This has been a historic live for three reasons! First because we had the opportunity to see a group in its peak (right after they released the monumental “Be”). Second because now I have seen all big progressive metal names that still exist, except for Shadow Gallery (who knows?). Third and most important this was the first time that the whole Grande Rock was there. Possibly this shows how we all appreciate good music and set aside personal favourites just to bow to those who really deserve it.

Plus I have to say that it was thanks to G.K. that Pain played in Rodon Club that night. The show was booked for a much smaller club in Athens (it only holds 350 people). So our lad kept emailing the band’s members to change the venue... something that finally happened!

Anyway, the club was full that night and the mood really good. I managed to miss Equal Vector (and I only now remembered that I forgot to ask the rest of the gang how they played - sorry). Anyway, Wastefall (a Greek prog metal band) played well. Their debut album made quite an impression here and the crowd favoured them. To be honest I’ve been anticipating for Pain and I didn’t pay much attention to them - plus I had to deal with the other guys from the ‘zine who keep busting my chops because they don’t like Dream Theater...

But all concerns disappeared once Pain was on stage! The creepy introduction of “Of Two Beginnings” assured me that we were up for a great show. And the second track enhanced this impression: “Ending Theme” and the journey has only started. The band seems to be in great mood, the skills of each member are indescribable and Daniel is one of the best new frontmen in the metal scene. The sound is a bit moody (too much bass) but things get better soon. The crowd follows suit, while Pain deliver the one hymn after the other: “Used”, “In The Flesh”, “Itter Impius”, “People Passing By”, “Oblivion Ocean”, “Nightmist”... goodness I cannot remember everything. The webmaster has some objections, arguing that the group is great and the songs amazing, but this kind of music cannot transmit the party feeling that hard or melodic rock does.... but then the band plays the ballad “Second Love” and he remains speechless! Then Pain made a small medley from “12:5”, which wasn’t bad, but made the crowd calm down.

In “Imago” Daniel organized a small play with the audience. The encore contained two tracks: “Nauticus” and “Ashes”, where the crowd was ecstatic. No joking now, this song was one of the best live experiences I’ve ever had... After more than two hours the band left us, with the best of impressions. Just because I like being cranky I have to write that I would like to listen to “Rope Ends”, but then someone else might wanted to listen to something else... and there will always be another time, right?

by Alex Savatianos