LIVE REPORT: Rage, Emerald Sun, Achelous @ Eightball, 05/10/24

 

On October 5, 2024, Thessaloniki's Eightball Club hosted an unforgettable night for metal fans, featuring performances from three dynamic bands: Achelous, Emerald Sun, and the legendary Rage.

The night opened with Achelous, the epic metallers who set the stage ablaze with their energetic performance. Their setlist included tracks that showcased their epic storytelling and powerful riffs:

1. Dragon Wings 

2. Macedon 

3. Northern Winds 

4. The Oath 

5. Blood 

6. Savage King 

7. Into the Shadows 

8. Flames of War 

From the moment they stepped on stage, the band was highly interactive with the crowd, creating a vibrant connection. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and their ability to maintain a consistent energy level elevated the audience's excitement.

Next up were local power metal heroes Emerald Sun. Though none of the original members from their debut album were present, they delivered an impressive set. Emphasizing their recent works, the band proved that they could still captivate the audience with their polished sound and tight performance. Their setlist:

1. Dust and Bones 

2. We Won't Fall 

3. Hellbound 

4. Weakness and Shame 

5. Metal Dome 

6. Blast 

7. Kingdom of Gods 

8. Johnny B (The Hooters cover) 

9. No More Fear 

Emerald Sun’s blend of melodic power metal with a modern edge was well-received, and they maintained the high energy established by Achelous.

The highlight of the evening was, of course, Rage, celebrating their 40 Years in Rage World Tour. The German metal legends showcased their seasoned professionalism with a setlist that spanned their extensive career:

1. Cold Desire 

2. Straight to Hell 

3. Solitary Man 

4. Black in Mind 

5. Refuge 

6. Back in Time 

7. Days of December 

8. Let Them Rest in Peace 

9. A New Land 

10. Great Old Ones 

11. End of All Days 

12. Under a Black Crown 

13. Don’t Fear the Winter 

Encore: 

14. Prayers of Steel (Avenger cover) 

15. Higher Than the Sky 

While Rage's performance was undeniably tight and filled with high-energy moments, some fans expressed mild disappointment with the setlist, feeling it leaned too heavily on more recent material rather than delving deeper into their classic hits. But given the band's extensive history and discography, it's virtually impossible to satisfy everyone in such a limited timeframe.

One unfortunate downside for some fans was Peavy Wagner’s refusal to meet with them after the show, a moment that left a bittersweet taste at the end of an otherwise stellar performance.

Despite this, the night was a metal spectacle, showcasing the strength and passion of each band, all of which contributed to making it a memorable evening for those lucky enough to attend.

TEXT: Nick Parastatidis

PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Theofilos Bachtsevanidis