THE GALLERY's celebratory show 2024: Gathering of the Hellenic Extreme Metal Giants!!!

By Alexandros Soultatos:

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024. A day that will go down in the history of the Hellenic Extreme Metal scene while honoring our Web Magazine and our Metal community, “The Gallery: Extreme Metal Alliance”! On this day, something unprecedented in Greek Metal history happened…

On the occasion of the draw for our big THEGALLERY.GR give away for 2023, we invited people whose music has accompanied us for decades, the frontmen of the leading Hellenic bands in an iconic Athens studio!

Almost all the Giants of Greece’s Extreme Metal sound sat down to discuss topics concerning our favorite music. The leaders of NECROMANTIA, SEPTIC FLESH, NIGHTFALL, ON THORNS I LAY and NIGHTRAGE responded to THE GALLERY’s call to a summit that lasted over two hours!

The discussion began with the guests sharing their favorite Metal releases for the year 2023, offering us an insight into their favorite bands.

Efthymis Karadimas talked about NIGHTFALL‘s path in Extreme Metal and the importance of innovation in their sound. George Zacharopoulos talked about the aesthetics of Black Metal and the importance of genuine expression in music, revealing at the same time the reasons why he has not performed live with NECROMANTIA and his other bands to this day. Additionally, he told us a lot about his latest project, THE MAGUS. Fotis Benardo revealed the creative process behind the works of NIGHTFALL as well as what lies ahead for SIXFORNINE. Marios Iliopoulos discussed the continuous effort for evolution and innovation in NIGHTRAGE’S melodic Death Metal, as well the recordings of their new album which is expected be released soon! Christos Dragamestianos highlighted the relevance of Doom Metal in today’s music scene and its role in the expression of the inner psyche, which is projected through ON THORNS I LAY. Finally, Spyros Antoniou talked about the harmonious blend of symphonic elements in Death Metal and their effect on the sound of SEPTIC FLESH. He also provided details about the band’s concerts in Mexico and the special place it has in his heart.

The meeting demonstrated there’s a common denominator: LOVE for Metal and a COMMITMENT to the evolution and creation of music that breaks down musical borders and clichés! The guests emerged as ambassadors of an expressive music that continues to evolve and fulfill itself…

In short, this interview with THE GALLERY is a unique opportunity for the fans of Extreme Metal music to enter the world of its creators. With honesty and passion, the guests told a love story for Metal that transcends the boundaries of time and continues to develop with new sounds and ideas…

I want to personally thank Yannis Pousios and Sofia Kouroumali who, for a third year in a row, were by my side as co-presenters/hosts representing THE GALLERY in this gathering. In addition, thanks to the rest of THE GALLERY’s team with Kostas, Filomeni and Vasiliki being behind the scenes during the interview as well as participating in the prize-draw process.

Ps.1. Special thanks to Manos Backline Services – M.B.Studios for welcoming and embracing our video-shoot! Warm thanks to Stamos who was responsible for the sound of the whole event, to Nikos who took over the lighting and of course to Katerina who directed and set everything up
Ps.2. Unfortunately Sakis Tolis, representing ROTTING CHRIST, despite being invited, could not attend our meeting. Maybe next time he will…