Legendary is a word reserved for the elite. The bands that have endured throughout the many transformations that have run through Black Metal since It’s vile birth so many years ago.

If you don’t know the history of Rotting Christ, go read a book. Seriously, there’s an official book written about them. I’ll wait. Okay, so smarminess aside Rotting Christ have been a consistent bunch and have carved a gorge in the realm of Gothic Black Metal.

35 Years of Evil Existence… Live in Lycabettus is one of those live album that puts you in the fucking crowd (take note Amorphis) this is how you damn well do it. When the opening of “666” roars from the speakers the assembled throng roar back in adulation; and you’re in it, you’re fucking there.

This is a history lesson in longevity. Consistency is the name of the game as I said, and these guys are on fire throughout the 25 songs presented here. Plus, new(er) tracks from Pro Xristoy which I covered in these hallowed pages upon its release.

They plow through their back catalog “P’Unchaw Kachun- Tuta Kachun”, “Kata Ton Demona Eaytoy” and “Apage Satana” are brought out early on and they sound crystal fucking clear. There’s even banter with the crowd in between the songs!

Rotting Christ are masters of their craft, and that’s why releasing a twenty-five-track retrospective live album is perfectly fine. Pro Xristoy is a monster album, and “Like Father, Like Son” squeezes in between “Aealo” and “King of a Stellar War.”

The track listing is astounding, a literal spoil of riches from Black Metal royalty: “The Sign of Evil Existence”, “Fgmenth Thy Gift”, “Societas Satanas”, “Forest of N’gai”, “Sorrowful Farewell”, “Among Two Storms,” and “After Dark I Feel.” Just to name a bucket full plus my personal favorites, “In Yumen Xibalba” and “Nemecic.”

I’ve raved in the past about great live albums. Great, meaning crowd interaction, the actual sound of people being there is what makes you a part of that crowd. 35 Years of Evil Existence… Live in Lycabettus is a grand collection of Rotting Christ and their Black Flame that burns at the heart of their craft. Stellar production as would be expected from a show of this magnitude.

You know what to do, pick it up and mosh wherever you are!

[Visit the band's website]

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