Gig Review : Rotting Christ Limelight 2 Belfast

Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM

Winter is fast approaching and we feel the brisk wind and rain as we pile into the car, to head to the big smoke for tonight’s gig Rotting Christ.

As we approach the Limelight there is a sizeable crowd lined up outside the building. The crowd appear sparse at the start of the night as we gather for tonight’s support band.

This did not deter the Dublin extreme Metal band Fraught, who take to the stage fifteen minutes after doors open and manage to squeeze all five members on including two drum kits, for an extreme set. The lads formed in 2018 and have an EP and a debut album entitled ‘Transfixed on Dying Light’ which was released in 2023.

The lads play a seven song set and open with ‘Increments of Humiliation’. The lads’ experimental mix of death metal and sludge, combined with intensity and slow moments lead you on a journey of unpredictability, in their coordinated chaos.

Their set is heavy and penetrating in places and they warm up the crowd nicely ahead of the headliners. If you haven’t checked Fraught out yet, or are an avid follower they play ‘Dismember Fest’ in Dublin on December 6^th.

Originating from Athens in 1987, Rotting Christ consist of members, Sakis Tolis (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Themis Tolis (drums), Kostas ‘Spades’ Heliotis (bass, backing vocals), and Kostis Foukarakis (lead guitar, backing vocals). Rotting Christ are considered one of the most influential Black metal bands with a longevity of approx. 38 years. Brothers Sakis and Themis have been in the band since their inception.

The Merch queue is busy and the Limelight 2 is now heaving with an enthusiastic crowd. The ambiance shifts as the colossal four piece take to the stage. Rotting Christ have a powerful presence and this is felt the minute the lads take to the stage. Launching into ‘Χ Ξ Σ (666)’ the chanting in the backing track creates a dark ritualistic vibe which is a perfect accompaniment to the guitar intro.

However, when the drums and vocals kick in I am mesmerized. Sakis and the lads command reverence but yet they don’t need to demand it. Their posture and mannerisms are fitting of their genre and despite this being a smaller venue, which they shall no doubt conquer tonight, they are playing like it is a festival size crowd.

Next up ‘Pro Xristou’ the title track and first song of the night from their latest 17^th studio album, released in 2024. Sakis introduces the song in his deep Grecian vocals, Themis and Kostas lead the march on this track with pounding drums and thumping bass lines. The lads are energetic and engaging and have the crowd proverbially eating from their hands. Sakis’s Latin vocals are powerful on ‘Dies Irae’, as he uses mythological Christ like stance and occasional pose throughout the set to emphasis the musical themes.

The crowd stand in solidarity chanting and fists up high singing in unison with the lad’s chants of “Hey, Hey”. Sakis beams proudly as he converses and rallies up the Belfast troops. Rotting Christ continue with their onslaught and songs like ‘Demomom Vrosis’ and ‘Κατά τον Δαίμονον Εαυτού’ see the lads perform with such passion, we become consumed in their performance. From Kostis’s blistering guitar solos and Themis’s ferocious technique and double bass drums the crowd are addicted and yearn for more. 

‘Like Father, Like Son’ is the second track off the latest opus and is met with a great reception from their fans. The band play with such pride and energy – Kostis and Kostas’s wind milling is a sight to behold as they do not miss a beat. Kostis’s solo is exquisite with Sakis perfectly harmonising alongside his bandmate on the rhythm guitar. Sakis introduces the next song as “one from back in the day – very old song – the sign of evil existence, old school” and unveils ‘Non Serviam’. Sakis has the crowd unified in sticking up their horns. Rotting Christ are genuinely charming, in particular Sakis who skilfully uses his charisma to entertain and please the crowd.

The visceral ‘Archon’ sees a mosh pit in flight – probably not the best idea in such a small area and dense crowd but the crowd are eager to please. Sakis is humourous, sticking out his tongue and laughing with the Limelight crowd. The lads are enjoying the Northern Irish show every bit as much as us. Sakis imitated to the gathering that a ‘wall of death’ was warranted during ‘The Black halo’ and the fans obliged, despite the lack of space. 

Rotting Christ conclude their distinctive set with the fierce “Under the Name of the fucking Legion”. Sakis chants over Themis’s savage drum beat and the lads have the crowd chanting in unison whilst they deliver yet another brutal song. Sakis humbly commends the Limelight congregation by stating “You were fantastic Belfast see you next time”. Lads in the audience cry out for ‘one more tune’. Their wishes were answered as Rotting Christ reappear for their encore with the alluring, ‘The Raven’ based on the Edgar Allen Poe poem. I would love to have heard the band play ‘Saoirse’ from their current album however, they played a great variety of songs from their back catalogue much to our pleasure. Rotting Christ are one of those bands who naturally possess a magnetism and are skilled at captivating their audience despite the dark tone of their music and subject matter. 

Photography by MPM