This talk with Sakis Tolis from Rotting Christ was first meant to happen back in 2024, but life had other plans – so here we are, finally making it happen. The wait was worth it. Sakis speaks with honesty and passion about Pro Xristou, the stories behind it, and the ideas that keep the band moving forward. From ancient myths to modern struggles, he shares how philosophy, rebellion, and dedication continue to shape both his music and his life. [the main band photo by Chantik Photography]
Hi Sakis! How do ancient history and mythology shape the stories you tell on Pro Xristou?
Greetings there and salutes from Hellas.
Pro Xristou (Before Christ) is a result of an artistic worry I had as composer and has to do with all the Before Christ religions and civilizations that hide a treasure philosophically but not only that! There is so much wisdom that religions hide very well!
What inspires your use of different languages and literary sources throughout the album?
My huge interest about history, philosophy and most of all geography is that I am a traveler. Wherever I am going, I want to be a part of the local culture. A song that speaks about ancient culture is represented better with the original dialect in my opinion.
Have you seen the movie Apocalypto? What would you say if it didn’t include the original dialect and everything was in English? Wouldn’t it lose some of its atmosphere?
What meaning does the title Pro Xristou carry in relation to the album’s overall concept?
All songs reference the power and majesty of the Before Christ civilizations and cultures!
How do you connect on a personal level with the emotions and atmosphere in these songs?
Ohhh… this is a kind of ritual. Being the only composer of the band since its early days, I have dedicated most of my life in visualizing and imagining situations musically and lyrically. This demands a really inner dedication that is really hard to find nowadays in a world that has a lack of philosophy and romantism. You have to escape nowadays. Can this happen? I feel that we are currently live in survival mode.
What do rebellion and resistance represent to you, and why are they such central ideas in your music?
I do not know if I act like this. I feel that everything I have to say, I am saying through my music and art. I feel that art can make the world better without any screaming or tension to proselytize people. If my music can help or change someone’s life for the better, then I feel that I have made it!
What’s your process for preparing mentally and physically before such powerful live performances?
No parties or drugs or even alcohol anymore! I am dedicated to my purpose, which is to give my best to the people who will leave the safety of their house, pay for a ticket and watch my band. I want to make them happy when they go back home. I do not know if we manage to do that, but we are doing our best.
Out of the more than 1,300 shows you’ve played, are there any that stand out as truly unforgettable?
Let’s say 2000 shows worldwide since the early days. We’ve played everywhere that there were Metal Heads under any conditions and in times and in countries that laws do not help that much for a Metal show! I have so many stories to tell but I am afraid will be censored. Or maybe I will have to put them on a piece of paper someday in the future.
In what ways has your Greek heritage helped shape the sound and spirit of your music?
I am not sure but studying from childhood about Ancient Hellenic philosophy and about Socrates, Plato, etc., maybe this influenced me subconsciously. But I am not the right guy to say that. You can say that!
Could you share a bit about your creative collaboration with Thomas Cole and Adrien Bousson on the album artwork?
I wanted to pass the early Black Metal artistic attitude on by using a well-known painting as the cover of an album. A cover that fits well with the music and concept of Pro Xristou. That’s all and simply as that. We used a very well-known painting of Thomas Cole that some people found interesting and some did not. In my opinion, it fits with the concept of the album and I am happy with the final result!
From your perspective, how has the metal scene evolved since you first began, and how do you see your place within it today?
A total different world nowadays. We grew up trading cassettes and demos instead of musical platforms, using the post office to send letters and connect with other Metal Heads, instead of emails and socials. And of course recording is totally different with analogue gear. Do not forget we used to listen in a totally different way.
We were all for one and one for all most of the times. We used to live every moment of our Metal life. The world has changed and the same goes for most of us. What remains is to pass down to the new generation that this life is not about being famous or rich. Happiness can be found in little everyday things and especially among people close to you!
Looking at the evolution of Hellenic black metal, where do you think the movement is heading next?
The Hellenic Black Metal scene survived through the years with its own identity and I feel that it is one of the most interesting scenes worldwide. There are so many great bands coming up from here. Just take some time to explore some of them. I am sure that your time won’t be wasted!
Are there any particular songs or albums in your catalogue that hold a deep personal meaning for you?
Hard to say…Really hard! But maybe the song “Non Serviam”. That is more than a song. It’s a way of life!
What keeps you motivated to keep experimenting and pushing your sound forward?
My way of seeing life… what is not evaluated, dies!
What key turning points do you think defined Rotting Christ and made the band what it is today?
Everyday, every moment is a milestone that has shaped us and what we are doing nowadays. We never rest on what we have created and every moment is a bet on where we can go with our next step and most importantly, what we can offer to our precious scene. Nothing is forever and we know that. If we need to stay alive, we must fight for that!
Finally, what can fans look forward to next from Rotting Christ?
Hopefully, a USA tour, my friend. Its been a looong time since the last time we met our American brothers and sisters. So we might have some news soon. Until then… BE TRUE TO YOUR OWN SPIRIT AND ALWAYS
NON SERVIAM
https://orcd.co/proxtristoupresave
https://www.rotting-christ.com/en
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