Septicflesh: Epic Acropolis of Athens Concert and Modern Primitive Tour Announcement

Greek Septicflesh’s symphonic death metal prowess is set to shine on an unparalleled stage. On September 28th, 2024, the band will perform at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located within the historic Acropolis of Athens. “This is a dream come true for us,” exclaims the band. “We will be showcasing the full symphonic metal experience in the most iconic location imaginable – the Acropolis! Joining us under the Athenian night sky will be the Athens State Orchestra, conducted by the masterful Koen Schoots.”

Following this monumental event, Septicflesh will commence the Modern Primitive European Tour 2024, traversing Europe with special guests Equilibrium, Scar of the Sun, and Oceans. This tour promises an intense and immersive symphonic metal experience.

History

Septicflesh, a Greek symphonic death metal band, has captivated audiences since their inception in the early 1990s. Originating from Athens, the band has carved out a distinct niche within the metal genre, blending elements of symphonic music with the brutality of death metal. This fusion has earned them a dedicated following and a significant place in the annals of metal history. The band was initially formed by Sotiris Vayenas (guitar), Spiros Antoniou (vocals and bass), and Christos Antoniou (guitar). Their innovative approach and dedication to their artistic vision have established them as pioneers in their field, influencing countless other musicians and earning critical acclaim worldwide.

To understand the emergence of Septicflesh, it is essential to consider the cultural and historical backdrop of Greece in the late twentieth century. The early 1990s in Greece was a period of significant political and economic change. Following the fall of the military junta in 1974, Greece transitioned to a democratic government, which led to an era of political stability and economic growth. However, by the early 1990s, the country was facing new challenges, including economic recession and political turbulence. This period of uncertainty and transformation created a fertile ground for artistic expression, as young people sought to find their voices in a rapidly changing world.

The metal scene in Greece during this time was burgeoning, with a growing number of bands and a dedicated underground following. Influenced by the global metal movement, Greek bands began to develop their unique sounds, often incorporating elements of their cultural heritage. Septicflesh emerged as one of the leaders of this movement, combining the intensity of death metal with symphonic and gothic elements, setting themselves apart from their contemporaries. Alongside them, bands like Rotting Christ and Necromantia also gained prominence, each contributing to the diverse tapestry of the Greek metal landscape. Rotting Christ, with their pioneering black metal sound, and Necromantia, known for their occult themes and innovative use of instruments, significantly shaped the scene and inspired future generations of Greek metal musicians.

Formation and Early Years

Septicflesh was formed in 1990 by brothers Spiros and Christos Antoniou, along with their friend Sotiris Vayenas. The trio shared a passion for extreme music and a desire to push the boundaries of the genre. Their early influences included bands like Death, Bathory, and Celtic Frost, but they were also inspired by classical composers such as Gustav Holst and Igor Stravinsky. This eclectic mix of influences would later become a defining feature of their sound.

In 1991, the band released their first demo, “Forgotten Path,” which garnered attention within the underground metal scene. This was followed by their debut EP, “Temple of the Lost Race,” in 1991, which further established their reputation as a band to watch. These early releases demonstrated their skill to blend ferocious death metal with atmospheric and symphonic elements, setting the stage for their future work.

Musical Evolution

Septicflesh’s musical evolution is marked by a continuous exploration of new sounds and an unwavering faithfulness to their artistic creativity. Over the years, they have incorporated various musical styles and influences, creating a rich and diverse discography.

Released on May 15th, 1995, their second album, “Esoptron,” continued to build on the foundations laid by their debut, with a stronger emphasis on atmospheric elements and more sophisticated songwriting. This was followed by “Ophidian Wheel” (1997), which saw the band further expanding their sound with the inclusion of female vocals and more pronounced gothic influences. The album is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the band’s career, showcasing their aptness to seamlessly blend different musical elements into a cohesive whole.

On March 19th, 1998, Septicflesh released “A Fallen Temple,” an ambitious album that featured re-recorded tracks from their earlier EP, along with new material. The album was notable for its use of orchestral arrangements, which added a new dimension to their sound. This was followed by “Revolution DNA” on October 25th, 1999, which saw the band experimenting with industrial and electronic elements, signaling a bold new direction for Septicflesh. Tracks like “DNA” and “Telescope” reflected the band’s preparedness to hype the boundaries of their sound. While the album received mixed reviews, it demonstrated their devotion to innovation and artistic growth.

After a hiatus, the band returned with “Sumerian Daemons,” released on February 3rd, 2003, this time through Hammerheart Records, marking a return to their death metal roots while incorporating darker and more aggressive elements. The album’s thematic focus on ancient Sumerian mythology added a rich narrative layer to their music. The album was well-received and reaffirmed their reputation as pioneers of symphonic death metal.

“Communion,” released on March 17th, 2008, marked a significant new chapter in their career, prominently featuring a full orchestra and showcasing their symphonic prowess. This album saw Septicflesh collaborating with the renowned Philharmonic Orchestra of Prague, which added a rich, cinematic layer to their already complex soundscapes.

Tracks like “Anubis” and “Persepolis” embody the band’s mastery of blending metal with orchestral music. “Anubis” opens with haunting choral arrangements and dramatic strings that seamlessly transition into powerful guitar riffs, while “Persepolis” weaves intricate orchestral arrangements with relentless drumming and guttural vocals, creating an epic narrative atmosphere.

The orchestral elements not only enhanced the grandeur and depth of the music but also helped to craft a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience, solidifying “Communion” as a landmark release in the symphonic death metal genre.

Released on April 18th, 2011, through Season of Mist, “The Great Mass” further explored the band’s symphonic elements. Collaborating with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Septicflesh crafted an album that was both grandiose and intense. Songs like “The Vampire from Nazareth” and “Pyramid God” highlighted their ability to create epic soundscapes that were both haunting and powerful. The album received widespread acclaim for its ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements.

“Titan,” released on June 20th, 2014, continued Septicflesh’s exploration of symphonic death metal. The album’s complex compositions and thematic depth earned it critical acclaim. Tracks like “War in Heaven” and “Order of Dracul” highlighted the band’s capacity to compose music that was both brutal and beautiful, ultimately deadly.

“Codex Omega,” on its turn released on September 1st, 2017 via Prosthetic Records, was another critically acclaimed album that demonstrated Septicflesh’s inclination to evolve while staying true to their roots. Songs like “Dante’s Inferno” and “Enemy of Truth” featured complex compositions and thematic depth, exploring themes of human nature and existentialism.

“Infernus Sinfonica MMXIX,” released on July 31st, 2020, is a live album recorded with a full orchestra and choir. This release showcased Septicflesh’s ability to blend metal and classical music in a live setting. The album featured performances of tracks from across their discography, highlighting their evolution as a band. Songs like “The Vampire from Nazareth” and “Prometheus” were given new life through the live orchestral arrangements.

Cultural Impact

Septicflesh’s influence extends beyond their music, impacting the cultural landscape of both the metal community and their home country of Greece. Their innovative approach has inspired countless bands, both within and outside the metal genre. They have been credited with helping to shape the symphonic death metal subgenre, and their use of orchestral elements has influenced many other bands to explore similar musical territory.

In Greece, Septicflesh is regarded as one of the country’s most important and influential metal bands. They have helped to elevate the profile of the Greek metal scene on the international stage, bringing attention to other bands and fostering a sense of pride within the local community. Their success has demonstrated that Greek bands can compete on a global level, inspiring a new generation of musicians to pursue their dreams.

Septicflesh’s impact is also felt in their thematic content, which often explores mythological, philosophical, and existential themes. Their lyrics draw heavily on Greek mythology and history, offering a unique perspective that resonates with both Greek and international audiences. This cultural depth adds another layer to their music, making it not only sonically compelling but also intellectually stimulating.

Latest Release

“Modern Primitive” (2022)

“Modern Primitive,” the latest album by Septicflesh, was released on May 20th, 2022, through Nuclear Blast Records. This album continues to refine the band’s unique blend of symphonic death metal, further cementing their reputation as pioneers in the genre. With “Modern Primitive,” Septicflesh explores new thematic and musical territories, pushing the boundaries of their sound while maintaining the elements that have defined their career.

“Modern Primitive” delves into the juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary themes, reflecting on humanity’s dual nature of primal instincts and modern complexities. The album title itself suggests a fusion of old and new, highlighting the contradictions inherent in human existence. The lyrics explore a range of topics, from mythology and philosophy to existential musings, all framed within the band’s signature dark and epic soundscapes.

Musically, “Modern Primitive” continues Septicflesh’s tradition of blending orchestral and metal elements, creating a rich and immersive sound. The band collaborated with the FILMharmonic Orchestra of Prague, enhancing the symphonic depth of the album. This collaboration allows for a seamless integration of classical music influences, adding layers of complexity to the compositions.

The guitar work on the album is intricate and powerful, with Sotiris Vayenas and Christos Antoniou delivering both crushing riffs and melodic passages. Spiros Antoniou’s vocals are as commanding as ever, ranging from guttural growls to haunting clean vocals. The drumming, provided by Kerim “Krimh” Lechner, is both technical and dynamic, driving the intensity of the music.

The production of “Modern Primitive” was handled by Jens Bogren, a renowned producer known for his work with bands like Opeth, Amon Amarth, and Dimmu Borgir. Bogren’s expertise in producing metal music is evident in the album’s polished yet powerful sound. The production enhances the clarity of each instrument while maintaining the raw energy of the band’s performance.

Critically, “Modern Primitive” has been well-received, with praise for its ambitious scope and execution. Reviewers have highlighted the album’s intricate compositions, thematic depth, and the seamless integration of symphonic elements. Fans have also responded positively, appreciating the band’s continued innovation and dedication to their craft.

To promote “Modern Primitive,” Septicflesh embarked on a series of tours and live performances, including appearances at major metal festivals. Their live shows have been praised for their theatricality and intensity, with the band often incorporating orchestral elements into their performances to recreate the album’s sound on stage.

“Modern Primitive” represents a significant milestone in Septicflesh’s illustrious career, showing will to evolve and innovate while staying true to the core elements that have defined their sound. With its rich thematic content, complex compositions, and powerful performances, the album stands as a landmark to the band’s enduring creativity and influence in the metal genre.

Upcoming Performances

Live at the Acropolis

Septicflesh recently completed a successful North American trek with label mates Decapitated and Kataklysm. The band is continuing this momentum with a very special experience. On September 28th, the band will bring their symphonic metal to the world-famous Acropolis of Athens.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located on the southern slope of the Acropolis of Athens, is one of the most significant historical monuments in Greece. Constructed in 161 AD by the affluent Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla, the Odeon originally served as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of around 5,000 spectators. This ancient Roman amphitheater is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and architectural grandeur, featuring a semi-circular stone structure and a wooden roof made of expensive Lebanese cedar wood.

Throughout the centuries, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus has witnessed numerous performances, ranging from ancient Greek music and drama to contemporary concerts and cultural events. The venue fell into disuse after being partially destroyed during the invasion of the Heruli in 267 AD, remaining neglected for many centuries. However, extensive restoration efforts in the mid-twentieth century have revitalized the Odeon, re-establishing it as a premier location for artistic expression.

Today, the Odeon serves as a prestigious venue for the Athens Festival, hosting performances by internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles. The festival, which takes place annually from June to October, celebrates a wide array of artistic disciplines, including theater, dance, and music. The participation of Septicflesh in this revered venue marks a significant milestone in the band’s career, merging the ancient with the contemporary and the classical with the extreme.

European Tour

The Modern primitive European Tour will kick off on October 3rd in Hamburg, Germany, and span until November 2nd, covering 28 cities across 13 countries. Fans can catch the band in iconic venues such as the Gruenspan in Hamburg, DVG Club in Kortrijk, and Le Trabendo in Paris. In Portugal, the tour will make stops at the Hard Club in Porto on October 15th and Lisboa ao Vivo in Lisbon on October 16th. The lineup features powerful performances by Equilibrium, Scar of the Sun, and Oceans, ensuring a night of electrifying metal music.

As the Modern Primitive Tour 2024 approaches, fans should seize the opportunity to experience these monumental live performances. The tour promises to be a whirlwind of emotion and intensity, engulfing the audience in the thunderous sound of Septicflesh.

Conclusion

The upcoming performance by Septicflesh at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus epitomizes a harmonious fusion of antiquity and modernity, reflecting the band’s deep-rooted Hellenic heritage. This event not only highlights the band’s innovative blending of symphonic and death metal elements but also pays homage to the enduring legacy of Greek culture.

By performing in such a historically and culturally significant venue, Septicflesh continues to push the boundaries of musical expression, offering a unique auditory experience that bridges the classical with the contemporary. As the ancient stones of the Odeon resonate with the powerful symphonies of Septicflesh, this concert promises to be a remarkable testament to the timeless nature of music and its ability to transcend eras.

The collaboration with the Athens State Orchestra under the guidance of Koen Schoots ensures that this performance will be a landmark event, celebrating the rich tapestry of Greek history and the relentless evolution of musical genres.