These Greeks have been unashamed for decades to dive head first into the vast pool of profoundly anti-Christian black metal and challenge the prevailing Greek orthodoxy. With their unique sound and bitingly abrasive lyrical content, Rotting Christ have returned with another soon-to-be classic opus that most certainly is going to be detested by Dave Mustaine and religious political candidates alike. Black metal fans, however, will clearly love it.
Pro Xristoy (tr: Before Christ) finds the band continuing on their more recent sonic path, fervently embracing clean, melodic baritone vocals (with signature Greek accent), Benedictine chants and tons of pinch harmonics. If you're a fan of latter Rotting Christ records like Rituals and The Heretics, you will find much to really appreciate in this newest record.
After a slow, dirgy opening with the title track, we get right into "The Apostate." This is a signature type tune for Rotting Christ. Lots of melody, meshed with choral, chanted vocals in the background with Sakis Tolis providing spoken words on top of it. It's a breathtaking song that really sets the stage for the rest of the record.
"The Apostate" is such a majestic track. It would difficult to think it could be topped, however, our favorite Hellenes do just that with the following cut, "Like Father, Like Son." Canorous from beginning to end, the listener is whisked away to a beautiful Grecian mountain top and imagines the beauty of the paternal relationship. The accompanying video, by the way, is also pure Athena gold.
"The Sixth Day" follows in similar fashion to the first two tracks. It, too, inspires careful contemplation and features more religiously critical lyrical content that we've come to expect. "The Sixth Day" is provocative, yet also quite beautiful at the same time. These three songs together on the record are, perhaps, some of the best metal I've heard this year.
Rotting Christ changes it up a bit by the fifth track, "La Lettera Del Diavolo." This one is a bit darker; more horrific. "The Farewell" also shares the somewhat bleaker soundscape. The band takes you through so many emotions throughout the record. It's a series of ups and downs that keeps it interesting and engaging.
In a record full of standout cuts, "Pix Lax Dax" seems to be a song I keep going back to over and over again. I love the subtle time changes, the John Christ-like pinch harmonics, and the chorus that seems to have me singing along in the car. Atmospheric, gorgeous and invigorating all at the same time. This song will flat out give you chills.
This is another absolutely outstanding record from Rotting Christ. While I unquestionably adored The Heretics, I might just enjoy Pro Xristoy a touch more. Of course, you really can't go wrong with either. Personally, these more recent records are more enjoyable than their earlier work.
The record concludes with more epically-inspired riffage with songs like "Saoirse," and bonus tracks "Primal Resurrection" and "All for One" which are always really stellar. You most definitely want to make sure that you get the bonus tracks.
Even after a mind-blowing thirty five years and fourteen records, Rotting Christ might actually be at their very best right now. This is a tough LP to top.
