Album Rating: 3.5

If there's something negative I could say, it's that I think of it more as a compilation, rather than an LP. Most of the lyrics are taken by other works, the Four Horsemen is a cover by Aphrodite's Child (exceptionally done, I shall say), so it's not like an original RC release.

Need to check this out.

Good review, pos.

Album Rating: 3.5

Devadevam is In Yumen-Xibalba. There is nothing else to it. It's the same fucking track. I usualy forgive RC when they have similar sounding tracks but that shit is just lazy even if there is some sort of "conceptual reason".

Yeah, I remember listening to the first single from this album, it felt negatively familiar with material from the previous album and Theogonia.

Album Rating: 3.5

Yeh, I felt the same way, but it didn't quite bother me too much. They went too far with Devadevam, however.



This was enjoyable overall though imo.

Album Rating: 3.5

Yeah, I didn't notice the same-ness of the two tracks till you mentioned it. I choose to see this album as a side release.

Album Rating: 4.0

I want to like this even more than OvDeath I think, so I hope I'll get something out of this. Should get my CD tomorrow, hoping it won't start collecting dust after the first few spins. These guys have been fucking stellar from Sanctus Diavolos up until the last album, and Thy Mighty Contract is one of my favorite black metal albums, so I want to entertained by this album as well. Gonna see these guys again this summer and it's my most anticipated concert of the year this far.



That said, good review Brandon, I'm just hoping I will end up disagreeing hard.

Album Rating: 2.0

Thanks everybody. Mythodea I'll change the satanic bits, I'm not too well versed in Greek and I just assumed because they were black metal band that it fit. As far as your over analyzing comment, I can only assume that if you wrote a positive review, you would want to comment on every good thing about the album. I strived to do the same with mine. This isn't a throwaway release, so I think a more critical review was needed. Though I didn't like the album, I wanted to respect the band in that regard. Also I would say that this doesn't only not hold up in the context of their discography, but as a black metal record in general.



Magnus, I hope you enjoy this even though I didn't. I would love to see a counter review with your thoughts.

looks like this and Abbath may end up as 2.5's


Oh how the greats have fallen

Album Rating: 4.0

@Brando

By the way that you (and OvDeath) described it, if I end up liking it, the review would probably be just me saying "this is catchy and fun and that is okay" in 500 words :D.



As for the black metal thing, to be honest, they haven't felt like a real black metal band since Theogonia in my opinion. Black metal is in the mix, but I wouldn't really call modern day Rotting Christ a black metal band anymore. I used the adjective "blackened" when I reviewed Kata Don... and received some flack for it being a nonsensical descriptor, but it just fits better for their current sound imo

Album Rating: 3.5

I agree 100% with Metalstyles. Rotting Christ have many black metal elements scattered in their sound, but are no longer a black metal band. I can't listen to BM, yet I adore the last three Rotting Christ releases.



Rituals is not Black Metal, thus it may disappoint many fans. No cool riffs, not according production, no fitting atmosphere. But that doesn't mean it's a bad album. It's dark, it's experimental, it's earthy, so I dig it. I completely understand your disappointment, but I just can't share it.

Culte des Ghoules - Henbane... That's some dark ritualistic BM. This new RC album though, really didn't convince me so far: too much forgettable powerchords, no memorable riffs, Disney World ritualistic atmosphere. I've been listening to the first 2 songs that have been revealed and I think I've never been so disapointed by an album from Rotting Christ... and these guys are really one of my favorite band out there (and Theogonia is my favorite album of them, followed by Triarchy of the Lost Lovers and Thy Mighty Contract).

Sad really... How the mighty have fallen!

Ordered the album anyway as I'm collecting their albums but this one will probably be the only one that I will never buy in vinyl.

Album Rating: 3.5

How is Henbane in any sense ritualistic??

Album Rating: 3.5

Beherit is more of what I would consider ritualistic. And the second link you provided me with is too. I also liked The Passion of a Sorceress. But overall I'm not that impressed. Obviously I'm not educated in the Black Metal sound and I have a different view of what ritualistic should be. In my mind ritualistic music sounds like tibetian monks humming with rhythmic percussion. If I had to add the 'dark' element, it would sound like Apage Satana, and that maybe explains why I like the album. It's just a matter of perspective.

I remember the singles where pretty underwhelming.

your discussion makes me remember that I still haven't and need to jam CdG

I must say that Apage Satana is quite cool though, reminds me a bit of "Sanctus Diavolos".

Album Rating: 2.0

That track has me laughing hysterically... The chants sound like aku aku fr crash bandicoot

Album Rating: 3.5

haha

Well, that's not worse than "Khetti Satha Shemsu" by Nile, or is it? I've always kinda liked this chant, growling along side Karl and Ross when I was playing Black Seeds of Vengeance in my car on the way to the university. ;)

Album Rating: 2.5

This album is such a shame. Great review, pos.