Metal Reviews

Now, I know Rotting Christ belongs to Dark Metal rather than BM, but since "The Doom Tomb" isn't very popular and Rotting Christ could be considered both Dark and BM at times I decided to write here.

I have been a long time of fan this tremendous band but I find their latest offering very disappointing. The depth of sound is not there, and although there are marvelous female vocals the whole warrior- theme-thing really throws me off; not in terms of the theme itself, but in terms of how they deliver the music in that context. I love the mid-paced Rotting Christ with layers of sound and the absolutely great lead guitars. Don't get me wrong, I am by no means saying that I don't like their fast-paced material, as they always delivered it with a lot of character. I cannot find a certain something about this album. Maybe, it's the fact that it always sounds it is going to build up to something much more epic and it never does and leaves you highly disappointed. The riffs aren't very ambitious and the structure seems a bit rushed. Now, is it just me, or do you find this album disappointing too? There are some fine tracks on this album but the overall quality isn't there at all and even the standout tracks aren't as stunning as they are in their other albums. What is your favourite Rotting Christ album, and is there anyone that can convince me otherwise about this new album?

I gave a well heralded review of Thy Mighty Contract early in my career here at MR. They are one of those bands that I have tried my damndest to get into but for sheer lack of accumulation of their discography in my collection I have been slow to the bait. They are an excellent band, and I believe Aealo (or however you spell it) got well regarded. I'll have to check it out maybe before anything else to get back to you.

When the only stand out track on your new album is a cover (Diamanda Galas kicks ass!), that's not very good news for your band. On the other hand, RC have such a long and distinguished discography behind them that it gives me hope they should easily be able to rebound. I saw them live a few weeks ago and they were as tight as ever.

Yes, Thy Mighty Contract is one of their lesser known albums and a very good album as I remember, although I haven't listened to it in such a long time. As I have mentioned before RC is one my favourite bands (or was, I have to re-listen to their whole discography to reconsider them again) but I just haven't been able to get into their new one.

Sanctus Diavolos is my favourite album by them as far as I can remember.

Aealo blows. I tried really hard to like it, being a fan of older RC, and it is just so weak. It is an entire album of filler. No standout tracks and none of the songs are bad per se but they never go anywhere.

Hey, they've got such a strong discography, but they've been around for so long there's bound to be some missteps. Still, I think the album is decent but one of their worst.

I've only heard Sanctus Diavolos around the time it came out and I need to check this band out further. Thanks for making the thread.

Agreed that Aealo was weak. But as others have noted, so many other albums they've made were excellent, so they get a pass.

Of course... every band can make mistakes when they have so many great albums under their belt but one would expect nothing short of brilliant when it comes to a band like Rotting Christ. I guess every band has their dull and weak moments no matter how great they are. I was just hoping this album would grow on me but apparently it never will.

Well, I certainly thought this thread would get more replies but I guess there isn't enough love for this glorious band

I do remember liking a couple of tracks on Aealo but not liking the whole thing as much as the previous one. Hm, need to listen to them more, love the old stuff but never really got into their mid-period for some reason.

yeah... Have you listened to Sleep of The Angels? That's their most atmospheric of the mid-era RC. And if you haven't given Sanctus Diavolos enough listens that should be the first one on your list. In my opinion that's most likely their best album that even tops Theogonia.

I've listened to Sanctus diavolos a few times recently and I love it. Great album.

It certainly is.

Athanati Este is a sick song

That's an excellent song. My personal favourites are the first and the last track.