The Balkan tour of Coven kicked off in Athens — a historic event, as Jinx Dawson, along with four other talented musicians, brought to life songs that had never before been performed in our country. Their iconic debut album, Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls (1969), was more than enough to keep the audience captivated, despite the holiday season when many were out of town.
The Ground Stage at Gazarte proved to be a wonderful setting, with its beautifully kept courtyard, perfectly complementing the most occult rock night we’ve ever experienced. Jehovah of Death opened the show, and from the very first notes of their melodic yet ultra-heavy riffs, the crowd was already headbanging. With three EPs under their belt and incredible onstage chemistry that gave a ritualistic feel to their performance, they proved they could easily headline their own show in the future. The band’s frontwoman, veiled in black and crowned with a spiked halo, impressed not only with her vocal prowess but also with the way she breathed dark life into the demonic sounds crafted by the rest of the band. Their track Goya’s Witches stood out, making plenty of heads nod along to its rhythms and masterful transitions. Though their 30-minute set felt all too short, they gave it their absolute all.
Saturday Night Satan, who will be supporting Coven throughout the rest of the European tour, were the perfect addition to this historic night. Their debut album All Things Black was only released last year, yet it already feels like a classic, embraced wholeheartedly by their audience — helped no doubt by appearances at events like Release Athens and opening for Lucifer and Green Lung. With songs like Witches’ Dance and Rule With Fire, they whipped the crowd into a frenzy, nearly packing out Gazarte. The energy and spirit they brought to the stage made it clear that opening for a band like Coven was a true celebration. Kate on vocals and Dimitris on bass/backing vocals made a fiery duo, their presence so magnetic it was impossible to look away. A welcome surprise came at the end of their set — a powerful cover of Diamond Head’s all-time classic Am I Evil?, which warmed up the room perfectly for the night’s headliners.
Setlist: Lurking in the Shadows / Rule With Fire/ All Things Black / 5 AM / Crown of Arrogance / Witches’ Dance / Devil in Disguise / Am I Evil?
The ceremony began with a coffin placed at the center of the stage, surrounded by the band members who slowly approached and opened it as eerie sounds and voices from Coven’s first album filled the venue. Wearing a commanding mask, Jinx Dawson emerged from the coffin, cheating death and chanting the lyrics to Black Sabbath. Naturally, no one expected her voice to sound exactly like it did fifty years ago, but once she warmed up, she delivered unexpectedly powerful performances — particularly on Coven in Charing Cross and the rock anthem Wicked Woman, which had the entire crowd singing along to the chorus.
The rest of the band — on bass, guitar, drums, and keyboards — greatly supported Jinx, adding backing vocals and creating a dark, theatrical atmosphere with their costumes and movements. The low lighting and visual projections on the video wall behind them perfectly completed the ritualistic vibe of the performance. In addition to their classic debut songs, three tracks from Jinx’s 2013 solo album were also performed. Midway through the set, she returned to the stage carrying her beloved skull — a familiar symbol from many of the band’s photoshoots — and, with a candle burning beside her, delivered one of their most psychedelic pieces, Choke, Thirst, Die.
Though their set lasted just under an hour, it left us fully satisfied, especially considering the challenges of touring at her age and the intense focus and energy their show demands. The night’s diabolically magical finale came with Blood on the Snow, whose heavy riffs launched us straight into the night, ready to continue our revelry at the nearest beer house.
Setlist: Out of Luck / Black Sabbath / Coven in Charing Cross / White Witch of Rose Hall / Wicked Woman / The Crematory / Choke, Thirst, Die / Black Swan / For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge / Epitaph / Blood on the Snow
Text: Μαριάννα Τζίμα
Photos: @ndrakosphotography
