In the late afternoon of April 12, the Hristo Botev Cultural Center in Sofia, Bulgaria, was a place where metal fans were appointed to see one of the greatest Greek metal bands ever - Rotting Christ. For the fourth time Bulgaria became part of a tour of theirs, this time promoting songs from their latest album, "Theogonia", released in the end of January 2007. Its qualities and the great new compositions made almost 150 Bulgarian fans come and see one of the best extreme bands on stage.

A few minutes after 7 p.m. Rotting Christ's young compatriots Mass Infection emerged in front of the crowd, which was still just about 50 people at that time and the mood was not on the appropriate frequency. However, the quartet played some great death metal songs in good speed, which succeeded to stir into action the few people.

Through the next 40 minutes the stage was invaded there by the second Greek band for the night, Suicidal Angels, who actually played very well. Their music sounded like old-school thrash classics, and the two Slayer cover versions received great support from the crowd. The band was searching for contact with the audience and showed their honest satisfaction from the fast-organized pogo in front of the stage.

Sometime around 8:30 p.m. Rotting Christ appeared so fast and powerful that we didn't feel when the first 4 or 5 songs were already gone in this euphoria. The music was mainly from the band's latest two full-length albums, and this seemed to please the people, most of them smiling, singing along and headbanging with frontman Sakis Tolis. His behavior was also great - with his typical gesticulation and funny faces…

With a well-balanced sound between the instruments, Rotting Christ continued the review of their discography, and about an hour later the band disappeared from the stage as fast as they came out in the beginning. The audience's screaming called the musicians for two whole encores, and another two songs were played. At this time Rotting Christ were showing how impressed they were from the fans in the hall.

Promoters of this show were Most of Evil Music, which gave their best to make things right. Everything was really great. To put it short - this was one awesome metal concert!

Words & pix: Boyana Atanassova

MoreВ photos of Rotting Christ's show in Sofia can be viewedВ in ourВ GALLERY.