Artist: Rotting Christ
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 11/2/04
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Title: Sanctus Diavolos Artist: Rotting Christ Label: Century Media Records Release Date: 11/2/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Rotting Christ's last album, Genesis, brought the band back onto my radar screen. That was two years ago, however, and they've kinda fell off again. This, their new album, has the task of getting me excited about the band again, and so far they've only been partially successful.
"One word review: Good." Sanctus Diavolos maintains the oppressive atmosphere that is this band's bread and butter, containing all the sorrow, despair and self-loathing you've come to expect from this band, but there seems to be something missing. Unlike their last album, this disc is stripped down to its roots, despite utilizing gothic choruses and a great deal of synth, it seems a thinner sound than on past platters. In some ways it's refreshing, but in others is seems like it's wearing clothes that are three sizes too big.
The fact that this band is so original is something that I always have and will admire, because they still seem to have no peers, but despite this I can only generate so much excitement for the band. The pieces are all there: the mood, the droning vocals, the desperate screams, the brooding guitars... But in the end I'm just not that drawn in. The album starts off a little slow and shaky, and while it eventually starts hitting its stride, it's a bit of a too little, too late thing.
This is one I like, but only recommend for established fans of the band. All others I suggest getting their last one or Triarchy of the Lost Lovers for initiation. One word review: Good.
Death's Review:
Greece's Rotting Christ return with another Century Media release, Sanctus Diavolos, the band's ninth album overall. Rotting Christ are now a three-piece with founding member Sakis on guitar and vocals and long-term members George (keyboards) and Costas (guitar) having left the band. The album by no means sounds like it was performed by a three-piece, however, as the tracks are, as expected, awash in nuanced, layered sonic landscapes. Yes, you can hear the underlying guitar/bass/drum interplay, but part of what makes this album appealing is that for every blast beat/pedal-point riff, there is an interesting sonic overlay, whether it consists of operatic vocals, atmospheric keys, or sampled sounds. This is the kind of album that one could get lost in, if so-inclined. Of course, it's not really for me overall - this isn't usually my cup of tea. Which should tell you something about this record. It's not my style, and it probably isn't what a lot of people are looking for. But for those who are into this, there is some serious value to be mined for here. It's not always the most exciting record you've heard, but if you are a Rotting Christ fan, it is worthy of your attention.
"This is the kind of album that one could get lost in, if so-inclined."
Hel's Review:
Sanctus Diavolos continues Rotting Christ's reign of black metal fury. This time around, they have employed a female chorus for some of the songs, which contributes to the atmospheric bent of the album. Undoubtedly, Rotting Christ has pulled out all the stops with their latest effort, and we are rewarded with an album that successfully draws the listener into a twisted sonic landscape.
"Sanctus Diavolos continues Rotting Christ's reign of black metal fury." For whatever reason, Rotting Christ has the ability to capture my attention the way very few other black metal bands can. The songs are all well written and well executed and the production is wonderful. I'm not a very big black metal fan, but Rotting Christ always wins me over, and Sanctus Diavolos has done so once again.
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