In celebration of their 35th year as a band, this May, Rotting Christ are releasing their 14th album. ΠΡΟ ΧΡΙΣΤΟU (Pro Xristou) is bound to hold a revered place in the Greeks’ heretical history. Always true to their name, Sakis Tolis and his brother Temis pay tribute to the last of the Pagan kings. Today, they’re releasing the album’s rising and resolute new single, “Saoirse”.

Pre-order: https://shop.season-of-mist.com/list/rotting-christ-pro-xristou

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/proxtristoupresave

“Saoirse” pays tribute to the Irish King of Tara, who was one of the last kings to resist the expansion of Christianity. In Gaelic, “Saoirse” means “freedom”. The song invokes this long-heard ancient battle cry from the very beginning, opening with a distant clang of swords. “I am the wind that blows across the sea”, Sakis warns as a riff comes charging in behind him like a tidal wave.

Like all of Pro Xristou, “Saoirse” was recorded and produced in Athens, Greece. Their new single also embodies the history of the band’s home country with its resounding choir and thunderous drum fills. But it’s also emblematic of the way Rotting Christ has evolved over the past 35 years. Steered by a steadily chugging rhythm section, minor chords and melodic leads unfurl with the towering majesty of an ancient tapestry. At the center of this black metal fresco stands Sakis, the unwavering captain of Rotting Christ’s battle ship. “Hails to our ancient Kingdom”, he growls, still fierce and full of fight after all these years.

Track-list