> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blackmetalzine.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Festival Review: Rockwave 2025 - URL: https://blackmetalzine.com/festival-review-rockwave-2025/ - Published: 2025-09-15T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-11-30T09:57:49.000Z - Description: Our reporter covers the massive Greek Rockwave 2025 event: sun, music, great atmosphere, and the year's hottest acts. See the full report! - Author: Vfor5 - Tags: Live Reviews ![](https://blackmetalzine.com/content/images/2025/11/rotting-christ-before-the-storm-4.jpg) *Full gallery at the end of the article.* ## A Greek Extravaganza It was the first time I attended this festival and it was unmissable since it was so close to Thessaloniki. The second day of Rockwave had a very special lineup. My biggest anticipation was to see the first band that would play, **Hail Spirit Noir**, one of the few widely traveled Greek bands I had heard so much about in the past, but had never had the chance to see, even though we live in the same city. So I arrived at this field, which was also the venue, in the middle of nowhere. The first thing I noticed, regardless of what was said about the space, was that it had a wonderful large stage, with amazing lights and sound, which stood in stark contrast with the surroundings you could see around you. (A big field) ![](https://blackmetalzine.com/content/images/2025/11/hail-spirit-noir-6-4.jpg) Under the blazing sun, **Hail Spirit Noir** come out. They are a mix of progressive, psychedelic black metal. To someone unfamiliar with them, they might have been grouped alongside **DHG**. A unique band, made up of excellent musicians, seasoned by the many miles they’ve traveled. They knew exactly how to play the game. I ended up watching almost the entire show, because as mentioned, I had wanted to see them for many years. Shortly before the end, I left to find *Alan Averill*, just before he went on stage with **Primordial**. I really wanted to capture some shots of him with his awesome presence - hood, gallows, corpse paint. ![](https://blackmetalzine.com/content/images/2025/11/alan-averill-4.jpg) We took some quick shots and he immediately went up on stage. I love **Primordial**. I love them because on stage they are just as good as they are on record, but live they are simply unbeatable. *Alan* and his band give so much energy up there that even if you are not into this kind of music, you’re left stunned. *Alan Averill* takes you on a journey throughout the whole set - there’s no way you won’t feel like he’s singing right in front of your face. There’s something very unique about this artist, this whole thing with the eye contact that anyone can feel, no matter where they stand during a Primordial show. **Every time someone sees them, it’s a 10/10.** ![](https://blackmetalzine.com/content/images/2025/11/primordial-9-4.jpg) Two more bands remained, and the crowd was getting ready for circle pits. People wanted the pushing and shoving; it’s Greece after all. Next up were **Sacred Reich**. A band that needs no introduction or description. They came up pumped, and from the moment they got on until they finished, the crowd was just making circles, relentless moshing. Thrash till death. They even played **Motörhead**; no comments needed. **Incredible.** ![](https://blackmetalzine.com/content/images/2025/11/sacred-reich-17-4.jpg) And now we get to the highlight: **Rotting Chris**t on Greek soil. But the weather started turning bad very suddenly. *Sakis* was very concerned about lightning striking this place, which I remind you was forgotten by human eyes. The tallest structure around was none other than the stage itself. Just before they went on, we took some behind-the-scenes shots with them too. ![](https://blackmetalzine.com/content/images/2025/11/rotting-christ-2-9.jpg) **Rotting Christ** begin, first song, second song; and then rain, and then heavy rain. The band’s concern was evident. *Sakis* suddenly tells the crowd that never in the band’s 35 years had one of their shows been interrupted, and he urged the crowd to wait for a while for the rain to stop so the concert could continue. The venue was emptying, but nobody really left. Everyone was just looking for a place to cover themselves. Some die-hards would not leave the front row for any reason. At this point, *Sakis* goes into the photo pit and shakes hands to thank one by one the fans who stayed despite the downpour. Time passed and the rain wouldn’t stop. After quite a while, the rain began to ease up and *Alan* *Averill* was encouraging **Rotting Christ** to get back on stage. ![](https://blackmetalzine.com/content/images/2025/11/rotting-christ-16-4.jpg) I should note that while in central Europe rain at an open-air festival is expected and there are infrastructures in place, in Greece it’s not like that. Everything is exposed, especially the electrical equipment. That’s why it was a big safety issue. Nevertheless, although the show had started with visuals, lights, etc., it ended up being just music, two spotlights, and Hellenic Black Metal at its finest. Soaked, the crowd kept moshing. Crowdsurfing, too. It was one of the most special times I’ve seen Rotting Christ on stage. The weather ruined the vibe a little, but so be it. **That was Rockwave, with a tribute to black metal somewhere in northern Greece.** ## Your concert plans We’d love to hear your plans for the back end of the year! Tell us through our social media channels, or join our[ Discord](https://discord.com/invite/9WBTVvNYEC?ref=blackmetalzine.com)—where we talk about all things black metal. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page, [**Black Metal Zine**](https://www.facebook.com/blackmetalwebzine/), for updates on our latest articles, and have a look at our Instagram [**@blackmetal.zine**](https://www.instagram.com/blackmetal.zine/?ref=blackmetalzine.com) for concert photos and more!