ROTTING CHRIST should not need an introduction but just in case you’re new to metal or, perhaps, from another planet, I’ll tell a little something about them. They formed way back in 1987,being one of the first black metal bands in Greek, thus creating the signature Greek black metal scene, often called the Hellenic scene. Their discography is absolutely massive as well. “Pro Xristou” (which means ‘Before Christ’) is their 14th full length album, and that isn’t even counting the numerous demos, EPs, splits, live albums and compilations they have under their belt.

ROTTING CHRIST have been sticking to a formula for their albums pretty much since the release of 2016’s “Aealo” and not much changes with this new album. Some might not like that but as for me, it does not matter so much. It isn’t what you do that matters, but how you do it. And ROTTING CHRIST once again prove with “Pro Xristou” they are still among the best in the scene and deserve all the credit they have received. I will say that I enjoy “Pro Xristou” a lot more than I did their previous release, “The Heretics.” That album was decent but quite a few songs didn’t really connect with me for whatever reason. “Pro Xristou” definitely feels like a natural extension of that album but more focused and confident. There is definitely a renewed energy to their sound and every song offers something enjoyable.

Their brand of blackened metal has changed a lot over years, mostly to being melodic, a little Gothic, and even having a tribal feel to some of their songs. “Pro Xristou” embraces these same components but presents them in a much more catchy way than the last couple efforts. “The Apostate,” is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. The middle part of the song hammers in a good riff with a steady rhythm while the powerful drums do their part. The chanting combines with this rather hypnotic part very well and it all slows smoothly into melodic guitar and Sakis’ spoken word vocals, which have long since become a staple of their albums.

The beginning to “Like Father, Like Son,” is immediately effective—Sakis’ deep vocals sound like he is preaching from atop a mountain. The guitar melodies are soaring and, of course, Themis’ drums are a constant high, he and his brother are always in incredible sync with each other. The trust they put in each other’s abilities is evident and always shows through the music. The song alternates between these melodies and tight rhythm guitar with Sakis’ legendary rough vocals guiding it all to an epic culmination.

The drumming on “La Lettera Del Diavolo” elevates the song immediately then the riffs and vocals grab me and just pull me further into this bombastic, urgent song. The use of different vocal styles is very effective and adds to the energy. The chorus is another highlight, one of the best on the album. The band still remains adept at using tension and quiet tones to build up a song to a rousing burst of excitement, such as the first minute or so of “Pix Lax Dax.” This song is more riff based and the notes find a gripping balance between melody and heaviness. Sakis’ vocal cadence on this track are designed to hook the listener and keep them along for the ride and he does it well. The song is particularly effective in the later half with the riffs, lead guitar, Sakis and the impenetrable drumming all swirling together as one huge sound.

“Pretty World, Pretty Dies,” is a tragic, mini epic with a foreboding and moody intro. The melodies are sorrowful and deep, lending the song a very full sound. The song is unrelenting in a special way, without being overly extreme but it definitely hits hard and washes over you like a flood pushing you further away. The final song is “Saoirse,” and gives the album an ending journey, a total finality to what the band wanted to accomplish on this release. This song, to me, represents a good overview of the album’s overall style.

All in all, ROTTING CHRIST’s “Pro Xristou,” may not tread any new ground for the band but that’s hard to do this late in a band’s career, especially since they were the ones who built upon that ground first. They don’t have to reinvent the wheel anymore—they already did that and have inspired countless others. As it stands, this album definitely sounds like modern day ROTTING CHRIST. That could be a good or bad thing depending on your tastes but, for me, it is exactly what I wanted. Also, if you get a chance, they are a must see live band.