Search - Christian Death :: Atrocities

The best Christian Death release by Valor

Matthew | Pittsburgh | 04/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A lot of people have the habit of dismissing the work Valor Kand did with and for Christian Death. Rozz Williams, god rest his soul, was indeed an exceptional lyricist, musician, and artist and without him, their probably never would have been such a thing as Death Rock. However, I have to say that without Valor, Christian Death would have ended after "Ashes" was released and though some believe that it should have, it certainly would be a shame if some of the releases that Valor was responsible for never came into being, as many open minded people do enjoy them for what they are - good Gothic Rock records. This means no disrepect to Rozz Williams. "Only Theatre Of Pain" is a classic, as is the two releases he worked on with Valor. However, I would rather listen to "Sexy Death God" or "Wind Kissed Pictures" over Shadow Project any day ;)The initial three recordings that Valor released under the name Christian Death are some of the most influential and powerful Gothic Rock albums ever recorded. And though Valor hit a *very low* period in the late 80's and early 90's and released a few albums that have no more than one or two good tracks, he still is a remarkably talented musician with more insight and vision in one eye than most Gothic performers. He and Bari-Bari (Mephisto Walz) are basically responsible for the 'Gothic' guitar sound as it was throughout the late 80's and into the 90's.So with all that said, I have to recommend this 1986 release, the 2nd recording Valor did under the name Christian Death. A conceptual release that explores the 'atrocities' of WWII, the album is a stark and melancholic descent into psychology and emotional trauma. Besides the upbeat, Post-Punk/Death Rock brilliance of tracks like "Will O' The Wisp," "Silent Thunder" and "Strapping Me Down," you also find the acoustic mediaeval nostalgia of "Strange Fortune" and the haunting gloom of "The Danzig Waltz," an eerie piano driven track with ghostly vocals and creepy violin effects. As well, "Atrocities" captures Gitane DeMone's most powerful and memorable moments in Christian Death. First with the dark and sensual classic "Tales Of Innocence," an unrivaled example of atmospheric Gothic Rock. And of course, Gitane's rendition of the infamous Billie Holiday lament "Gloomy Sunday." Though these tracks are available on various live compilations, absolutely nothing compares to the original studio versions of these songs which appear on this release alone.If you are a fan of the albums "Catastrophe Ballet" and "Ashes," then "Atrocities" will definitely appeal to you. Though it does not feature the voice of Rozz Williams, I hope that more people will be open minded and check out this fantastic and seminal Gothic Rock release. There are few Gothic Rock albums that feel as complete and satsifying as this one."

Further reaches of Christian Death

Michael J Harper | Covina, CA United States | 02/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Valor made do with Christian Death after Rozz's departure and although there were indeed a few bad eggs that came from Valor. "Atrocities" serves as a heck of a change, albiet a nice one. "Ashes" and "Catastrophe Ballet" are the most revered albums Chriatian Death put out due to the fact that Rozz and Valor shined in thier writing ability. Valor created a signiture guitar style that influenced many even in mainstrem rock to utilize his eerie tones and Rozz as always wrote astonishing lyrics.Valor did not lack at all in this album proving he too could muster up some great poetry. Not as vein or errogant as later albums "Atrocities" was made with a true respect for diversity and an alomost medieval type interpretation.It is a rare occasion that people leave out the gothic sterotype long enough to view much of the well structured writing that came from Rozz and Valor especially during "Catastrophe Ballet" and "Ashes"(Ashes is the best album useing the Christian Death name). "Atrocities" although truly servicing the stereotype of goth very much does not lack in the integrity to provide richly atmosphereic rock n roll.try "Tales of Innocense" as it truly is one brutaly elegant song and one of this reviewers personal favorite song. 4 1/2 stars..."

Yawn!

Matthew | 07/04/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, yes the Rozz Vs. Valor debate almost obscures the Music when one talks about Christian Death, but, I bought this album, and gave it a fair listen along with the rest of the Christian Death catalog, before Valor and after. Here is my review. This album is boring. The arrangements drag, making the songs themselves seem indulgent, even pretentious. The regular use of stops and pregnant pauses wears quickly, losing the attention of the listener. Valor is copying Rozz's vocal AND lyric style, without the dynamism of Rozz, a seething and guttural snarl, a smooth breathy death rattle. It becomes obvious this is not in Valor's home range, his voice should sit higher and he should "belt" or "project" more. His vocal tracks are also buried in the mix, obscured and muddy. When you crank it up to hear better, you perceive the weaknesses in Valor's voice. The addition of Gitane Demone adds to the beauty and pacing of the music mixing with Valor well, but, her voice here is not as rich, nor technically profiecent as it would grow to be in her later career. The musicianship is alright. The songwriting is not served by too many "spooky" atmospherics. If you like later Christian Death with its more Metal flavor, you will see the evolution into that from this. If you like Death In June you'll like this more "Goth" but still abstract take on Gloom. If you like earlier Christian Death like Only Theatre of Pain or other Death Rock or Punk bands, this isn't for you. To my ear however the best Christian Death releases, being technically and artistically balanced are, Catastrophe Ballet(my favorite of all) and Ashes. Both these albums featured Rozz, Valor, and Gitane each in balance doing what they do best."