ROTTING CHRIST

ROTTING CHRIST     “Pro Xristoy”

By Octopi Mills

This marks the 35th year of the band's history and the fifteenth album, which translates in English to "Before Christ." Early on one notices the close workmanship of the drums and guitar which are handled by the two brothers Tolis. One also sees the building frame of the music heightened as the progression occurred throughout the years; the layering of the melodic and epic. The Mordus Kull-like personage of the vocals shows as always, the animalistic nuances, and the music still is like the old Greek fire that has remained much the same. There is also present a certain arrogance and pride to be heard as they attempt to reinvent themselves, as it honestly does not necessarily fail in appeal to the old fans and longtime listeners. One can expect this unsaid continuation on their path, and it works, somewhat. 

There are stern sounding intervals of dialogue in between the hedgery of song and in the trespass of what could be chapters, or at least the acknowledgment of such learnings. The gangish vocals are layered at times for greater effect, as are chants and martial sorts of movements, lending a battle like feel or that one is hearing some saga or perceived odyssey. Of course, there are somewhat operatic moments realized in the album and that is carried by the melodic guitar stylings and the horsemanship of the rhythm section whereas the choir like vocals recall the pagan sounds of something old. It is here, in these means I have mentioned, that it seems fit to say that the old fans will treasure this album, which is in the sense another triumph for the band.

SEASON OF MIST 

ROTTING CHRIST