CELTIC FROST
Monotheist
(Century Media Records)
73:21min

Finally, I got the courage to review the comeback album of my favorite band of all times. Given the fact the promos that were spread in the media had that fucking beeps repeating endlessly and were very annoying to listen, I decided to wait and recently a decent copy landed in my hands. The beeps might be a good idea to prevent piracy but it does no good to the publicity which is desperately needed in this particular case. Many have been shocked by this release by judging the extremely emotional opinions voiced over the internet. It makes the task to approach this album with a healthy attitude even harder that any other rebirth intent of the past. If you are expecting another "Morbid Tales" or "To Mega Therion" then look somewhere else. CELTIC FROST has always been the kind of creative unit that does not repeat the formula more than once. They shocked the entire scene in late 80s when they released "Into The Pandemonium" and this time around the intention doesn’t seem to a different one. "Monotheist" can be the representation of a dronier, darker and doomier version of CELTIC FROST but with great deal of misery added in the mix. Since the very first minute you’ll get punished by down-tuned mesmerizing riffs which have a small resemblance to what they did at the very early stages of their careers. Occasional atmospheric elements will be heard throughout your listening but as always… in the right time and place. Just like in the past, the only way to approach CELTIC FROST releases is to do it with an open mind and let the dark seed to be planted. It may grow into a poisonous entity to feed your hunger for the unknown or you might end up selling the CD at a 2nd hand shop. I like the album but if there is a subsequent release I would like to see some actual speed thrown in. Visit the band’s website at: www.celticfrost.com.

Mario Cubero

Mario Cubero

Related reviews / interviews:
CELTIC FROST - Morbid Tales (Thomas Reitmayer)
CELTIC FROST - To Mega Therion (Thomas Meyer)
CELTIC FROST - Into The Pandemonium (Michael Tak)
CELTIC FROST - Vanity / Nemesis (Julián “Nemesis” Núñez)
CELTIC FROST - Interview (Steven Willems)
CELTIC FROST - Interview (Frank Stöver)

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