Album Review: Rotting Christ - Pro Xristou (Season of Mist)

Eternal Echoes of Pagan Kings: Rotting Christ’s ‘Pro Xristou’ Unveiled

Rotting Christ - Pro Xristou Album Artwork

The Greek metal titans Rotting Christ have once again emerged from the depths of the underground to deliver their 14th studio album, ‘Pro Xristou’ (Before Christ), released on May 24th, 2024, via Season of Mist. This album marks a significant milestone in their career, commemorating 35 years of their existence—a journey that has seen the band evolve from grindcore beginnings to the pioneers of Hellenic black metal.

‘Pro Xristou’ is a thematic odyssey that pays tribute to the last Pagan kings who stood against the tide of Christianity, preserving their ancient values and wisdom. It’s a fervent homage to historical figures like Flavius Claudius Julianus and mythological Nordic kings, embodying the strength of Pagan intellect in the face of Christian conquest.

The album opens with the self-titled track ‘Pro Xristou’, which immediately sets a haunting atmosphere, indicative of the band’s ability to blend melodic elements with the harshness of black metal. Tracks like ‘La Lettera Del Diavolo’ feature guest vocals from Amdroniki Skoula, adding a layer of gothic texture to the album’s sound. The use of various languages and the integration of famous poetry, such as Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Rave’, in previous works, is a testament to Rotting Christ’s penchant for the unexpected.

The review from No Clean Singing highlights that ‘Pro Xristou’ is not as heavy or crushing as some of Rotting Christ’s past works, but it carries a renewed energy and a more focused and confident sound1. Each song offers something enjoyable, whether it’s the martial rhythms or the strong melodic hooks that have become synonymous with Rotting Christ’s music.

Metal Temple Magazine describes the album as a natural extension of their previous work, yet more focused and confident, with a renewed energy to their sound. This album is a testament to Rotting Christ’s ability to keep reinventing themselves while staying true to their roots.

In conclusion, ‘Pro Xristou’ encapsulates the essence of Rotting Christ’s signature style—melodic, yet harsh at times—reinventing themselves yet again, while remaining faithful to their 35-year legacy. It’s an album that not only demands to be heard but also commands respect and reverence, much like the gods it celebrates. For fans old and new, ‘Pro Xristou’ is a powerful addition to Rotting Christ’s heretical history and a beacon of their evil excellence

The album ‘Pro Xristou’ is a masterful blend of Rotting Christ’s signature sound with fresh elements that showcase their musical evolution. The track ‘The Sixth Day’ is a prime example of this, with its intricate guitar work and layered vocals that create a soundscape both grandiose and introspective. The songwriting on this track, as well as throughout the album, reflects a matured perspective, one that has been honed over the band’s extensive career.

Another highlight is the track ‘Pix Lax Dax’, which stands out for its aggressive riffs and thunderous drumming, paired with Sakis Tolis’ distinctive growls. This song is a testament to the band’s ability to maintain intensity while exploring complex lyrical themes.

The album’s production quality is noteworthy, with a clear and powerful mix that allows each instrument to shine. The production work ensures that the album’s atmosphere is immersive, drawing listeners into the dark and mystical world that Rotting Christ conjures with their music.

‘Pro Xristou’ also offers a collector’s edition, which includes bonus tracks ‘Primal Resurrection’ and ‘All For One’. These tracks provide additional layers to the album’s narrative, further enriching the listening experience. The deluxe CD box set comes with collectible guitar picks and a dark wooden incense holder, adding a tangible element to the album’s theme of ancient rituals and pagan traditions.

For vinyl enthusiasts, the album is available in a limited edition transparent red, white, and black marbled 12" vinyl. This edition is presented in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with gold foil and a 12-page insert, making it a collector’s item for fans of the band and vinyl records alike.

The album’s lyrical content is a profound exploration of historical and mythological themes, with each track serving as a narrative that delves into the struggles and triumphs of pagan kings and deities. The song ‘The Apostate’, for example, is a powerful portrayal of religious and philosophical defiance, while ‘Saoirse’ (which means ‘freedom’ in Irish) is an anthem celebrating the spirit of independence and rebellion.

The instrumentation on ‘Pro Xristou’ is a testament to Rotting Christ’s musical mastery. The band employs a variety of traditional instruments alongside electric guitars, bass, and drums, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both ancient and modern. The use of folk instruments adds an authentic touch to the album’s pagan themes, further immersing listeners in the atmosphere the band seeks to create.

In terms of visual art, ‘Pro Xristou’ features stunning cover artwork that encapsulates the album’s essence. The imagery is evocative of the band’s Greek heritage and the pagan motifs that run throughout their music. This attention to visual detail extends to the album’s packaging, which includes a deluxe Digipak with gold foil and a 16-page booklet, offering fans a tactile and visually engaging experience.

Here’s the track listing for Rotting Christ’s album ‘Pro Xristou’,

1. Pro Xristou (Προ Χριστού) - 1:29
2. The Apostate - 5:01
3. Like Father, Like Son - 4:35
4. The Sixth Day - 3:56
5. La Lettera Del Diavolo - 4:01
6. The Farewell - 6:15
7. Pix Lax Dax - 4:33
8. Pretty World, Pretty Dies - 4:51
9. Yggdrasil - 5:04
10. Saoirse - 6:171

Each track is a chapter in the album’s narrative, weaving a rich tapestry of sound and story that is quintessentially Rotting Christ. The track lengths also suggest a journey that is both expansive and detailed, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully in the experience ‘Pro Xristou’ offers.

For collectors and superfans, the album is available in several special editions. The deluxe CD box includes bonus tracks ‘Primal Resurrection’ and ‘All For One’, collectible guitar picks in a metallic silver round case, and a dark wooden incense holder, limited to 4,000 copies worldwide. The LP box set is even more exclusive, with a stainless steel Rotting Christ pendant and necklace in a linen bag, limited to 500 copies worldwide.

The cassette tape version of ‘Pro Xristou’ offers a nostalgic format for those who appreciate the analog sound. The solid black shell cassette comes in a regular Norelco box with a j-card plus four extra flaps, limited to 250 copies worldwide.

The official video for “Like Father, Like Son” is a visual feast that complements the track’s profound narrative. It was released as the first single off the album and presents a tale of the wisdom passed down from a father to his son. The video features haunting imagery that resonates with the song’s themes of legacy, pride, honor, and the indomitable spirit of Rotting Christ.

Directed by Jon Doe, the video is set in a desolate, ancient landscape, where the ruins of a once-mighty civilization stand as silent witnesses to the story unfolding. The cinematography captures the stark contrast between the enduring strength of the father’s teachings and the son’s journey to forge his own path.

Throughout the video, we see the band performing with their characteristic intensity against a backdrop of symbolic visuals. Flames, stone, and earth all play a role in illustrating the song’s message. The video’s climax is a powerful representation of the son stepping out of his father’s shadow, ready to face the world with the wisdom he has inherited.

The video has been praised for its artistic direction and the way it visually interprets the song’s lyrics, adding another layer of depth to the album’s concept. It’s a must-watch for fans of the band and those who appreciate the artistry of music videos.

You can watch the video for “Like Father, Like Son” on the band’s official YouTube channel or through the Season of Mist website. It’s a testament to Rotting Christ’s ability to blend their music with powerful storytelling, both audibly and visually.

Overall, ‘Pro Xristou’ is not just an auditory experience; it’s a multi-dimensional exploration of Rotting Christ’s artistic vision. The album is a celebration of the band’s 35-year legacy, a tribute to their pagan forebears, and a testament to their continued innovation within the black metal genre. It’s an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of history, mythology, and music.

In summary, ‘Pro Xristou’ is not just an album; it’s a carefully crafted artifact that offers a multi-sensory experience. From the music to the packaging, everything about this release is designed to engage the listener and transport them to a world where the ancient and the modern merge seamlessly. It’s a bold statement from Rotting Christ, reaffirming their status as pioneers of the genre and as artists who continue to push the boundaries of black metal.