Sakis Tolis - Rotting Christ “We’re still here, we’re strong and as true Greek warriors, we will always front-line the battlefield."

 An Interview With Sakis Tolis (Rotting Christ)

By on February 9, 2016 - Written for MetalObsession.net

The Greek overlords of  metal have finally returned in 2016 with their  latest offering – one that is nothing short of a beautiful, eerie masterpiece. Famous for inculcating the most mystical aspects of the occult and combining it with their unorthodox style of extreme music, Rotting Christ continue to prove they’re undeniable supremacy when it comes to creating music that defies any sort of label,  and obliterating the masses with sheer passion for what they do. Metal Obsession had the honour of an in-depth chat with the charming Sakis Tolis, guitarist, vocalist,  one of the founding members of the band and just all-round nice guy.We discussed the new album ‘Rituals’, the inspiration behind it’s beginnings, the band’s amazing versatility in music and so much more. 

SAKIS TOLIS – ROTTING CHRIST

Greeting me as an old friend ( yes, I died) , Sakis was a little out of the weather but still powered through his cold, ” It’s now or never my friend. It is certainly a stressful time because I am doing all the promo for our new album and waiting for it to be released. However, the first feedback we have received has been very positive and we are excited for our album to reach all the people out there – it makes me relieved.” Toning down the fangirl-ing was not on the agenda as I declared that I had listened to the album atleast 50 times, ” Thank you very much, I am very happy to hear that! We’ve been getting some good feedback. But you cannot satisfy everyone in this life”, he continued as we spoke about responses that the new album has been receiving, ” but the majority of people who have listened to album have appreciated it. It’s quite a different album in a few ways and it’s a really good step forward for Rotting Christ as a band, so we’re happy.”

Thematically, Rotting Christ are the masters at creating albums filled with music that stimulates your brain while leaving it to mosh around in your skull simultaneously, and my curiosity evoked the question of ‘why rituals?’. ” Before I start writing new stuff, I first talk with myself and I try to find some undiscovered place, deep inside me. This is where the concept of ‘Rituals’ arose. For me, rituals represent sublime devotion. It’s a very important part of life – when I saw ‘rituals’, I am not referring to the sacrificing of animals or people, but more as a kind of meditation for me. Thus, in my opinion, we have created a very dark album that is more mature, and is true to the spirit of rituals from different parts of the world. You cannot hear many guitar solos and fast,heavy riffs but you will hear many strange languages, weird concepts and music that is truly Rotting Christ. ”

To me this album represents something that reveals how rituals are viewed from the eyes of different cultures which Sakis agreed to, “This is exactly right and what we wanted. Our main concept as a band to create music a concept that can help you escape from everyday life. There’s no specific colour in our lives we don’t like colours so we just write music to escape. It’s a precious thing to us.” “It is a nightmare sometimes and it is quite difficult ” he admits when talking about the writing and recording process, ” but everything is forgotten when you come up with an idea. I’m the only composer and it has taken me one and a half years for this. I like to be isolated and I like very much to escape from this world, and music is the way I express the dark side of my soul.” True as this is, musically, Rituals feels like an ode to the history of Rotting Christ , a band that has crossed genre-defining boundaries, survived incessant criticism and has against all odds, undeniably carved a niche in the metal world that they can call their own. ” Rotting Christ still exists today because of our passion for music. We’ve had a few line up changes but this does not phase us. We do continue to maintain some of our signature sounds, but now I feel we have evolved further from when we started as a black metal band – this is seen on Rituals which is one of our darkest albums. ”

The placement of the tracks is almost too perfect on the album as it begins on a heavy and prolific note but progressively tones down with an overall soundscape that will draw you in and send chills down your spine – it’s addictive. ” This is exactly right. We start with the fast songs and then slow down as the music gets more doomy and atmospheric. This is a logical process as I am now 44 and cannot play as fast as I used to. Of course there are ways to do it but that’s what the new kids do. true to our spirit, we create music that fits better with our age. With over 200 songs in my career, creating new music is always a challenge I enjoy. It’s not that easy to follow this very extreme way but like I said, we are still here and will continue to follow our own way of music and creation.” So how does Sakis perceive their new album? “Occult, Esoteric, Rituals. This is what it is.”

Having listened to the new album abundantly as well as all of Rotting Christ’s discography, there’s always a sense of mysticism and a hypnotic feel that draws me into the music – as well as spark an undying curiosity to unveil one of their cryptic messages. But what’s even more special about ‘Rituals’ is the fact that there are not one or two but six different languages used. “After 13 albums and over 200 songs in my career, doing something new is always important. I love to read so I take my guitar and just start writing new music. This is how I work. For instance, I wanted to write a song on the last seven sentences of Jesus Christ on the cross and I could have easily done this in English. On the other hand, I set myself a challenge and said ‘let’s try and do this in Aramaic, the official language of Christ’. Translated, ‘Ze Nigmar‘ means ‘It is done’ and this holds so much significance to the concept of rituals.” On this note, I confessed to Sakis that the Sanskrit track ‘Devadevam’ was one in particular that touched me deeply, given that I come from two separate worlds of orthodox Hindu heritage and an ardent love for metal. For me, this track brought my two worlds together. ” This track is indeed special, I had to learn a lot about Indian culture as well as learn some Sanskrit which is an ancient Indian language. Kathir (Rudra) is an excellent musician and the track perfectly expresses a traditional ritual. It fits well with the ritualistic concept of the album.  India has a big history, a big philosophy and culture which we experienced when we played there last year and in inspired us.”

Still mesmerized, I prodded further to find out what inspired Sakis to inculcate the beauty of various ancient languages in the new record. ” Metal is not, just an ‘English’ thing. Sometimes, it is understood that if you play or listen to metal, it should be or it is only supposed to be in English. We are not English. It is not my mother tongue so it is difficult for me to express myself. However, having experienced so many travels around the world, I’ve seen for myself that all metal heads are more or less the same – metal is a worldwide phenomenon. Our music is meant for people worldwide and not for a specific set of people. We are multicultural and we are very happy that we have crossed this path. ” But was this difficult for the band? Clearly not. ” I take my writing and music very seriously – I take my role if I want to write something which is becoming what I want to express in my music. I do research, I read a lot and then go on to writing a song and for me, it is sometimes to read and express myself in other languages. Even if it is not my mother tongue, we put our own ideas but create something that will relate to people all over the world. ” Which they have successfully achieved, well-done lads.

On being asked how the album cover ties together the concept of ‘Rituals’, Sakis replies, ” That is my brother Themis, the drummer. It’s simple, everything in Rotting Christ now is simple. It’s the face of a ritual from ancient Greece which is exactly what we wanted – simplicity. ” Creating a record of such magnificence is bound to come with a certain level of difficulty but Sakis has an answer to this. ” I have my own strategy on how to record – the last four albums were recorded by me so because of this, I have my own rules, and when you deal with yourself, it’s not that difficult. You do not have the outside influence of other people which helps us remain true to our own spirit and true to our soul. ”

30 years of creating some of the most glorious music in the world yet Rotting Christ remain a humble group of musicians who still have a lot to say. ” When I look back Prarthana, it’s a story. We were part of the second generation black metal blast and were one of the first bands that started this. We have done more than 1200 shows – this is the story of our lives. I consider Rotting Christ to be a mission; my mission – which is to play my music and share a message with the world. There were lessons taken from Non Serviam, for instance which made people happy. We are going to keep doing this for as long as we live because my goal is to die on stage. we’re still here, we’re strong and as true Greek warriors, we will always front-line the battlefield.” If that doesn’t get you up off your arse and a little inspired, then I don’t know what will

Hails. This is my first post of a weekly column that I'll be writing to call readers' attention to the wonders and mysteries behind extreme and black metal, as well as to give recommendations from both Australia and internationally of bands in this vein that must be heard. This first post is just a taste of what's to come.

Religion has always been a central theme when it comes to this genre of metal – whether bands are singing in favour of it or against it. Blasphemy and Satanism are two very common concepts that you’ll certainly hear at some point if you’ve discussed extreme metal. While this is true to an extent, with many bands utilising these concepts in their lyrics and imagery, there is much more to the extreme than meets the eye, or ear in this case. To me, bands that deal with such topics as satanism, for instance, may spark some controversy on first listens. However, what I have come to understand over the years is that many extreme metal bands are more about shining a light on taboo subjects and ideologies.

Here are five extreme metal tracks that are an absolute must-listen, each one stepping into 'blasphemous' and Satanic realms, while bringing together mythology, religion and the occult. While it may be offensive to many, bewildering to some and enlightening to a few, there is no denying the artistic abilities of these bands in conveying messages of such a tendentious nature in a powerful way. 

 

Behemoth – Ceremony of Shiva
“I am Shiva, Hadit or Beast himself”
A song that brings forth the power of the Hindu Lord of Destruction mentioning his Third Eye and the Serpent or ‘Naga’ coiled around his neck. In the Satanic Bible and many other cultures, Shiva is known as the ‘Dark Lord’ and is also another name for Satan.

Rotting Christ – Devadevam
The Greek metal lords honour the Hindu tradition, using sacred mantras such as the ‘Gayatri Mantram’ in the beginning of the track and parts of the ‘Mrtyunjaya Stotram’ throughout, all the while chanting the names of various Gods. What’s absolutely stunning to me is how the band merges the mysticism of an ancient language such as Sanskrit with the crushing sounds of extreme metal.

Al-Namrood – Bat Al Tha ar Nar Muheja
Blackened metal from the blazing depths of Saudi Arabia. Need I say more? The very fact that a metal band exists in this country and is considered anti-Islamic is quite amazing, as they could face severe punishment. “We’re fed up with religion. Religion and society fulfil each other.” Truer words have not been spoken.

Batushka – Ектения VII: Истина
Very little is known about this dark, obscure Polish band, except that their sole purpose is to create some of the heaviest, most haunting combinations of black and doom metal tracks you’ll hear. The name of the band translated means ‘Father’, with reference to a priest. What Batushka create is a brooding atmosphere with liturgical chants and gripping tones, the band approach mystical theology and Christianity in a most unorthodox way without actually being a ‘Christian’ band. It’s a bit hard to process but I’ll let the music speak for itself.

Sheidim – Amrita
Sheidim – a very obscure word in Hebrew that means demon, and is apparently used only two times in the holy book of Tanakh. This essentially describes the ominous existence of Spanish black metallers Sheidim and also fits the theme of this article. What's interesting about this particular song is that the word 'Amrita' derived from Sanskrit word 'Amritam' which refers to the Nectar of Immortality. I really admire bands that are able to bring together elements of different cultures into their music. 

Rotting Christ: Bhur Buvah Svah

Synonymous with the ideologies of Occultism, spiritual mysticism, blasphemy, Satanism and the like are the ominous genres of black metal and extreme metal. It is without a doubt that there are bands creating music in this realm which pertain to the above and are considered taboo. However,  more often than not, time is not given to the underlying meaning of these concepts which go beyond the capacities of our understanding.

But I digress. Rotting Christ has been denied entry into countries courtesy of the particularly harsh nature of their name. Showing the proverbial finger to all representations of Christianity would be the instant connection on hearing this name, as was the case with me. However, after not only listening intently to the sounds of the Greek metal veterans, but also studying their lyrical themes, album art work and seeing them perform, it is crystal clear that the people of Rotting Christ are way beyond the mere concept of religion. It is what has become of religion and religious beliefs that linger in their minds and music while celebrating what was.






The band released a new album, interestingly eight days after my birthday, and featured one of the most glorious tracks I've had the pleasure of hearing in my time around the Sun. A track that features the unorthodox nature of Rotting Christ's powerful sound, and the gripping rhythms of traditional Hindu mantras. The Gayatri Mantram that introduces the track 'Devadevam', is a very sacred chant from the 'Rig Veda', and holds within, a prayer to the Universe for protection in all three Worlds.

The vocal prowess of Kathir from Vedic metal band 'Rudra' was sought after, and it has translated into what is an astounding rendition of certain parts of the 'Mrutyunjaya Stotram'. A highly revered mantra in Hinduism, it celebrates the glory of  Lord Shiva - the Destroyer, when he claims victory over Death as per the scriptures and mythological narratives. Although, in many cultures as well as in Satanism, Shiva is seen as one form of the Dark Lord, he is a force to be reckoned with within the Hindu tradition.

Needless to say, it was an emotional moment when I heard the use of these mantras in a Rotting Christ track. It puzzled me but simultaneously consolidated my thoughts which are now being documented in this blog. Religion is everywhere. It is referred to by a number of names, and is what we choose for it to be. Speaking with Sakis Tolis, he opened up about the reason behind using sacred Hindu chants in his music and to me, it not only shows a mark of respect to religion but a certain consciousness that takes some people a very long time to develop. He does not belittle the institution but in fact, draws a certain inspiration from evidences of it's existence.

Non Serviam.

                              "Metal is a worldwide phenomenon."

Rotting Christ: Welcome to my dark kingdom, behind the sun.

Rotting Christ. A controversial, blasphemous name to most; a symbol of passion, courage and inspiration to the rest. Twenty-five years of piecing together music that represents the honesty brought forth by the power of extreme metal, this band is more than just a group of amazing musicians - they are truly genuine people.

Sakis Tolis - a warrior, leader, musician and my idol, speaks the truth when he says "Religions are rotting. We must stay true to what we believe in." For a band that creates extreme metal masterpieces which inculcate the magnificence of ancient cultures and languages, boast mythological and occult themes that have aspects of religion intertwined in them, and then makes a statement like that, a majority of those who do not want to understand the truth, will see it as a form of hypocrisy. However, what remains to be unseen by many is that the Greek underground veterans are more respectful of religion than even the most devout believers that exist.

 I am not an atheist, nor would I qualify as an orthodox Hindu. The institution of religion is inevitable and will forever remain so. It is with this in mind, that I observe and have, over the years formed a mentality that is rather indescribable to those around me with the exception of a select few. Rotting Christ have been a primary factor in molding this particular aspect of my awareness. The connection I discovered when it became a significant part of my day to listen to them, threw light on many unanswered questions that consumed my mind. An enlightenment if you will, the aura that emanates from the music takes hold of you.

The objectives of penning down my thoughts about Rotting Christ are many. But the ultimate reason would be to explore and explain, to the extent of my understanding, the meaning behind their music.

Non Serviam.