Summer has just begun in Athens, Greece and festival season has made its way all around the city. Presented by Athens Rocks, June 26th was a day for the masses, literally, as the band Ghost have arrived to perform their Gospel to their Greek clergy at OAKA Stadium. Supporting them were national favorites Rotting Christ, and also presenting were Candlemass and Tyhus for those who braved by arriving early into the hot and sunny Grecian sun.
As Rotting Christ began to set up their stage, the crowd cheered and roared, as they are the nation’s most famous metal export. They hit the stage hard opening with “666”, and shortly after “Fire God and Fear” with a wild pyro set during the song. The 11-song set also included “In Yumen-Xibalba”, “Grandis Spiritus Diavolos,” before closing the set with “Noctis Era” where the crowd was cheering for more.
As dusk came onto the horizon, the production crew of Ghost had begun to set up their stage until the dark night sky came upon the crowd. As the stage set came to near completion, when the crowd knew the show was going to begin soon, the cheering became louder.
Finally, stage time came, the musicians came onto the stage, and singer, Papa Emeritus IV suavely came onto center stage and began, opening the show with “Kaisarion.” The staging, set with a beautiful classic church layout and colorful glass pane window designs, Papa walked around the entire stage acknowledging all sides of the crowds making sure fans get a closer glimpse as he croons them song to song.
The colorful lights of the stage setting can be seen throughout a short distance of the city, as Ghost performed popular songs including “Faith,” “Cirice,” “Ritual,“ “Year Zero,” and the popular global hit “Mary on a Cross” before taking a short departure from the stage. And upon the encore, Ghost closed their set with “Kiss the Go-Goat,” “Dance Macabre,” and “Square Hammer.” Needless to say, the Greek Ghost clergy have departed fulfilled with the gospel of Ghost on this night.
Buy Ghost music and merch here:
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ANNIE ATLASMAN