Two iconic metal giants, Megadeth and Sepultura, delivered unforgettable final performances in Greece as part of their farewell tours, closing a historic night at the Release Athens festival.
The Tuesday show at the Greek capital combined raw energy, sweat-drenched intensity, and deep emotional resonance, proving once again the enduring power of heavy metal.
Sepultura opened with a set that bridged the Brazilian band’s entire creative journey.
Despite the absence of founding leader Max Cavalera—a point still emotionally charged for many fans—the current lineup delivered a powerful performance.
Vocalist Derrick Green grew increasingly explosive as the set progressed, while young drummer Greyson Nekrutman excelled in the demanding rhythmic foundation that defines the band’s sound.
The Brazilians skillfully blended their thrash roots with indigenous influences. A highlight was “Kaiowas,” elevated by extra percussion that created a mesmerizing fusion of modern metal and traditional Brazilian elements.
The set peaked with classics from the Arise and Chaos A.D. era: the anthemic “Territory” ignited the crowd, followed by the politically charged “Refuse/Resist” with powerful visuals.
They closed triumphantly with “Roots Bloody Roots,” a song that perfectly encapsulates Sepultura’s identity as a Brazilian metal force rooted in heritage and tradition.
After more than 40 years, the band leaves a lasting legacy that Greek fans will miss.
Megadeth took the stage shortly after 9:45 p.m. for their final Greek appearance.
Frontman Dave Mustaine, a metal legend and former Metallica member, began somewhat subdued on “Tipping Point,” his voice initially strained—a reminder of his past battle with throat cancer.
However, the icon quickly warmed up, delivering the signature gritty delivery that has defined Megadeth for four decades.
The band hit full stride with the explosive “Hangar 18,” showcasing tight musicianship. Mustaine was warmly received, even drawing Greek chants from the crowd, which he acknowledged with humor, joking that he didn’t know what they where saying but hoped it was complimentary.
A nod to his Metallica past came through Ride the Lightning, one the Metallica song he had written when he was their lead guitar player. The set built to an epic finale: “Tornado of Souls”, “Peace Sells,” the rousing “Symphony of Destruction,” and the technically demanding masterpiece “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due.”
Mustaine and guitarist Teemu Mäntysaari shone on the intricate leads.
Visibly moved and soaked in sweat, Mustaine emotionally thanked the Athenian audience and tossed his guitar picks to the fans for one last time as a final memento.
After more than 40 years of thrash mastery, both bands closed a chapter in Greece with passion, power, and gratitude that fans will never forget.
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