January 18, 2025, Quantic Club. Yoth Iria, Machiavellian God, Dark Fusion, Karma Violens, and False Reality came through, and let’s just say, it wasn’t your average night. With Rusidava Management and Psychosounds Music behind the event, the underground came to life in its purest form.
The official announcement poster
© Psychosounds Music
False Reality: Shattering Expectations
Hailing from Romania, False Reality brought their melodic black/death metal sound to the stage with a performance that was nothing short of salient. Their set was packed with energy, but it was “Rih al Khamsin” that stood out as the defining moment of the show. I won’t lie to you, hearing this track live—and at the beginning of the evening—was a true highlight; its dynamic structure and immersive atmosphere translated seamlessly to the stage.
False Reality on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Technically speaking, “Rih al Khamsin” made a lofty entrance, drawing you in with its robust guitar work and driving rhythms. The vocals meshed deep growls with a complex instrumental flow, creating a contrast that kept the song captivating from beginning to end.
False Reality on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
But the band had many other surprises in store. Thus, from the gripping power of “Rih al Khamsin”, the group dove into darker, heavier territories with songs like “End of Eternity” and “Requiem into Darkness“. Now, now when it comes to “Requiem into Darkness” you must take into the account that you plunge into something deeper, consumed by shadows—a descent that doesn’t bother with a safety net. There’s no easing into this one.
From the opening lines, “Craving more, wanting all/Burning deep inside my soul”, it’s clear you’re in for a battle of desire and despair and live, it hits different. At the venue, the lyrics pulsed with an insatiable hunger, the kind that blurred the lines between pleasure and destruction. The pairing of “lust and pain, becoming insane” spiraled into a world where satisfaction was impossible, where the void grew larger with every indulgence.
Musically, it was inexorable, driven by crushing guitars and pounding percussion. The torment was palpable—a revolving door of nightmares that never stopped spinning, dragging you through a feedback loop of self-destruction.
False Reality on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
One more aspect that needs to be noted about the opening act is the following: the lighting during False Reality’s show brought a dramatic atmosphere to their presence on stage. The deep red tones cast an evocative glow over the band, while the starry backdrop added a sense of boundless space that perfectly aligned with their sound. The synergy between the lighting and the musicians brought an immersive visual element to life, elevating the experience for everyone present in the venue.
False Reality on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Karma Violens: A Legacy Forged in Sound
Arriving for the very first time in Romania, Karma Violens, a black metal act from Greece, took to the stage with an unmistakable air of confidence, ready to present their newest material entitled “Legacy“. From the start, it was clear they were here to make an impact. Keep in mind, we’re talking about a fusion of razor-sharp, calculated riffs and an expansive, enveloping sound meant to set the atmosphere ablaze.
Karma Violens on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
“Legacy” is a track that carries something truly distinctive within its structure and lyrical depth. The song’s dynamic shifts capture the internal struggle between breaking free from the past and forging one’s own future. It’s a mix of determination and reckoning, and live, this energy was palpable; it was a piece you wouldn’t want to miss. The tune transformed into something even greater on stage, its resonance digging deeper with every note and lyric.
Karma Violens on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Then came “Sons of Destruction“, and this one? A gem. The song is an anthem of defiance, with a riff so thick and heavy it felt like a wave crashing over the crowd. The lyrics cut through, bringing forth a message of standing strong in the face of relentless forces. It was a declaration of survival, but not just that—it was a rallying cry for anyone who’s had to rise from the ashes, to fight and reclaim what was lost.
After delivering such a song, the boys couldn’t just hit the brakes, right? Of course not—they pushed forward, refusing to let the room catch its breath. Thus, “Si Vis Vitam Para Mortem“, and “Great Old Ithaqua” came to life alongside “Serpent God“, a track with a weighty, ritualistic presence that drew on themes of power and corruption. The song’s ominous tone was underscored by a drumbeat that seemed to echo the movement of something ancient and unfathomable, bringing a sense of darkness that spanned across the room.
As the set built toward its climax, Karma Violens smashed the boundaries of their material, showcasing compositions that mixed both precision and chaos, all while keeping the audience fully invested.
Seeing such a positive response, they didn’t just stay confined to the stage—they brought the madness straight to the crowd. At one point, there was an electric shift in the room as the vocalist leaped into the pit, making sure no one was left standing idly on the sidelines.
Karma Violens, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Summed up, Karma Violens’ debut in Romania was a hit, no question about it; a puissant set, a crowd on fire, in other words. Do we want to see them again? Absolutely.
Karma Violens on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Dark Fusion: Evolution in Motion
After a few minutes to regain our composure, Dark Fusion from Romania came to take it away with their electronic/industrial death metal sound. It must be noted that it’s been a while since I’ve seen the band live, and it was refreshing to witness the evolution in their stage presence and overall style.
Dark Fusion on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
The crowd didn’t need any more invitation when “Malicious Fix” blasted into the air. That track? It didn’t ask for attention, it seized it, slamming into everyone like a wall of sound, immediately carving out a space for the night’s madness.
Dark Fusion on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Next, they ripped through a sequence of tracks, each one carving through the air with dense, complex textures, dragging the audience deeper into their wild yet methodical realm. And just when it seemed there was nothing left to be amazed by, came “Torture Chamber“. Every beat of the drums hit like the clanging of iron doors, amplifying the sense of claustrophobic intensity. Vocals roared through the track, untamed yet precise, their venomous edge driving home the despair woven into the lyrics. The guitars surged and recoiled, creating a soundscape that was both oppressive and hypnotic.
Dark Fusion on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Dark Fusion kept the momentum alive as they powered through the rest of their set, shifting heartlessly between crushing aggression and moments of atmospheric unease. Each track carried its own distinct weight, pulling the crowd further into the dystopian chaos they had masterfully created.
And as the final moments approached, one thing became undeniably clear—there’s a strange, haunting beauty in the science fiction they evoke. It’s not just the crushing force of their industrial death metal or the sheer savagery of their presence—it’s the way they shape entire realms, both dystopian and cosmic.
Dark Fusion on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Machiavellian God: The Essence of Darkness and Humanity
As the night progressed, the atmosphere shifted, paving the way for Machiavellian God. Emerging from Romania, the group has steadily built a reputation in the melodic death metal scene since their formation in 2016. Their approach exuded mastery, carried out with finesse and assured conviction. Opening with a track from their newest album, “Into the Abyss“, they wasted no time making their presence felt. The composition established an atmosphere that was haunting yet powerful, layered yet direct.
Machiavellian God on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Their set continued with “Shadows and Chains“, another piece from the new record, one that carried a weight impossible to ignore. Its intricate structure pulled the crowd into a maelstrom of dark emotions, balancing implacable instrumentation with moments of almost meditative reflection. Each shift in tempo felt purposeful, a reminder that Machiavellian God is there to create experiences. The crowd hung on to every twist and turn.
But nothing was as jarring, as unflinchingly personal as “Eternal Echoes“. The track detonated on stage, ripping through the room with a force that demanded every ear listen, every soul pay attention.
Machiavellian God on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Just when the audience might have thought the surprises were over, Machiavellian God proved them wrong. The band called upon two guests: Vlad “Flip” Plapcianu and Ste Ge, breathing new life into an old favorite, “The Ruinous Path to Ascension“. The decision to revisit this track was like a shot of adrenaline to long-time fans, rekindling memories and drawing a wave of nostalgia.
Ste Ge, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Vlad “Flip” Plapcianu, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Is there anything else to point out? Of course. It’s evident that Machiavellian God is familiar with the stage and confident in their delivery. They navigated their set with a sense of control, ensuring every note and every transition carried the weight of their intent. This is a band that’s grown into its identity. Their show didn’t rely on theatrics or over-the-top gestures—it was their grip on their sound that left an impression.
Machiavellian God on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Yoth Iria: Voicing the Abyss
Not for the first time in Romania, and certainly not the last, Yoth Iria from Greece, came up with a killer setlist. Given that this is the project of none other than Jim Mutilator, expectations were high. After all, we’re talking about a figure who needs no introduction in the black metal world.
Yoth Iria on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
They opted to start their show with “Under His Sway“, a choice that bridged nostalgia with an atmospheric prelude to the night. Whether meant to evoke memories or set a captivating mood, the decision paid off spectacularly. The mid-tempo riff, layered with complex drum patterns, carved out a canvas for Orestis Oikonomopoulos to conjure his spells. The composition itself drew from classic heavy metal roots, reflecting masterful songwriting.
The setlist ventured into a thrilling mix of both old and new material, with highlights including “But Fear Not“, “Blazing Inferno“, “We Call Upon the Elements” and “Our Father Rode Again His Ride“, tracks from their latest album. “But Fear Not” began with a ferocious tempo, its blistering pace igniting the venue, only to transition into slower, moodier rhythms that simmered with tension. This controlled ebb and flow created a dynamic build-up, culminating in double-kick assaults that stopped just short of full blast beats. It was an undeniable pinnacle, showcasing one of the band’s most accomplished moments to date.
“Blazing Inferno” carried the crowd further into their spellbinding world. Driven by audacious black metal guitar melodies, the song surged with momentum, while the vocalist’s raspy delivery gave it an edge both gritty and assertive.
Yoth Iria on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
True to their penchant for surprises, Yoth Iria pulled an ace from their sleeve with a powerful rendition of “Non Serviam“. The cover paid homage to Jim Mutilator’s roots while adding their unique, atmospheric spin, a moment of reverence and rebellion rolled into one.
Yoth Iria on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
Yoth Iria on stage, 18.01.2025
© Ștefan Lupașcu
