Rotting Christ Announce Re-Recording of AEALO
Greek legends reinforce album that stands as key pillar for Hellenic Black Metal
Watch new lyric video for the classic title track
“The album uses the unmatched emotional intensity of extreme metal to reinvent ancient forms of musical expression and to express elemental aspects of the human condition” – No Clean Singing
As they continue to celebrate 35 years of evil existence, Rotting Christ are beginning what is sure to be a monumental new year by reinforcing one of the pillars in their mighty discography.
Today, the Greek legends are announcing a re-recorded version of the band’s 11th album. Chiseled with modern production, polished by a rich mix and draped with fresh cover art, the new and improved AEALO enhances every aspect that makes this album a cornerstone from Rotting Christ’s Hellenic era.
“Dear friends”, begins the band’s vocalist and guitarist Sakis Tolis. “We have re-recorded, remixed and remastered our 11th album AEALO with deep respect for the original recording. We are proud to present to you the first sample from the album with a new video for its title track”.
Watch the new lyric video for the album’s classic title track on Rotting Christ TV.
The re-recorded version of AEALO comes out January 23, 2026 on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/rottingchristaealorerecorded
Available formats
CD Digipack
2X12” Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
2×12” Vinyl Gatefold (Transparent clear with black and gold splatters)
Long-held as one of Rotting Christ’s defining anthems, “AEALO” is a fierce yet tragic portrayal of warfare. In English, the title means “I destroy” or “I thrash”. Martial percussion, ceremonial melodies and a female choir evoke the spirit of ancient Greek rituals and the psychology of the battlefield. The re-recorded version unearths new layers that were once hidden, strengthening the song’s mythic resonance while reflecting on the album’s larger themes of sacrifice and the cost of conflict.
More praise for AEALO
“It makes a pretty impressive statement and shows that Rotting Christ are thinking outside the box” – Angry Metal Guy
“…you can sense their inherent geography and mythical/historical seeds in every song” – Last Rites“It’s accessible, epic and tasteful in a way that only this Greek band is able to pull off” – Metal Underground
Tracklist:
1. Aealo (3:33) [WATCH]
2. Eon Aenaos (3:55)
3. Daimonon Vrosis (5:00)
4. Noctis Era (4:55)
5. Dub-Sag-Ta-Ke (2:57)
6. Fire, Death and Fear (4:32)
7. Nekron Iahes (1:37)
8. Pyr Threontai (4:53)
9. Thou Art Lord (4:35)
10. Santa Muerte (5:30)
11. Orders From the Dead (8:57)
Full runtime: 50:27
Country: Greece (GR)
Style: Hellenic Black Metal
Photo by © Chantik Photography
In the dimly lit catacombs of extreme metal, one name stands as a monolith: ROTTING CHRIST. Sakis Tholis and his brother Themis started this band together back in 1987. In the three decades since, these Greek titans have left their blackened imprint all over the metal world. They’ve released 13 studio albums and played more than 1,300 concerts around the globe. Underneath all this hard work, Rotting Christ have but one vision – an urge to not only push the boundaries of extreme metal, but to keep reinventing themselves along the way.
Rotting Christ’s evolution has unfolded across several distinct chapters. After starting out closer to the barely controlled chaos of grindcore, they went on to establish the iconic sound of Hellenic black metal. Their albums often embrace refined gothic soundscapes, only to plunge back into the depths of blasphemous fervour. Each chapter marked another, further exploration, and an unwavering commitment to push boundaries.
But the real turning point came in 2007, when Rotting Christ signed a pact with Season of Mist. They unleashed a series of albums for the French label that defied any and all expectations. From the piercing Theogonia and the symphonic grandeur of Aelo to the ritualistic intensity of Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού, the cinematic experiences created by Rotting Christ became a spectacle of bombastic atmospheres, mesmerizing choirs, and neo-classical arrangements. The unexpected is their modus operandi, with the use of various languages (Latin, Arabic, Greek, English) as well as the extensive use of famous poetry woven into their music, like Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ on The Heretics.
In 2019, Rotting Christ’s epic journey continued with The Apocryphal Spell compilation, which offers fans an intimate glimpse into unreleased and rare material. This allowed them to gather strength, preparing for the release of their next, highly anticipated, 14th full-length studio album: Pro Xristou.
Pro Xristou (‘Before Christ’ in Greek), serves as a fervent tribute to the last Pagan kings who resisted the onslaught of Christianity, guarding their ancient values and knowledge. In this thematic odyssey, intricately woven through tracks such as ‘The Apostate’ and ‘Ygdrassil’, Rotting Christ delves into the legacies of historical figures such as Flavius Claudius Julianus and Nordic mythological kings, embodying the might of Pagan wisdom in the face of Christian adversity. The album encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style – melodic, yet harsh at times – reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining rooted in their 35-year legacy.
Line-up:
Sakis Tolis – Guitar, Vocals
Themis Tolis – Drums
Kostas “Spades” Heliotis – Bass
Kostis Fouk – Guitar
Biography:
Sébastien J. Gamez
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