As for the other material on the album, the majority takes a heavy metal turn and, while I am a fan of goth rock and not a big fan of metal, I found enough in the production to keep me interested. Several of the songs use backwards drum loops, while others have industrial touches. Even the worst songs occassionally have slow interlude parts or interesting instrumentation that made them somewhat musically enjoyable. For example, while "Black Empire" is not the best song, the chorus is completely wonderful and even catchy.

The major downfall of this album would have to be the lyrics and, at times, the vocals. The lyrics throughout most the album are laughable ("pig half man"? Come on...give me a break).. The worst of these lyrics are delivered over metal riffs in a scratchy, semi-shouting voice. The best songs on this album are the ones with the fewest lyrics and more-mainstream vocal deliveries (the already mentioned "Without" and "Thunderstorm").

If you're new to Christian Death, I would recommend checking out the stuff from the 80s long before touching this album. However, if you're a fan of Valor's Christian Death and you already have most of the other albums, then this one would be a worthwhile addition to your collection for its several good songs and diverse production (if you can get past the horrible lyrics).


Great Album   December 10, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

To Visigoth: You call it 'cheesy goth', yet you'd rather listen to a Marilyn Manson album?

Right...

Anyway. This album is one of CD's best. Whether its Valor or Rozz on vocals, CD always pulls out a gloomy yet inspiring piece of work. Many follow CD's work, but there's only one Rozz Williams, and only one Valor Kand.


horrible.   August 23, 1999
 2 out of 5 found this review helpful

I'm not quite sure what the FEW people who like this album, enjoy about it. Don't get me wrong, Valor The Metalhead has a few good albums (i.e. The Scriptures, Sex and Drugs and Jesus Christ, ect), but after Gitane left, his albums go straight down. I suggest listening to Ashes, Iconologia, Path of Sorrows, or other works involving Rozz Williams. You won't be disapointed.


Hard to Listen To   March 21, 2001
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

When I first got this album, I thought that "Without" and "Thunderstorm" were good, but that the rest of the album were throwaways, but after awhile, it really began to grow on me, and the music slowly reveals itself to be more than simple industrial metal; with reversed drums and bizarre sound effects creeping in all over the place, I eventually came to appreciate this album a lot.