ROTTING CHRIST – Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού
- Posted on 09-02-2013
Ah, Rotting Christ. A band that has cleverly carved out their own niche throughout the years, and keeps getting more varied with every release. Especially since "Theogonia" in 2007, the band have been experimenting more and more, with the results being nothing short of unique (in the best way possible).
Now we come to "Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού", which in English translates to "True To His Own Spirit". Which is a good moniker for Rotting Christ’s musical output – always true to what they want to be.
This disc is full of intensity, crushing heaviness, gigantic orchestrations, black metal riffage, and just plain weird song structures. Basically, a huge mixture of which we have become accustomed from these talented Greeks – something out there and tremendous.
"In Yumen – Xibalba" gets the album to a brooding start, with a methodical, dark dynamic that sets up the whole disc nicely. Second track "P’unchaw kachun – Tuta kachun" has some of the best use of chants the band has ever utilized, accompanying a few of the best riff compositions on the album. A beast of a song. The title track has a great flow to it with a lot of unorthodox instrumentation and tribal drum patterns driving the way, while "Iwa Voodoo" may be the most straightforward offering. Well, as straightforward as Rotting Christ gets these days – still a ton of variation. Also, the solo at 3:06 is fantastic. "Gilgames" may be the most abrasive, especially with the way the vocals are structured with the guitars and drums. Mesmerizing.
For those who want their metal with some spice and a distinct flavor, Rotting Christ has been – and remains to be – a top choice. "Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού" is a sure winner, continuing the band’s ongoing mission to make their albums more and more distinctive. Rotting Christ is on a mission, and our ears are all better off for it.