Celtic Frost - Monotheist

[noblastbeats]

I tend to think of Monotheist as a blackened death album, given that there's more bass than Black Metal and more Satan than you're average Death Metal record.

The first two songs (Progeny and Ground) are almost like a throwback to Into The Pandemonium given their riff structure. Where things get more Black-ish are with 'A Dying God Coming into Human Flesh' which is almost the living embodiment of Blackened Death. From here on in its almost pure Satan in terms of lyrics. The highlight of this side is the outstanding 'Os Abysmi Vel Daath' a mid paced chugger that almost stretches into Doom Metal territory. Celtic Frost have never been a band to limit themselves to a particular genre (aide from the terrible aberration that was Cold Lake).

The stand out track of side 2 (and for the whole album) is the masterpiece that is 'Synagoga Satanae' a plus 10 minute epic that starts with the usual feedback and noise that is the Celtic Frost trademark before settling into a riff so heavy it seems like a neutron star would struggle to match its overall mass. It itself is a multipart song with spoken sections and a change in main riff for awhile.

Overall, a truly epic album and for me, far and away their best work. Its just a shame they couldn't get it together enough to release a follow up although Tryptikon (Tom Warriors current band) seem intent on keeping things very heavy.

[karlclayton]

To me, Monotheist stands head and shoulders above any other comeback album I've ever heard. And it happens to be my favourite CF album with its towering strength, massive production, delightful darkness and abyssic ambiance. It is a very strong album and possibly the most impressive and dignified way imaginable to put such an influential band to rest.

happy wheels