Rotting Christ

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.

For over three electrifying decades, ROTTING CHRIST have harnessed the whispers of ancient gods, crafting symphonies that resonate with the soul of the true metal spirit. Pro Xristou, translating fervently to ‘Before Christ’, is a blackened testament, a beacon in the dark celebrating the endurance of pagan might amidst the looming shadows of Christianity.

Primal Resurrection emerges as a phoenix from the ashes of history, embodying the essence of our signature sound—a ceremonious blend of mesmeric melodies, harrowing atmospheres, and the valiant roar of epic metal. This song is a voyage back to an era where gods walked among men, and the last pagan kings battled valiantly against the encroaching tides of oblivion, safeguarding the relics of a wisdom too profound to perish.

Pro Xristou & Pro Xristou – Deluxe Edition is out now on Season of Mist & all streaming platforms

➤ Order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RottingChristProXristou

Track-list

1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) (1:29)
2. The Apostate (5:01) [WATCH]
3. Like Father, Like Son (4:35) [WATCH]
 4. The Sixth Day (3:56)
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo (4:01)
6. The Farewell (6:15)
7. Pix Lax Dax (4:33)
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies (4:51) [WATCH]
9. Yggdrasil (5:04)
10. Saoirse (6:17) [WATCH]
11. Primal Resurrection (Bonus Track) (5:32) – Only Deluxe Editions! [WATCH]
12. All For One (Bonus Track) (3:37) – Only Deluxe Editions!
Total runtime: 55:17

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe.  Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek,  English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.

Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar

Guest Musicians
Amdroniki Skoula – Vocals (on ‘La Letra Del Diavolo’)
Nikos Kerkiras – Keyboard
Christina Alexiou – Choir
Maria Tsironi – Choir
Alexandros Loyziotis – Choir
Vasilis Karatzas- Choir

Andrew Liles – Narration (on ‘The Apostate’, ‘Pretty World, Pretty Dies’)
Kim Diaz Holm – Narration (on ‘Ygdrassil’)

Recording Studio
Deva Sounds Studios (Athens, Greece)

Producer
Sakis TolisSound Engineer
Fotis Bernando
Aggelos Karatzas

Mixing
Jens Borgen at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Mastering
Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Artwork Artists
Thomas Cole – Artwork
Adrien Bousson – Digital Processing

Biography
Sébastien J. Gamez

Links:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
CD Clamshell Box – Deluxe Digipak w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus
Tracks & Extras
12″ Vinyl Gatefold – Black
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear, Red & Blue Mixed
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Green
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Turquoise
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Yellow
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Blue
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – silver & Black Marbled
Limited Box Set Vinyl – 12″ Gold & Black Marbled w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus Tracks & Extras
Cassette

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.

“Dear Metal brothers & sisters, we  can proudly announce that we celebrate our 35 years of existence with the release of our new album Pro Xristou & some special shows on European soils this Autumn. Together with the Scandinavian Pagan Metal  Kings Borknagar and French diabolical horde Seth we promise to perform a hell of a show every night! Thanks for your attention and look forward to seeing you all in the battle field!” Says Sakis, on behalf of ROTTING CHRIST

With the spellbinding essence of their latest opus, Pro Xristou, the Greek forebearers ROTTING CHRIST will share stages with Norway’s progressive black metal giants Borknagar, whose profound musical narratives have sculpted their undisputed place within the genre. Alongside them, France’s SETH will bring their own brand of fervent intensity and atmospheric ferocity to the mix. Together, they stand as a triad set to invigorate and bewitch audiences across the continent.

“Sharing the stage for a whole month with thy mighty Rotting Christ is thrilling ! This will be our 3rd European tour in over 25 years and definitely the biggest journey that we’ve ever had ! We can’t think of any better band on Season of Mist roster to promote La France des Maudits!” Says SETH.

SETH will be releasing the full-length album La France des Maudits on Bastille Day, July 14th, on Season of Mist.

You can catch both titans of Black Metal ROTTING CHRIST & SETH, as well as Borknagar playing on the the dates below.

Rotting Christ 2024 EU Tour w/ Borknagar & Seth:

28 September: Warsaw, PL @ Proxima
29 September: Krakow, PL @ Hyde Park
1 October: Gdansk, PL @ Drizzly Grizzly
2 October: Leipzig, DE @ Hellraiser
3 October: Heidelberg, DE @ Halle02
4 October: Ostwald, FR @ Le Point d’Eau
5 October: Seyssinet Pariset, FR @ l’ilyade
6 October: Torino, IT @ Audiodrome Live Club
7 October: Bologna, IT @ Locomotiv
8 October: Nuremburg, DE @ Hirsch
9 October: Utrecht, NL @ Tivoli Pandora
10 October: Bochum, DE @ Matrix
11 October: Wasquehal, FR @ The Black Lab
12 October: Limoges, FR @ CCM John Lennon
13 October: Montpellier, FR @ Rockstore
15 October: Villava, ES @ Totem
16 October: Ponferrada, ES @ La Vaca
17 October: Porto, PT @ Hard Club
18 October: Lisbon, PT @ Under the Doom Festival
19 October: Madrid, ES @ Changó
20 October: Seville, ES @ Custom
22 October: Murcia, ES @ Gamma
23 October: L’Hospitalet, ES @ Salamandra
24 October: Toulouse, FR @ La Cabane
25 October: La Mézière, FR @ Samain Fest (Salle Cassiopée)
26 October: Sint Niklaas, BE @ De Casino
27 October: Maastricht, NL @ Samhain Festival *without Seth

Tickets will be available shortly on Rotting Christ’s bandsintown page.

Dive into the legacy of the last Pagan kings with Pro Xristou—an album drenched in ancient wisdom and robust anthems, exemplified by sonic monuments like The Apostate and Like Father, Like Son. Through melodious symphonies and fierce, unyielding harshness, the album stands as a blackened testament to unquenchable Pagan might, resonating with the echoes of Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic myths.

⟴ Order:https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RottingChristProXristou
⟴ Stream:https://orcd.co/proxtristoupresave

Track-list

1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) (1:29)
2. The Apostate (5:01) [WATCH]
3. Like Father, Like Son (4:35) [WATCH]
 4. The Sixth Day (3:56)
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo (4:01)
6. The Farewell (6:15) [WATCH]
7. Pix Lax Dax (4:33)
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies (4:51) [WATCH]
9. Yggdrasil (5:04)
10. Saoirse (6:17) [WATCH]
11. Primal Resurrection (Bonus Track) (5:32) – Only Deluxe Editions!
12. All For One (Bonus Track) (3:37) – Only Deluxe Editions!
Total runtime: 55:17

Praise for Pro Xristou

“With their unique sound and bitingly abrasive lyrical content, Rotting Christ have returned with another soon-to-be classic opus […]” – Metal Injection (9/10)

“With Pro Xristou, Greece’s premier extreme metal band have just crafted their most accessible – and perhaps most magnificent – album yet.” – Metal Hammer UK (4.5/5)

“The album will be immediately adored by fans, while allowing newcomers to discover their most majestic side.” – Acta Infernalis (90/100)

“Their brand of blackened metal has changed a lot over years, mostly to being melodic, a little Gothic, and even having a tribal feel to some of their songs. “Pro Xristou” embraces these same components but presents them in a much more catchy way…” – Metal Temple (9/10)

“Pro Xristou” is not an album that will surprise us; on the contrary, it will seem familiar. Yet, the album is poised to be a memorable entry in Rotting Christ’s distinguished career.” – Metal War (9/10)

“One thing is for sure after all this: ROTTING CHRIST will never let us down!” – The Gallery (8/10)

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe.  Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek,  English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.

Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar

Guest Musicians
Amdroniki Skoula – Vocals (on ‘La Letra Del Diavolo’)
Nikos Kerkiras – Keyboard
Christina Alexiou – Choir
Maria Tsironi – Choir
Alexandros Loyziotis – Choir
Vasilis Karatzas- Choir

Andrew Liles – Narration (on ‘The Apostate’, ‘Pretty World, Pretty Dies’)
Kim Diaz Holm – Narration (on ‘Ygdrassil’)

Recording Studio
Deva Sounds Studios (Athens, Greece)

Producer
Sakis TolisSound Engineer
Fotis Bernando
Aggelos Karatzas

Mixing
Jens Borgen at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Mastering
Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Artwork Artists
Thomas Cole – Artwork
Adrien Bousson – Digital Processing

Biography
Sébastien J. Gamez

Links:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
CD Clamshell Box – Deluxe Digipak w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus
Tracks & Extras
12″ Vinyl Gatefold – Black
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear, Red & Blue Mixed
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Green
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Turquoise
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Yellow
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Blue
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – silver & Black Marbled
Limited Box Set Vinyl – 12″ Gold & Black Marbled w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus Tracks & Extras
Cassette

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.

For over three decades, ROTTING CHRIST, led by the visionary Sakis & Themis Tolis, has carved a path of resistance, blending the raw energy of black metal with lyrical narratives that defy the sands of time. Their journey has been one of rebellion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the essence of metal. Now, with Pro Xristou, they are set to redefine the legacy of Hellenic Black Metal once more.

The Apostate tells the story of resistance against the tide of religious conversion. It is a tribute to those who stood unbowed, of Flavius Claudius Julianus, safeguarding ancient knowledge and values against the onslaught of oblivion. The track is an intricate weave of mesmerizing choirs, neo-classical arrangements, and the band’s signature blackened atmosphere. On The Apostate, ROTTING CHRIST encapsulate their relentless exploration of musical and thematic boundaries.

The video for The Apostate is out now – check the video here:

Pro Xristou comes out May 24 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/RottingChristProXristou

Pre-save:https://orcd.co/proxtristoupresave

Early praise for Pro Xristou

“Their brand of blackened metal has changed a lot over years, mostly to being melodic, a little Gothic, and even having a tribal feel to some of their songs. “Pro Xristou” embraces these same components but presents them in a much more catchy way…” – Metal Temple (9/10)

“Pro Xristou” is not an album that will surprise us; on the contrary, it will seem familiar. Yet, the album is poised to be a memorable entry in Rotting Christ’s distinguished career.” – Metal War (9/10)

“One thing is for sure after all this: ROTTING CHRIST will never let us down!” – The Gallery (8/10)

Track-list

1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) (1:29)
2. The Apostate (5:01) [WATCH]
3. Like Father, Like Son (4:35) [WATCH]
 4. The Sixth Day (3:56)
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo (4:01)
6. The Farewell (6:15)
7. Pix Lax Dax (4:33)
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies (4:51)
9. Yggdrasil (5:04)
10. Saoirse (6:17) [WATCH]
11. Primal Resurrection (Bonus Track) (5:32) – Only Deluxe Editions!
12. All For One (Bonus Track) (3:37) – Only Deluxe Editions!
Total runtime: 55:17

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe.  Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek,  English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.

Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar

Guest Musicians
Amdroniki Skoula – Vocals (on ‘La Letra Del Diavolo’)
Nikos Kerkiras – Keyboard
Christina Alexiou – Choir
Maria Tsironi – Choir
Alexandros Loyziotis – Choir
Vasilis Karatzas- Choir

Andrew Liles – Narration (on ‘The Apostate’, ‘Pretty World, Pretty Dies’)
Kim Diaz Holm – Narration (on ‘Ygdrassil’)

Recording Studio
Deva Sounds Studios (Athens, Greece)

Producer
Sakis TolisSound Engineer
Fotis Bernando
Aggelos Karatzas

Mixing
Jens Borgen at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Mastering
Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Artwork Artists
Thomas Cole – Artwork
Adrien Bousson – Digital Processing

Biography
Sébastien J. Gamez

Links:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
CD Clamshell Box – Deluxe Digipak w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus
Tracks & Extras
12″ Vinyl Gatefold – Black
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Crystal Clear, Red & Blue Mixed
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Green
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Turquoise
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Yellow
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – Blue
12″ Coloured Vinyl Gatefold – silver & Black Marbled
Limited Box Set Vinyl – 12″ Gold & Black Marbled w/ Gold Foil + 2 Bonus Tracks & Extras
Cassette

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 ascended from Greece’s blackened catacombs to one of metal’s most formidable bands.  

This year, Rotting Christ are celebrating 35 years of evil excellence with their 14th album. ΠΡΟ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ (Pro Xristoy) is bound to hold a revered place in the band’s heretical history. Always true to their name, with Pro Xristoy (“Before Christ”), the band pay tribute to the last of the Pagan kings by offering up more towering, gothic, melodic black metal. 

Now that Rotting Christ are closing in on four decades, some followers might’ve wondered if there was any sacred ground left for them to conquer. But Pro Xristoy is a testament to a band that’s still on the rise.    

Pro Xristory comes out May 24.

Track-list

1. Pro Xristoy (Προ Χριστού) (1:29)
2. The Apostate (5:01)
3. Like Father, Like Son (4:35)
 4. The Sixth Day (3:56)
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo (4:01)
6. The Farewell (6:15)
7. Pix Lax Dax (4:33)
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies (4:51)
9. Yggdrasil (5:04)
10. Saoirse (6:17)
11. Primal Resurrection (Bonus Track) (5:32)
12. All For One (Bonus Track) (3:37)
Total runtime: 55:17

Pre-orders for the new album will start next month.

To kick off what’s shaping up to be a year’s worth of devilish festivities, Rotting Christ are heading off on a tour of Latin America. Fans from Mexico to Argentina will have the pleasure of banging their heads to an unholy litany of the band’s greatest hits. They’ll also be treated to new songs off Pro Xristoy that are bound to become setlist staples.

In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,3000 concerts around the globe.  Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.

Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to bush boundaries.

But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek,  English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.

In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristoy.

Pro Xristoy (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.

Line-up
Sakis Tolis: Guitar/Vocals
Themis Tolis: Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis: Bass
Kostis Fouk: Guitar

Guest Musicians
Amdroniki Skoula – Vocals (on ‘La Letra Del Diavolo’)
Nikos Kerkiras – Keyboard
Christina Alexiou – Choir
Maria Tsironi – Choir
Alexandros Loyziotis – Choir
Vasilis Karatzas – Choir

Andrew Liles – Narration (on ‘The Apostate’, ‘Pretty World, Pretty Dies’)
Kim Diaz Holm – Narration (on ‘Ygdrassil’)

Recording Studio
Deva Sounds Studios (Athens, Greece)

Producer
Sakis Tolis

Sound Engineer
Fotis Bernando
Aggelos Karatzas

Mixing
Jens Borgen at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Mastering
Tony Lidgren at Fascination Street Studios (Örebro, Sweden)

Artwork Artists
Thomas Cole – Artwork
Adrien Bousson – Digital Processing

Biography
Sebastien Gamez

Links:
Official Website: https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rottingchristofficial/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rottingchristofficial/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/athanatoieste
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RottingChristOfficia
Bandcamp: https://rottingchristofficial.bandcamp.com/
Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rotting-christ/id28441629
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FhkwcO8Jd7BRWdllBpXBJ

Greek metal titans ROTTING CHRIST have just released a digital compilation featuring previously unreleased tracks. ‘The Apocryphal Spells‘ Vol I and II is out now on all digital streaming platforms. Listen to Vol I here and Vol II here. The compilation will be released as a physical edition in 2023.

‘The Apocryphal Spells’ Vol I:
1. Astral Embodiment (05:28)
2. Moonlight (04:16)
3. Phobia (05:40)
4. Tormentor (cover) (02:33)
5. Flag of Hate / Pleasure to Kill (cover) (04:09)

‘The Apocryphal Spells’ Vol II:
1. Spiritus Sancti (04:50)
2. I am the Moonchild (02:40)
3. Noctis Era – remixed (04:50)
4. I Will Not Serve (03:55)
5. Black Sabbath (06:01)

ROTTING CHRIST have reached another peak in their long career that now spans over more than three decades. The Greeks have literally stood the test of time. With a steady core line-up and their well-honed live delivery, ROTTING CHRIST are filling concert halls and reap enthusiastic crowd reactions wherever they go. This demonstration of love from their followers is not just driven by nostalgia as the band has managed to evolve and grow, while staying relevant beyond the classics with their highly acclaimed latest albums such as ‘Aealo’ (2010), ‘Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού’ (2013), and ‘Rituals’ (2016).

Now, with the new offering ‘The Heretics’, ROTTING CHRIST are opening a brand new chapter. With confidence and skills derived from experience, each song represents its own sonic universe. Guitarist and vocalist Sakis Tolis in collaboration with his brother Themis on drums achieve a perfect balance of amalgamating their classic and unique style of riffing and rhythm with exciting new elements sprinkled in to keep their material exciting and fresh. The experienced is enhanced by Jens Bogren’s equally clear and transparent yet also massive as well as sombre mix and mastering at his widely renowned Fascination Street Studios (AMORPHIS, BORKNAGAR, MOONSPELL, DEVIN TOWNSEND, and many more).

ROTTING CHRIST were founded by Sakis Tolis and his brother Themis in the year 1987. Starting out on a basis of death and grind, the Greeks had already embarked on a darker musical journey by the time their debut full-length ‘Thy Mighty Contract’ (1993) was revealed. On the following seven albums covering a ten-year period from ‘Non Serviam’ (1994) to ‘Sanctus Diavolos’ (2004), ROTTING CHRIST steadily defined their own distinct style by experimenting with elements from death, heavy, and gothic metal without betraying their black roots. At the same time, the band went from underground heroes to headliner status. With the highly acclaimed ninth album, ‘Theogonia’ (2007), the Greek stalwarts added an unmistakable native element to their sound, which has remained with them as a signature trademark ever since. Exploring the mythical legacy of cultures around the globe let to 

ROTTING CHRIST‘s massively successful latest release, ‘Rituals’ (2016). With more than 30 years, 13 studio albums, a dozen EPs, singles and split releases, as well as more than 1.250 shows under their belt, 2018 marked the year of ‘Their Greatest Spells’ (2018), where they musically revisited their exciting legacy to connect their past with the present. 

‘The Heretics’ marks another step in the evolution of the Greek masters. Buckle up for a fascinating musical ride through the woes of religious wars, Zoroastrianism and the eternal war between good and evil.  Metal at its best!

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Shop: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/rottingchristshop

Metal veteran brothers Sakis and Themis Tolis of the Greek metal band ROTTING CHRIST have reached immortality by having a fossil named after them! Two researchers from the Natural History Museum in Luxembourg recently found a new brittle-star species and decided to name it ‘Brezinacantha Tolis’ honoring the Tolis brothers.  Frontman Sakis Tolis comments: “This is one of the greatest honors I have received as an individual and musician and it gives me power to keep on creating and offer these wild times.”   Dr. Ben Thuy and and Dr. Lea Numberger (research associates at the Natural History Museum Luxembourg) comment on the naming: “When we first saw the fossil brittle star, we immediately knew it was something exciting. It turned out to be a species new to science, and so we had the privilege to name it. With the choice of the name, we wanted to combine our joint passions for science and music, and decided to honour one of our favourite bands. The new fossil belongs to an animal that lived in a dark, toxic environment in the depths of an ancient ocean, dwelling on the  remains of their dead predecessors. This is pure black metal! Naming this species after Sakis and Themis Tolis is our way to issue an academic recognition of their talent and hard work. Now they own a small piece of immortality, because scientific species names are for eternity.” More info on the discovery and naming of ‘Brezninacantha Tolis’ can be found HERE.

ROTTING CHRIST‘s latest album ‘The Heretics’ is streaming via the official Season of Mist YouTube channel here. The album artwork, created by Maximos Manolis, and album details of ‘The Heretics’ can be found below.

Track-list:
1. In The Name of God (04:14)
2. Vetry Zlye (Ветры злые) (03:13)
3. Heaven and Hell and Fire (04:52)
4. Hallowed Be Thy Name (05:06)
5. Dies Irae (03:46)
6. I Believe (ΠΙΣΤΕΥΩ) (03:42)
7. Fire God And Fear (04:50) 
8. The Voice of the Universe (05:23)
9. The New Messiah (03:07)
10. The Raven (05:23)
Total: 43:36

ROTTING CHRIST have reached another peak in their long career that now spans over more than three decades. The Greeks have literally stood the test of time. With a steady core line-up and their well-honed live delivery, ROTTING CHRIST are filling concert halls and reap enthusiastic crowd reactions wherever they go. This demonstration of love from their followers is not just driven by nostalgia as the band has managed to evolve and grow, while staying relevant beyond the classics with their highly acclaimed latest albums such as ‘Aealo’ (2010), ‘Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού’ (2013), and ‘Rituals’ (2016).

Now, with the new offering ‘The Heretics’, ROTTING CHRIST are opening a brand new chapter. With confidence and skills derived from experience, each song represents its own sonic universe. Guitarist and vocalist Sakis Tolis in collaboration with his brother Themis on drums achieve a perfect balance of amalgamating their classic and unique style of riffing and rhythm with exciting new elements sprinkled in to keep their material exciting and fresh. The experienced is enhanced by Jens Bogren’s equally clear and transparent yet also massive as well as sombre mix and mastering at his widely renowned Fascination Street Studios (AMORPHIS, BORKNAGAR, MOONSPELL, DEVIN TOWNSEND, and many more).

ROTTING CHRIST were founded by Sakis Tolis and his brother Themis in the year 1987. Starting out on a basis of death and grind, the Greeks had already embarked on a darker musical journey by the time their debut full-length ‘Thy Mighty Contract’ (1993) was revealed. On the following seven albums covering a ten-year period from ‘Non Serviam’ (1994) to ‘Sanctus Diavolos’ (2004), ROTTING CHRIST steadily defined their own distinct style by experimenting with elements from death, heavy, and gothic metal without betraying their black roots. At the same time, the band went from underground heroes to headliner status. With the highly acclaimed ninth album, ‘Theogonia’ (2007), the Greek stalwarts added an unmistakable native element to their sound, which has remained with them as a signature trademark ever since. Exploring the mythical legacy of cultures around the globe let to 

ROTTING CHRIST‘s massively successful latest release, ‘Rituals’ (2016). With more than 30 years, 13 studio albums, a dozen EPs, singles and split releases, as well as more than 1.250 shows under their belt, 2018 marked the year of ‘Their Greatest Spells’ (2018), where they musically revisited their exciting legacy to connect their past with the present. 

‘The Heretics’ marks another step in the evolution of the Greek masters. Buckle up for a fascinating musical ride through the woes of religious wars, Zoroastrianism and the eternal war between good and evil.  Metal at its best!

Style: Atmospheric Dark Metal

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www.rotting-christ.com

Studio: Pentagram Studios (Athens, GR)
Producer: Sakis Tolis
Sound Engineer: George Emmanouil
Mix/studio: Jens Borgen, Fascination Street Studios (SE)

Guest Musicians:
Irina Zybina (GRAI): Vocals on ‘Vetry Zlye’
Dayal Patterson: Intoning on ‘Fire God and Fear’
Ashmedi  (MELECHESH): Vocals on ‘The Voice of the Universe’
Stratis Steele: Intoning on ‘The Raven’

Line-up
Sakis Tolis: vocals, guitar
Themis Tolis: drums
Giannis Kalamatas: guitar
Kostas Heliotis: bass