The Heretics

Rotting Christ are one of those mysteries of the metal community to me. They are prolific. With 13 full-length albums to their name, genre-crossing to no end and existing since the mid-1980s - they should be one of those acts that every metal fan is at least aware of. But unfortunately, my first foray into the world of the Greek black metallers was 2016's Rituals. Was it really a lacklustre experiment? Or was it just my naivety which let me down? I ask this because 2019's The Heretics is very much in the same vein as Rituals - and yet I am totally captivated by its atmosphere, message and, rather ironically, its ritualism. It's albums like this which convince me this really is a band who deserve their notoriety.

Much like the previous album, The Heretics is less of a conventional 'album' and more of a collection of rituals which use religious characteristics in a scathing attack against religion. This record is chock full of church bells, monk-esque chanting and - most integral of all - choirs. R.C.'s use of well-worn religious imagery in song titles such as "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "In The Name Of God" turns Christianity on its head and manages to create an effective anti-religious stance without verging into black metal cringe. Having established their authority over their enemy, the Greeks lovingly sprinkle the lyrics with quotes from famous literary figures like Shakespeare and Voltaire to reinforce their sound point. Hell, the last track "The Raven" is comprised entirely of text from Poe's famous poem. The Heretics utterly demands your respect. A respect which it maintains through its 47-minute runtime.

The ritualistic nature of this album is addictive both through its message and the music itself. This LP has a big sound. Aided of course by the ghostly, ever-present male voice choir. But helped by a flexibile production quality which beefs up the irresistible chug of "In The Name Of God" but lets the more ethereal tracks like "I Believe" float above our heads like a toxic gas. The riff set is simple, but not in numbing childlike way. These riffs evoke a primal, almost tribal gut-punch using their relative simplicity. This is especially true of "Heaven & Hell & Fire" - what a monster chug! Also, my sure-fire favourite song on the album thanks to its epic chorus and grandiose spirit. That primitive tom-heavy chug can also be found on "The Voice Of The Universe" and their menacing rendition of the timeless "Dies Irae".

Considering the repetitive nature of these tracks, you'd think boredom would set in after half an hour or so. But this record thrives on being 10% gimmick and 90% atmosphere. This is an album to let envelope you. Lie back and be completely engulfed by the grotesque world the Tolises have created. The Heretics is not the 'black metal album of the year' - because I dare not limit these musicians to the bounds of one sub-genre. It's a unique album which won't be for everyone, but has a point to make, which it makes with aplomb. Now I feel as though I should delve into their back catalogue more to lessen my naivety.