Greece is a very historical site on its own where ancient gods and goddesses are widely known in the world of Mythology. In Greece, gods gather on the mountain range of Mount Olympus, to the Palace Of Light, a holy ground, where Rotting Christ; Greek veterans of Black/Gothic Metal has set foot to record their eleventh album, Aealo.
Aealo (derived from a Greek word, meaning Warrior) has a very bold meaning and Rotting Christ is certain to let you know the concept, and feel the different emotions of being a Warrior. The essence of loneliness, anger, and despair of being a Warrior. They capture and interpret these emotions very well in every song, I think.
Songs are either mid-tempo or slow. They are common and familiar to one another but Rotting Christ sometimes draw some folkloristic melodies, Core rhythms, incredible guitar work (which is a highlight), in addition to the female chants, which makes a song distinguishable. Their sound results more often into Death with Prog and Folk influences, in split seconds you hear Hardcore riffs, sometimes it is Blackened Death. A diverse mix from various category and elements. It is safe to say that each song displays more than one breed and variety of music.
Like their previous, Theogona, Rotting Christ has again managed to occasionally brush off their Black Metal roots. For those who are grown to their ways of Black Metal in the past, some songs may please you, most songs will notably not. I advice to listen to Aealo with an open mind, with less expectations and you will not be disappointed. On a lighter note, Sakis and Bokos show off their playing ability by adding more melodicness, progressiveness on the guitar, taking more relevant solos into consideration.
Primordial vocalist Naihamass Nemtheanga was a guest performer, as well as Diamanda Galas, a Greek-American diva, who does a cover version of her own 'Orders from the Dead'. I don't recommend that song personally along with 'Nekron lahes' (track 7), because they just add annoyance and bore, a complete waste of time.
The last two albums, Theogona and Sanctus Diavolos still reigns and dominates this newer one. Old and new fans should give it a go anyway. The production is great as usual, waves of different emotions in 50 minutes, beautifully poetic, guitars are better and it is still Rotting Christ!
