Those Greek black metal tyrants Rotting Christ have been conjuring up all sorts of hellish imagery since their inception many moons ago, and with their latest album Rituals that trend of course continues. If you enjoyed 2010s Aealo as well as 2013s Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy, then it's safe to assume that Rituals will push similar buttons for you, as the bands different take on the black metal genre is in full force throughout this latest release. Opening track "In Nomine Dei Nostri" is quite catchy for an ominous, Satanic themed tune, filled with creepy chanting, spoken word vocals, growls, and plenty of melody. Guitarist/vocalist Sakis Tolis lends his tortured growling alongside more chanting, female vocals, bagpipes, and blast beats on the raging "Elthe Kyrie", while his more spoken word warbling again spews all sorts of evil intent on the crushing "Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)". There's also a good amount of experimental & atmospheric material here as well, such as "Apage Satana" and "Tou Thanatou", which utilize keyboards and various folk instruments to add some depth, but the band even venture into gothic metal territory on the plodding "For a Voice Like Thunder".
Certainly, Rituals is plenty evil sounding stuff, and in spots the album is quite heavy, but there's a pacing issue throughout the album that's hard to ignore. Too many of these tunes plod along and meander at a similar tempo, and even the more manic tracks only marginally get out of second gear. However, there are many layers on display, and the production is actually quite full and robust, so the album is easy to recommend to fans, though it might test your patience at times.
Track Listing
1. In Nomine Dei Nostri
2. זה נגמר (Ze Nigmar)
3. Ἐλθὲ Κύριε (Elthe Kyrie)
4. Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)
5. Ἄπαγε Σατανά (Apage Satana)
6. Του Θάνατου (Tou Thanatou)
7. For A Voice Like Thunder
8. Konx Om Pax
9. देवदेवं (Devadevam)
10. The Four Horsemen
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