TIAMAT — Judas Christ (review)

TIAMAT — Judas Christ album cover Album · 2002 · Gothic Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Judas Christ" is the 7th full-length studio album by Swedish band Tiamat. The album was released through Century Media Records in February 2002. It´s the successor to "Skeleton Skeletron" from 1999, and adds guitarist Thomas Petersson to the three-piece lineup, who recorded the predecessor, making Tiamat a four-piece on "Judas Christ".

Stylistically the material on "Judas Christ" continue the gothic rock/metal style of the predecessor (strongly influenced by artists like The Sisters of Mercy and The Mission). There are also still nods toward 60/70s influenced psychadelic rock and especially Pink Floyd comes to mind more than one time during the album playing time (tracks like "The Return of the Son of Nothing" and "Love Is as Good as Soma"). So while the stylistic elements which make up Tiamat´s sound are tried and true, the combination of those elements is what makes "Judas Christ" an interesting listen and which provide Tiamat with at least a relatively distinct sound.

The atmosphere of the music is predominantly dark and heavy, and in some cases hard rocking, but the most psychadelic influenced tracks usually feature a more uplifing mood and a more tranquil atmosphere ("Heaven of High" and "Too Far Gone" are two semi-acoustic tracks which despite their lyrical content are examples of that). The performances are organic and lead vocalist/guitarist/keyboard player Johan Edlund has a pleasant voice and a smooth laid back delivery. Many of the more upbeat goth rock influenced tracks feature female and male backing vocals by Danish backing singers Trille Palsgaard and Lars Nissen and it´s just another strong gothic rock element on the album.

"Judas Christ" is a well produced album, featuring a warm, organic, and powerful sounding production, suiting the material perfectly. The quality of the material is also high throughout and Tiamat are successful in combining the various elements of their sound to a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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