Metal Invader - Litany, Stendor, Shadowed Hope, Wrathblade Live Review

Metal Invader - The True Metal Experience

Litany/Stendor/Shadowed Hope/Wrathblade

Live at “Ston Aera”, Athens 3 May 2005
By Themis Pamfilos

I am anything but a chauvinist or patriot, but Greece indeed has one of the best underground heavy metal scenes, even thought this is not reflected in album sales (an example being the Airged L’amh album/masterpiece which was ignored even from the true metal circles. It seems like the term “Greek Metal band” still sounds as a joke outside the underground circles). Well, this was another proof of the acme the Greek underground metal scene undergoes, and the few that attended the concert were thrilled by the brilliant performances.

First on stage were WRATHBLADE, a relatively new Greek band on their first live appearance ever. A new band they may be, but the feature some well known musicians: Nick Varsamis (vocals) and George Koumparoulis (bass) from LITANY , Chris Mossalos (guitar) ex-RAGING STORM, and John Alexandrakis (ARPYIAN HORDE, FOREDOOMED) behind the drum kit. Well, in the 5 songs they played the belief that a new great Greek epic metal band was born was confirmed. Amazing songs, amazing performance. Enough said!

Next on stage was SHADOWED HOPE, a band I never heard of before. It was time for me to leave the club to visit the nearest souvlaki/gyros grill house as their My Dying Bride and Katatonia worship style of their music is certainly not my cup of tea. Still, from the little I watched they managed to have a good sound, and they seemed well rehearsed. Plus, their members being from the neighbourhood of where the club is located resulted in the numbers of the audience reaching 100 people during their set.

But, it was time for STENDOR to hit the stage. Unfortunately by the time they hit the stage the people in attendance was reduced to half, as a large portion was friends of the local band that played before. Well, fuck those wankers, they missed a hell of a show. I hadn’t listened to this band for a long time, since I found their 5 year old demo to be not that great. So I was in for a big surprise!!! Quite simply this band features one of the best Greek singers, this guy can go REALLY high and in effortless way, and their guitarist is ultra-skilled. Their own songs (their style can be described as a combination of pure heavy metal, with epic and progressive elements) were very good, and their cover versions of “Deliver Us” (WARLORD) and “Unholy” (SAVATAGE) impressive. A label has to pick up this band immediately.

Then it was time for LITANY’s doom metal. I wish those who were very harsh with the band due to their unlucky show in Belgium (which the band admits it was a bad one, however largely due to sound problems) were there to see the real possibilities of this band. Well, their performance was another proof of the undeniable talent this band has, and another confirmation that we should expect great things from them in the feature as they never seem to stop improving. Their set generated the strongest crowd reactions of the day as most were familiar with their songs. I really expect a lot from them in the future.

In summary, this was another great concert, of the ones that have started becoming more and more often in Greece. My only complaint? Well, I wish Greeks metalheads were more supportive of their own bands and the turnout was bigger.