DimitrisK: It is always nice and kind of challenging to attend a concert when you are total unaware of the headliner's whereabouts. Well, I was not 100% stranger to COUNT RAVEN but there was a small probability to see me with a "Mammons War" t-shirt on. So, it was Sunday night and what a best way to spend it by attending a Metal gig. To be honest with you I was very fond of that idea since the Greek metalheads have 'grown' very much and do not like to spend their day-off in a concert especially in one, where there is no 'famous' and trendy band on.

So, taking into consideration Sunday's siesta the METAL TEMPLE crew arrived just in time to realize that the opening act was missed!

MariaV: When we entered the club, LITANY were already on stage, performing songs from the upcoming album and here I was wondering what is the matter with the most Greek bands that cannot cross the Greek borders. It was the third time for me watching LITANY live (the first was as a support group for SOLITUDE AETURNUS in 2006, the second supporting PAGAN ALTAR in 2008) and I can surely tell that this was the worst one; stressed, unready and indifferent are just some of the words coming to mind, despite the fact that they were playing in front of 50 people max. The singer was so nervous that he was getting off stage before the start of each song- I don't want to report on his vocal skills because I'll become mean- as the guitar players had not any kind of contact with the crowd. I don't know the reasons for this disappointing performance for LITANY but they didn't seem to be professionals on my eyes; so, that's why many Greek bands 'stay home'. Thank God, LITANY's set finished 5 minutes after ten o'clock and the mood began to change for the best; one peep was enough to see that other people got bored too.

DimitrisK: Sadly, I have to agree with MariaV on LITANY's show. I always believe that when you are given a chance to play in front of a crowd that is not yours you should do 110% to earn some of them. On the contrary, the Greek act seemed apathetic and performed just like in rehearsal. I know that many excuses can be given but hey, there not many chances for a new band to stir things up and create a reputation.

MariaV: Under the sound of the familiar melodies from CIRITH UNGOL and other epic doom bands of the 80s, the stage was prepared to welcome the Swedish doomsters COUNT RAVEN for first time in Greece. The line up had already been changed after the reunion and the ultimate "Mammon's War" album, with Fredrik Jansson on bass and Jens Bock on drums. Mr. Dan Fondelius is the only one from the original COUNT RAVEN form but I might say that he is the entire band. The number of the attendees had not touched three digit yet and all seemed to be ready for a doom blast from the past with COUNT RAVEN in the firing position.

It was almost 22:30 when the Swedes appeared in front of their die-hard fans and everybody started to clap, covering the intro of "Mammon's War". Dan started to sing reminding Ozzy's timbre and his coolness on stage was fascinating and remarkable. The three 'ravens' seemed to enjoy pretty much the show and this was reflected to us without trying hard. The youth of Bock didn't stop him to perform really well, while Jansson was the ideal relentless partner for Fondelius hitting hard on four strings. Highlights of the COUNT RAVEN show were "Hippies Triumph" from "Destruction Of The Void" album because of the warm responding of the fans and "Nashira" that rouse the whole Sin City Club.

The time passed so quickly, the encore took place and unfortunately the doom trio had to leave the stage. The complaints are many about unperformed songs but obviously, 90 minutes are not enough for a band to cover 5 albums! "In Honor" and "High On Infinity" were the two chosen tracks for the 'goodbye' and 3 minutes before midnight, COUNT RAVEN abandoned stage after an awesome show with mediocre sound being the only minor- a fact that have to face up all bands performing at Sin City Club.

DimitrisK: There is little to be added here; COUNT RAVEN played doom the way it should be played (at least for my standards). Stripped off of anything fancy the Swedish band showed its teeth to all the new 'bands' who try to confuse doom Metal with stoner and eventually are getting lost into their influences. Leaving aside the usual sound, ventilation and weak attendance problems COUNT RAVEN did what every band should do if they want to be called professionals. And no, I am not talking about cold professionalism; they put their hearts on it and in the end received something more than a warm applaud. At least they earned me as a fan… (not that this counts for anyone though).

If BLACK SABBATH are the grandpas and SHEAVY the grandsons, COUNT RAVEN are definitely their beloved parents who have given to them their blessings. If you think that you belong to the doom clan, make yourselves the favor and be there, when they make a pass from your neighborhood. And yep, you can thank me after.

COUNT RAVEN setlist:

01. "Mammon's War"
02. "Jen"
03. "Poltergeist"
04. "Destruction Of The Void"
05. "Fallen Angels"
06. "Magic Is"
07. "Hippies Triumph"
08. "Scream"
09. "The Entity"
10. "Nashira"
11. "Inam Naudemina"
12. "Leaving The Warzone"
13. "Children's Holocaust"

Encore:

14. "In Honor"
15. "High On Infinity"

(photos by the mighty ravendark)