis, Themis Tolis, George Emmanuel and Vaggelis Kerzis – have just returned to Greece after a hectic European tour. Even though exhausted from such a busy schedule, front man Sakis took the time to talk to Neos Kosmos:
Jim Koutsoukos: The band’s name has been controversial at times. Can you explain how it came about?
Sakis Tolis: It’s an extreme name and we don’t deny this. We created the band and name back in the ’80s when we were young and we were rebels. At that point in our lives we were against everything, in particular the political climate.
I would like to point out that we are not against any religion. We respect and don’t have a problem with any person’s beliefs. We are, however, opposed to the exploitations of some religious groups. We believe that religions are diminishing and in a sense ‘rotting’.
JK: How do you describe the music of Rotting Christ?
ST: I would say we play metal music or, if you want another description, dark atmospheric music. People can call it what they like.
JK: The band formed in Athens in the late ’80s, when you were teenagers – what were your expectations for the band when you started out?
ST: We started in 1988 and all we wanted was to sound like our music idols. Our biggest goal was to a play a song. We didn’t get into this for money or fame. We simply just wanted to enjoy being in a band and didn’t even expect to make an album. Music and society in general are very different now. Newcomers these days are only interested in the fame and fortune and not the music. Playing music is what we love to do.
JK: After 25 years, how do you feel?
ST: I feel honoured. We have worked very hard to reach where we are now. There was no help from others. We have never had a big promoter. I believe if you take it seriously and have a passion then dreams will come true. We are very proud of what we have achieved to date. With that all said we are by no means super rich but we have super rich souls. The greatest payment, for me, is when we meet fans from around the world and they tell us they like our music. I am also proud to say that we haven’t had to kiss anyone’s arse to get to this point.
JK: Is there a country you would like to go to that you haven’t been to before?
ST: Following our tour of Australia, we are going to Japan for the first time. For us this is a great achievement, we are looking forward to it. To travel to such a faraway place – actually maybe we are from a faraway place-and play our music is an absolute thrill.
It is great to see Greek flags in the audience wherever we travel. We are also very excited to return to Australia for a second time.
JK: How did you find Australia on your first visit?
ST: We thoroughly enjoyed playing in Australia. We left very satisfied. It astonished us that we can travel so far and come to a place where the culture didn’t appear that foreign to us. We met many Greeks. Everyone was very welcoming.
JK: With such an extensive discography, what can Australian audiences expect?
ST: As you can understand, with 12 albums it is impossible to cover everything. In recent shows our songs from the new album were well received, so you can look forward to hearing those along with a selection of our previous songs.
JK: The latest album has a Greek title ‘ΚΑΤΑ ΤΟΝ ΔΑΙΜΟΝΑ ΕΑΥΤΟΥ’. How was this received by audiences outside of Greece?
ST: We did this on purpose and didn’t see a problem with doing it. Some voiced their concerns about not having an English title but it was our choice. All the titles of the songs on the album are non-English. This new album focuses on ancient civilisations including Greek, Incan, Mayan and Slavic. It’s a multicultural album.
The title is an Ancient Greek maxim and translates as ‘Be true to your own spirit’. The album also contains lyrics in Greek and Ancient Greek. Non-Greek audiences have been intrigued and inquisitive of the multicultural elements in the album. Overall we have had a positive response.
JK: How would you describe the metal scene in Greece?
ST: It’s getting bigger and bigger. Young people are seeking a new direction and music is a great outlet. New bands are trying hard to create great new music. We are very supportive of them. Keep an eye out.
At the moment metal music is a great export from Greece and that is something to be proud of. Greek pop music is of course more popular in Greece but has a limited audience reach internationally. Metal transcends boundaries. We are able to reach audiences all around the world and that is great.
Like I said earlier, the metal scene in Greece is quite vast. We recently announced a show in Greece and pre-sold 2000 tickets which is unheard of in the current climate.
JK: Speaking of the current climate in Greece, what is it like at the moment?
ST: Greece needs help. The population has taken a battering not only economically but psychologically. I believe great effort is required to get past this. The young people, it is this generation that will do it. All we have to do is look at our history and be inspired. We need to fight for our integrity. The mass media has portrayed us as lazy, as cheats – this is far from the truth. Greeks are hard working and we are productive. We can all contribute to improving the current climate. Rotting Christ does this through music, others will do it with their strengths and together we will overcome this.
JK: Saki, thanks so much for your time. For fans of Rotting Christ, I believe it is expected that the shows will close with the almighty classic Non Serviam. Is this so?
ST: Possibly. Come and you will see.
Rotting Christ are playing Thursday 16 January, Crowbar Brisbane tickets available www.oztix.com.au; headlining Heavyfest – Friday 17 January, The Hifi Sydney, Saturday 18 January, The Hifi Melbourne tickets at www.thehifi.com.au