A beautiful melodeath live event in a packed small venue with two bands that we tend to see playing together often. The Finnish band WOLFHEART arrived with a new full album in their hands while the Athenians AMONGRUINS trying to take back what they lost during the pandemic crisis and get out of the ruins stronger than ever.
I must admit that I didn’t expect to see a packed venue since the same evening there was the football match between France and England for the World Cup, let aside the numerous gigs during the last weeks and of course the fact that we have seen Wolfheart more than once already in Greece. But, it seems that the good price ticket (kudos to the organizers) and the love of the fans for the genre brought lots of people at Keramikos district who packed Temple Athens before even the first band appear on stage, something that happened at 21:30
The first time I saw Amongruins was back in 2013 when they also played with Wolfheart at An Club while the same happened in 2016 when both bands played at The Crow but also at Modu Club on year later! Also, both bands seem to have kicked off their career at the same period since they both released their debut albums in 2013. After a hiatus (covid pandemic didn’t help either) the Athenians came back on stage and they seem to be fully charged to create and play the music they love. You could see on their faces anyway, they seem so happy playing for their fans. The only difference this time was the drummer as Nick Friligos has taken the seat behind the drum kit instead of George Tzitzifas. With the leading role on Sverd (vocals/bass) and the two guitarists (Thanos and Alex) the band filled the venue with death metal along with some more melodic tunes that don’t really reduce their dynamics since they are a band that doesn’t hesitate to also speed up when it’s needed. Their setlist was equally divided in already known tracks from “In Light” album but also many new ones that sounded powerful enough to my ears and they will probably be on their upcoming third full lenght album.
Amongruins live video:
Amongruins setlist:
Tear me apart / Shattered Times / Sear Sacrifice / Wells of War / No Light / End Of My Fall / The Last Day
Back in 2013 An Club was OK for Wolfheart, but in 2016 The Crow was proved to be inadequate due to its tiny space. And yes, they may still not big enough to play in huge venues but the fans that packed Temple Athens knew exactly what they wanted to listen to and these guys from Finland offered it generously by playing with power but also with some weird low-profile attitude since this is not a band that will grab you directly with their on stage performance.
Wolfheart appeared on stage at 22:35 while I was still thinking about their latest album that I was listening the last days. Because, many people complained about their more melodic approach on “King Of The North” album (mainly on the vocals) but if you ask me this approach gives them a nice extra touch and more variety. Let’s not forget anyway how creative is Tuomas as a composer with any band he’s been involved. But, as I said the venue was crowded which means they were there to fully support them.
What I personally don’t like on their shows is the use of numerous prerecorded stuff. OK, I know it’s a necessary evil but there are moments that it feels kind of awkward, especially when the band just waits there for their part. But at least this time the sound was good enough comparing to the previous concerts in Athens when the final result wasn’t proper and up to what they achieve in the studio. But, Ι don’t want to give the wrong impression, Wolfheart is a great band that makes and plays good music. They also seem to enjoy their stuff (no matter how static seems Tuomas on stage), and the fans love them every time they play in Greece and they easily get fired up with both old and new stuff. Thunderous guitar riffing and tight drumming created a great combo that forced the fans to pump their fists up, headbang and even form small moshpits. Last but not least, during “Ancestor” they had Ruby Bouzioti as special guest on vocals. I think they could add one, or two more songs but we knew beforehand that they usually play around an hour or so…
Wolfheart live video:
Wolfheart setlist:
skyforger / wolves of karelia / the hunt / breakwater / the king / everlasting / knell / ancestor / aeon of cold / boneyard / the hammer
® report/photos/video: Konstantinos Mindcrimek Vlachos
