CHRISTIAN DEATH

American Inquisition

(Season of Mist / Trolik, 2008)

95/100

After almost seven years of silence and the album “Born Again Anti-Christian”, Valor Kand and Christian Death released a new album “American Inquisition” delineated by theories of conspiracy related to attack on New York’s WTC, September 11 2001 followed by terrorist disasters all around Europe. Some will say this story came to the ears of audience some 7 years too late and it’s already been too many times by now but those who are better informed about anti-Bush stand of American bands such as, for example London After Midnight whose latest album is thematically close to the inquisition presented by Christian Death, will understand this loud protest against actual American foreign politics. Whatever thinking is, opposite or not, album “American Inquisition” has a message and art rebellion was anyway always a part of Christian Death. But, let’s clear something up, this album isn’t conceptually directed only on Bush and his foreign politics but is also focused on other diseases of modern society like drugs, evangelic religion, egoism and self-direction of the society. Also, “American Inquisition” is Deathrock more then any album recorded, I would dare to say, in the last decade and this album did a big step away from earlier metal orientated Christian Death albums which is a good thing! Because Christian Death are the best sailors in Deathrock/Gothic waters.
Album is opened by a piece of George W. Bush’ speech when he repeats a word ‘guilty’, including his inauguration ceremony. Valor outright goes to a dark mood. The next song is “Stop Bleeding On Me” in which guitar so overwhelmingly reminds on Valor’s playing style from 1980′s that the old Christian Death fans will be just thrilled.
One of definitely strongest songs o the album is “Narcissus Metamorphosis Of” where guitar again sounds like old school Deathrock but where is also great bass line. This song is perfect for Deathrock/Gothic clubs!
“Victim X” which follows surprises by great electronic dance beats and theme is moved from Bush to anti-Christian.
Fans of old Christian Death sound will be seduced by “Seduction Thy Destruction” not only because of its old school Deathrock sound but also because of lyrics about drugs and destruction as their result… it seems this song is very personal.
Bush opened the album, Bush will close it. “XIII” is instrumental mixed with Bush’ quotes, quotes about Bush, protestants who talks about satanic rituals, etc… and it puts together all ideals and ideas of this album.
Because of the fact “American Inquisition” is strongly focused on the United States the impression might be it will stay unnoticed in the rest of the world. But I think it will be just the opposite, criticism of American society and loud accent on its defects as the result will cause, at least in healthy heads, the opposite effect – loud echo. “American Inquisition” is a great album and it gives hope Christian Death will also in future return to their roots.

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Review: Ivana Sataić
ivana@venia-mag.net