Entry 299 - Rotting Christ - Sanctus Diavolos

 

God DAMN this is a strong album. Probably the best that Rotting Christ have ever put out. They really mastered the combination of melody, darkness, and atmosphere on this album... If this had come out just a year later it would easily be album of the year.

Visions of a Blind order is a mediocre opener and is not indicative of the quality that so much of the rest of the album has. That starts with Thy Wings Thy Horns Thy sin. This song... oh man this song is something else. The band introduces one of the primary elements of the sound on Sanctus Diavolos: choirs. The pacing here is perfect, it starts off slow and slowly builds up and adds in more atmosphere and a powerful female vocal chorus. Then it explodes with a blast beat and a male vocal choir... perfection.

Things only get better. Athanti Este is one of those songs that makes you want to band your head and throw the fucking horns because it hits every single note right. That meldoy, oh my god is it fucking smooth. It's one of those songs that needs you to stop whatever you are doing and just pay attention... no bang your head.... there is nothing else you can do during its five minute duration.

I could keep going but I'm pretty sure my point has been made already. This this is a fucking masterpiece. Rotting Christ firmly placed their flag in the ground and proudly proclaimed that they are a force to be reckoned with. Other bands should take note.