Celebrating their 25^th anniversary this year, Greek Metallers ROTTING CHRIST have also issued a rerelease of their highly acclaimed fourth full-length album, "A Dead Poem", originally brought out in 1997. This album has seen several rereleases over the course of the years, with this latest one coming from fellow Greek record label Sleaszy Riders. With a slower pace and through the use of instrumental styles not typically found in Black Metal, "A Dead Poem" was one of ROTTING CHRIST's most accessible releases, and marked the beginning of a more atmospheric and Gothic direction.

Starting out with "Sorrowful Farewell", a catchy and almost groovy melody that stands in stark contrast to ROTTING CHRIST's earlier and later music, this song is atmospheric and infectious, providing a strong opening to the album. The captivating melodies that make up this and the following track are truly haunting melodies, and are among the most melodious and beautiful songs written by ROTTING CHRIST. The guest vocals done by Fernando Ribeiro (MOONSPELL) on "Among Two Storms" lend this song a far more Gothic feel, adding to the atmospheric textures woven into the melody. From this point on, the album becomes heavier, but no less poignant. My favourite track on the album is "Out of Spirits", a composition that manages to meld tempestuous riffage with epic sounding melodies: darker, heavier, and faster than the previous tracks, this song perfectly encapsulates a melancholic strife. Another one of the most outstanding tracks on the album occurs at the album's midpoint: "As If By Magic". Starting off with a mesmerising drum rhythm, the guitar work really comes to the fore on this track, and the vocals also take on an interesting style. With an acoustic guitar adding dimension to the final track "Ira Incensus", this track has a more mystical feel that ends off the album on a an unforgettable high.

Each composition is unique in its own way, and each adds to the overall feel of the album. Credit must go to Xy (SAMAEL) for the perfect contribution he made on keyboards. This album may not be too well received by fans of the newer and more extreme ROTTING CHRIST sound, but it still marks an interesting exploration of a path not often taken. If you've somehow managed to miss out on this album, "A Dead Poem" is definitely worth checking out, particularly if you like Goth influenced Metal that isn't drowning in synths and female vocals. <