Monolith Dopes Vol. II (Sorrow's Path, Infidel, In Vain)
[Sunday, 17/12/2006, Rodeo Live Club, Athens, Greece]

The second volume of Monolith Dopes invited in the small, but warm stage of Rodeo Club in Athens. Like every underground club that respects itself has the usual diseases, like cement columns in the center of the crowd area, but at least the drinks are good. Pre-show DJ set by Regular Paul, editor of Monolith webzine, revealed a great band that came to my notice and I immediately asked Paul about them. Sahg is their name and this is the only clue that you'll get from my side. The rest is now on your hands. Find them. Thanks Paul. You've proven once more that you remain one of the best informed guys in the scene (or I am the worst informed guy). Pentheus, chief editor and soul of Monolith webzine, set up a small kiosk with the new Monolith t-shit and stuff from the bands. The new design, courtesy of Maleus, is awesome. Evil and erotic at the same time, it encapsulates the spirit of doom metal and heavy rock that the guys in Monolith believe in. Despite the Tool gig in the previous day and the fact that the following day was a working one, a great amount of people (approx. 120) gathered in Rodeo Club to see three of the best heavy/doom metal bands in a series of concerts under the auspices of Monolith, one of the most authoritative web resources.

In Vain were and remain one of the best kept secrets of Greek underground. Their low-profile and humble personality is the main reason and that gives them even greater value. Other bands in their position would make their presence bold and why not they would treat their audience with arrogance. No. The guys are great kids and we have a hell of a time remembering habits we had in early '90s, when underground had another shape. Panos Dimitriou (also in Denial Price for those who don't know) is the key person in In Vain and he has lead the band in the fields of groovy doom metal. While in Denial price he deposits his love for Dio-era Black Sabbath (and early Fates Warning), in In Vain he shows his preference for the first period of Black Sabbath. I saw some grim faces coming from our power/doom metal friends, but the rest of the club was enjoying their gifts. They played songs from their first demo, while they gave us a few tunes from their second demo "Letters From My Brother Cain". People seemed to enjoy the "Black Sabbath" cover, as Panos imitated the wrecking Ozzy figure, and at the end they received a warm applaud.

Infidel were by all means the band that attract the majority of the attendees. The band has released its debut through the Greek department of EMI and currently promotes it with live appearances. They were simply amazing. Infidel on stage is a piece concrete that falls on your head from the penthouse of a skywalker. So I understand those who argue on their support they get from media and their company, but at the same time I encourage all these "infidels" to go to one of their shows and see with their very own eyes if they deserve it or not. I have no reservation for their value and I am waiting to listen to "I, the Oathbreaker". Every member of the band gave a solid performance of multi-faceted heavy/doom metal. Although John Pousios is the voice of Messiah Marcolin jailed in the body of Forsaken's Albert Bell, this gives only a small part of their whole image. The negative point in their presence was that people who came to the show just for them, left the club immediately after their appearance, showing some sort of disrespect to Sorrow's Path. However the band has nothing to do this, but we must underline this behavior.

Sorrow's Path deservedly headlined this short doom metal festival. They are back for good in business and, yes, we are anxious for their first official release. They gave a show based on their demos' songs that everyone who remained on his/her seat highly appreciated. As these guys getting older, they become more mature and this is reflected on their music. The doom metal they deliver is vivid and robust without seeking for false tricks in keys or whatever. The portion of riff-based doom metal with plenty of melodic bridges was including two covers, one Candlemass ("Seven Silver Keys") and one Judas Priest ("Angel"). My only objection is that they should hire a session member in rhythm guitars, because during the solos or the lead guitar parts, their sound becomes weaker. This is something that you can easily overcome, especially when you listen to some small diamonds, like "Prince of the Night" or "No Possibility".

In overall it was a good gig. The organization was great and the bands contributed to the final result. I am sure that right after the end of the show the Monolith guys started thinking about the next hit and the only thing that I am thinking is how shortly.

P.S. I know that many people don't think like that, but I have to say it. Once a Monolithian, always a Monolithian. Thanks guys.