“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.”
1 Corinthians 15:21.
When I spoke with bassist ‘Black Shepherd Ov Doom’ a few years back (in the band's rehearsal room located in an ex-bunker in Berlin), around the time the debut was about to be released, he told me that ‘Triune Impurity Rites’ might very well end up being the last Necros Christos album… unless they came up with something worthwhile, they wouldn’t stick around kicking a dead horse (as so many other bands had). Anyhow, here we are around four years later, on the 10th anniversary of Necros Christos, with a brand new album entitled ‘Doom of the Occult’. We are told to “expect nothing but one of the most dark, occult and disturbing Death/Doom Metal records of all time...” and “a sonic assault that is equally unique and disturbing.” Few bands can utter such claims without me turning my back and condemning it as total self-indulged bullshit… but here’s an exception. This better kick ass!
I assume everyone even remotely interested in the band has heard the preview song ‘Necromantique Nun’, by now, am I right? I would say ‘expect more of the same’, but that wouldn’t be strictly true, as the song represents the band’s past far more than it’s contemporary sound, if you follow me here. The songs on the ‘Doom of the Occult’ have gained a new edge and matured, just as the four-stringer insisted: There was no point making the first album again. But as mentioned, we have not lost the Necros Christos sound and vibe. The songs are catchy and full of hooks. Leads are deadly as ever, just as in the preview track; except an album full of them! The Gates and Temples (interludes between songs, often with acoustic guitars and further obscure instruments, heh) are back again. Could listen to a whole album of this! First finding ourselves in a sepulchral temple, then in the midst of north European folk music and then amongst Middle Eastern grooves. The first temple proclaims the words “Kýrie Eléison” (Greek for “Lord have mercy” – a worthy follower for ‘Temple IX.99’) and as the opener ‘Baal of Ekron’ kicks in, we have truly returned to the realm of Darkness. Damnation. Death -! There truly couldn’t be a more fitting mantra for this coven. A question on many people’s minds, of course, is how radically the change of drummer has affected the band; Mister Raelin (ex-Hatespawn) has replaced Christhammer on drums. Whilst the drumming might have (even!) more of a death metal edge to it than before, it is clear that Ra is in charge. Everything follows his whistle… so worry no more!
To those who only read conclusion of reviews (like myself): This is a dark majestic piece of doomish Death fucking Metal. It is the natural successor of TIR and adds new (very welcome) elements to Necros Christos’ music, without losing the ritualistic feeling that has become their trademark. I can do nothing but recommend this album and cannot wait to hold the vinyl version in my hands. Another victory for true Death Metal.
http://www.darknessdamnationdeath.com/
