ROTTING CHRIST · Genesis | BLACK LP

Black vinyl in gatefold sleeve.

Background information about 'Genesis'

There are records that mark a turning point, and then there's Genesis — the moment where Rotting Christ truly became Rotting Christ as we know them. Released in 2002, this album's title comes from the Greek Γένεσις, meaning "birth," and that's exactly what it represents: the birth of a fully realized sound that the Greek brothers Sakis and Themis Tolis had been chasing for fifteen years.

Produced by Andy Classen at Stage One Studios in Germany, Genesis hits with a tight, punchy production that gives every element room to breathe. The booming bass lines lock in with controlled guitar distortion, while the drum mix punches through without overwhelming the atmosphere. What really sets this record apart is how seamlessly it blends the gothic melodicism of Rotting Christ's mid-period work with the raw, percussive energy of their earlier black metal roots. Gregorian chant passages weave through the faster sections, creating this ancient, ritualistic vibe that's absolutely mesmerizing. Sakis delivers some of his most commanding vocal performances here — equal parts venomous shriek and dark, clean incantation.

Tracks like "Daemons" and "Lex Talionis" hit with immediate force, while "Ad Noctis" — which later found its way onto the Brütal Legend video game soundtrack — showcases the band's knack for crafting anthemic, emotionally charged metal. "Release Me" and "Dying" sit among the strongest moments of their entire middle period, proving that Rotting Christ could balance aggression with genuine melancholy. In retrospect, Genesis reads as the last step before the band entered their legendary run of consecutive top-tier records. All the elements were finally in place, and the sound was entirely their own.

For fans of:
Moonspell, Tiamat, Samael

Other Versions

LTD.GATEFOLD-LP LP · Sold out TAPE CASS · 13,99 € YELLOW/RED/WHITE LP · 24,99 €

Track listing

A1. Daemons
A2. Lex Talionis
A3. Quintessence
A4. Nightmare
A5. In Domine Sathana
B1. Release Me
B2. The Call of the Aethyrs
B3. Dying
B4. Ad Noctis
B5. Under the Name of Legion

Manufacturer: Sasu Soundworks Sarl, 126 Boulevard Bara, Heliopolis 2, Lot B4, 13013 Marseille, France, Contact: www.season-of-mist.com