Christ Agony – Darkside

Releasedate: 02-07-2012; Label: Total Metal Records/A5 Production
By: Martine Goffard

Christ Agony is an old Polish band from the 90’s that had its time of glory due to its founder, guitarist and vocalist, Cezar. The “Darkside” album we have here is a re-release of the Darkside of 1997. It seems that only the design of the CD has been changed as there is no mention of a remastering. First, I have to say that I am not familiar with the band but that I do enjoy black and death metal productions, especially when it comes with the mention “experiment inspired by the works of 17th century English poets”. I first thought that maybe, in 1997, this album may have been ok on the black-gothic scene but after reflection, Bathory was there for ages and Cradle of Filth and Theatre of Tragedy had released their best albums. So there is no originality here and time is not an excuse for such a poor production.
Let’s talk briefly about Darkside. First, the singing: this guy, Cezar, should stop trying clear singing. He is yawning the lyrics and sounds as if he had been put on sedative. Then, the music: I have heard lots of first albums better played than that one. The riffs are repetitive, it’s pathetically slow. Either you produce something aggressive and powerful, then there must be a blast somewhere, or you make something ambient but then you need to create an atmosphere, a melody, whatever it is. Here it’s dull, empty, void. The bottom is reached with My Spirit Seal and its horrendous and crappy techno background. It’s unbelievable that they are proud of it to the point of creating a second version as bonus song. I can’t say anything about the lyrics; they are in Polish, which is a good idea, if only there was emotion passing through it! Darkside is so boring that a 4 minutes song seems like it was 20. Perhaps you may enjoy it if you are very high but the real agony here is more for the ears. The band is also planning to re-release the material from their both demo tapes. Damn, keep it for yourself or some exclusive fans.

Line up:
Cezar – guitars/voc
Reyash – bass/voc
Paul – drums

Tracklist: 01 The Triangle (Prayer, Sonnet, Throne) 02 Heredity 03 Dark Beauty 04 Kingdom Of Abyss 05 My Spirit Seal (Dream Version) 06 Dark Poem 07 Dark Goddess 08 Darkside (Eternal, Beauteous Death) 09 The Key 10 My Spirit Seal (Blood Version)

Links:
Christ Agony Facebook