CHRIST AGONY - "Anthems"
Release Date: September 26th, 2025
Deformeathing Productions
Christ Agony is a band that I have seen the name around, but until "Anthems" I haven't been too familiar with. The band has its origins rooted in the old-school with its formation dated back to 1990. From what I can see, Cezar (guitars, bass, vocals, and choir) is the main man that has been present throughout the band's history. He also handled all the parts on "Anthems" save the drums and the addition oddly enough of a didgeridoo. This is the 9th album for Christ Agony after a 9 year break in recording. With this album he believes it stands up to the classic albums that stood out for the band, "Unholyunion" (1993), "Daemoonseth Act II" (1994) and "Moonlight" (1996).
"Anthems" features slightly longer songs than the normal. With six songs mostly above 7:00, the album sits just 46:00 in length. The first song, "Empire Of Twilight" begins with an atmospheric introduction of ominous tones and light guitar. From there it develops into a catchy mid-paced guitar riff. Eventually this leads into a speedier part before returning to the general feel set by the song's personality. Right around the 5:00 spot the song breaks and moves into a neat alternating idea between rhythmic stops, arpeggiated notes and the return of a prior segment.
"Throne Of Eternal Silence" begins as before with a mood building foundation. When the guitars cut in they are ripe with head-banging purpose in front a subtle backdrop of dark ambience. Vocally, there is a demonic conviction to his delivery. He hits the appropriate spots in an effective trance above the simplistic yet malicious guitar work. The third song, "Sanctuary Of Death" picks up the pace with immediate intensity. At the 2:12 spot there is a fiendish break in the form of rhythmic retribution to the benevolent. This returns at the end of the song as well. "Rites Of The Black Sun" retains a similar sinister disposition to "Throne Of Eternal Silence". Christ Agony is big on substance and evoking a plethora of demonic character in their sound. Croaking above the sometimes minimalist musical approach is a vocalist worthy of praise that adds to the song's dark nature. As with other songs on "Anthems", "Dark Waters" starts with an baleful tone. From there it moves into a pulsating rhythm that develops into bleak clean parts and foreboding chordal maneuverings. As stated previously, I think Christ Agony's strength lays in its choice create with a different kind of intensity that isn't always found in speed. My favorite part of the song is towards the end with a catchy rhythm guitar complimented by a non-distorted idea. "Nocturnal Dominion" is the final track on "Anthems". This song runs with comparable concepts previously brought. I enjoy the acoustic guitar that transitions nicely with the heavier moments. The addition of the black metal vocals over the top of these sections adds a bleak quality to the sound. "Anthems" is a dense album with a charm that is found within its refined and intricately developed sound. I believe if you come from the old-school, I think you will appreciate with Christ Agony offers.
www.facebook.com/ChristAgony
deformeathing.bandcamp.com
Release Date: September 26th, 2025
Deformeathing Productions
Christ Agony is a band that I have seen the name around, but until "Anthems" I haven't been too familiar with. The band has its origins rooted in the old-school with its formation dated back to 1990. From what I can see, Cezar (guitars, bass, vocals, and choir) is the main man that has been present throughout the band's history. He also handled all the parts on "Anthems" save the drums and the addition oddly enough of a didgeridoo. This is the 9th album for Christ Agony after a 9 year break in recording. With this album he believes it stands up to the classic albums that stood out for the band, "Unholyunion" (1993), "Daemoonseth Act II" (1994) and "Moonlight" (1996).
"Anthems" features slightly longer songs than the normal. With six songs mostly above 7:00, the album sits just 46:00 in length. The first song, "Empire Of Twilight" begins with an atmospheric introduction of ominous tones and light guitar. From there it develops into a catchy mid-paced guitar riff. Eventually this leads into a speedier part before returning to the general feel set by the song's personality. Right around the 5:00 spot the song breaks and moves into a neat alternating idea between rhythmic stops, arpeggiated notes and the return of a prior segment.
"Throne Of Eternal Silence" begins as before with a mood building foundation. When the guitars cut in they are ripe with head-banging purpose in front a subtle backdrop of dark ambience. Vocally, there is a demonic conviction to his delivery. He hits the appropriate spots in an effective trance above the simplistic yet malicious guitar work. The third song, "Sanctuary Of Death" picks up the pace with immediate intensity. At the 2:12 spot there is a fiendish break in the form of rhythmic retribution to the benevolent. This returns at the end of the song as well. "Rites Of The Black Sun" retains a similar sinister disposition to "Throne Of Eternal Silence". Christ Agony is big on substance and evoking a plethora of demonic character in their sound. Croaking above the sometimes minimalist musical approach is a vocalist worthy of praise that adds to the song's dark nature. As with other songs on "Anthems", "Dark Waters" starts with an baleful tone. From there it moves into a pulsating rhythm that develops into bleak clean parts and foreboding chordal maneuverings. As stated previously, I think Christ Agony's strength lays in its choice create with a different kind of intensity that isn't always found in speed. My favorite part of the song is towards the end with a catchy rhythm guitar complimented by a non-distorted idea. "Nocturnal Dominion" is the final track on "Anthems". This song runs with comparable concepts previously brought. I enjoy the acoustic guitar that transitions nicely with the heavier moments. The addition of the black metal vocals over the top of these sections adds a bleak quality to the sound. "Anthems" is a dense album with a charm that is found within its refined and intricately developed sound. I believe if you come from the old-school, I think you will appreciate with Christ Agony offers.
www.facebook.com/ChristAgony
deformeathing.bandcamp.com