Greek conjurers of mystic black metal, Rotting Christ, headed towards dark metal on their previous album 'A Dead Poem' (1997). While that album is one of my all-time favourites, 'Sleep of the Angels' always felt as an in-between. This album is the band's fifth full length album in 1990s, so they definitely didn't stick to one working formula. I believe this album is a real divider of opinions. Some see this as a brave effort and some as a sell-out crap. 'Sleep of the Angels' is soon a decade-old, so how does it feel today?

I understand the sell-out accusations. Maybe this is way too melodic for fans of the first RC releases, maybe the larger incorporation of gothic metal. I would not go as far as calling this gothic metal, no, this is pure dark metal. This is the band's most easily accessible album, but RC didn't go as far as Moonspell or Samael with their jestlings with goth and pop. This is still metal, and the band managed to preserve their dark mystical aura, which is probably the most important factor about this release. Trademark mystic RC melodies are present, becoming another elementary factor of the album. The sound is pretty tame (guitars are definitely too quiet), but still good, because it channels the important factors to a listener. Good use of synthesizers and reverb plus other studio gimmicks rather raise, than work against, the mood level. Sometimes there's a lot of layers in the music, making it deeper than first observations imply. At times, it is epic without over-picking, but mainly the atmospheres have been cast with subtle means. 'Der Perfekte Traum' features now so trendy low-voiced German speaking, but was it so hot back in 1999? I don't think so. Bluesy bits on 'You My Flesh' were also a tad shocking at first, but hell, if you want black metal, pick up something else.

Frontman Sakis "Necromayhem" is responsible for all the music. His vocals are another huge trademark of the band. Badly pronounced (this big accent is a rarity, heh) lyrics are presented with varying oration: Devilish throat vocals of yore are still here, as well as cleaner singing, spoken narration and whispering. You like the vocals or you can't listen to them, I presume, so extravagant they are. The band are prisoners of their name. You certainly won't find any "hail Satan" lyrics here. The lyrics are about introspection and anti-religious stance.

Maybe I've used 'A Dead Poem' up, but this album has ascended into the position of being a crucial Rotting Christ album. Definitely, grower material. Essential listening for all dark metal hordes, just like about every RC album. Rotting Christ have always been magical. Enter this house of dreams now! There's plenty to hear and see with your mind's eye.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/23/2008 19:16