Review by Kostas on July 28, 2023.

With Rotting Christ having played from grindcore to atmosphetic gothic metal, I bet no one was sure about what to expect after the experimental Sanctus Diavolos. Apparently, the band decided to follow an aggressive melodic death metal path. Of course, they included many other elements in as well and as an outcome of musical maturity, Theogonia proved to be one of Rotting Christ's best releases ever.

This is an album that makes you want to headbang from the very first minute. The vocals of Sakis have gained much depth and his vocal strenghth, together with the insane rifts and solos create a very solid, primitive and enjoyable sound. All the songs bear a fighting aura and songwriting is very clever, despite the repetitions in several rifts. Of course, it is the folk elements and some non-english lyrics that grant this record its exotic identity and make the listener travel to foreign cultures through the music. Especially in songs like 'Threnody' or 'Nemecic', where images of ancient forgotten cities and oriental tales are brought to mind. Meanwhile, we need to mention that Themis finally seems to have become a good drummer, with drum lines offering a powerful background rhythm to every song.

So, everything sounds good, you'll think. Well, no matter how much I love Theogonia, I have to talk about its downside as well. The problem with this album is that many songs sound similar and at times it gets tiring. Yes, the lyrics are very well-written and the traditional instruments work as a bonus. But, musically talking, everything is literally so fast and energetic, I really felt it needed one or two slower or maybe more subtle songs. Maybe an interlude? This, of course, may be no big deal to anyone who wants to mosh 'till death, but what I am saying is this record lacks some variety.

Don't get me wrong, Theogonia is an amazing album which combines high quality extreme metal with myths, ancient stories and traditional influences here and there. In addition, mixing and mastering are better than ever this time and contribute to a crystallic and even stunning sound. Definitely a highlight of Rotting Christ's discography, but also a record that could get over 90% if it was composed based on more ideas. Plus I have to complain about the lame cover artwork once again.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Tomek on March 11, 2007.

Rotting Christ is not a band that I really paid attention to, but their newest creation "Theogonia" has definitely and irrevocably changed my opinion about them. After the very first time I listened to this album, I knew right away that it will stay in my CD player for a longer period of time.

Throughout the whole album, the creativity and complexity of music kept me on the edge of my seat. All of the songs on "Theogonia" have something in common, yet each and every piece has its own character, and each of them leaves a permanent imprint in your mind. The raw clarity of guitars and deep bass are intertwined with Sakis' raspy growls and occasionally spoken word passages. In the midst of all that lingers a middle-eastern atmosphere created by the use of synths, choirs and haunting guitar solos. The addition of George Bokos (guitar) has definitely modified the sound, allowing guitars to become more audible and gave them the 'up-front' effect and more distinctive harmony. The drummer has outdone himself; drumming is very fast, articulate and really adds to the overall spirit of the album, creating almost a tribal vibe. Overall production and mixing exceed my highest expectations - all of the instruments are equally audible, giving you a chance to discover something new and exciting every time you listen to it.

"Theogonia" is definitely my Album of the Month at this moment, but the more I listen to it, the more I like it, and it's becoming a serious contender to become the Album of the Year. Don't just take my word for it - go out and get it - it's worth the money.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Originality: 9
Production: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Death8699 on July 14, 2019.

German band sounding like old school death metal from Sweden, these guys really tear it up and on purpose. They've stuck to their roots with amazing guitar work and that blissfully awesome death metal sound to them. I'm fairly new with their material, just got their CD in the mail recently, I liked this right away. I thought that the aura and overall sound was a total pinnacle. Each sound is brilliant, and the energy is high up there. Their tempos are fast to medium paced and the brutality is all over the place. A lot of guitar work that's wholly original as well as fresh. It's too bad that they've not produced an album since 2007. I really am liking this band.

The vocals fit the guitar-work though they should've omitted all leads. But still they were good. Not a track on here that I disliked it was all interesting and new to me. And the music is just plain HEAVY. The drums are right on key as well with fast beats, double bass and the whole album was well mixed. I don't really have any complaints about this album because it's filled with everything that you should want out of a death metal release. It hit home on many different occasions. This band never compromised their sound. Some previous releases weren't as good as this one. I'd say as a whole, Fleshcrawl is a band that all death metal fans need to know about.

10 tracks of uncompromising death in the vein of Swedish death and it's so well played it's amazing. Song after song they produce music that is just astonishingly amazes the listener. Hard to find bands like them now but Lifeless and Fatalist are two bands that have paved way too to this type of sound that they're playing on here (Swedish death metal). I can't complain about any of this they really took the music and shoved it up to the nth degree on your speakers or headphones. Nothing distasteful at all here.

Fleshcrawl needs more exposure. I was turned onto them by accident and I'm glad I was. Not a song on here that's bad. It's all quality death metal from Germany with the Swedish "kick." Show the band some support and maybe they'll make a comeback, you never know. I believe that they're still active but have released an album for 11 years unfortunately. After Structures of Death, they really haven't made a full-length yet. Do yourself a favor and buy this album! It's worth it.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Adam on October 16, 2004.

Optimistic would be the best way to describe my state of mind as I began to spin Fleshcrawl's latest album Made of Flesh. I was almost certain that I was about to hear some exciting top rate death metal. Slowly, however, my optimism turned to tolerance and ultimately to boredom as Made of Flesh is just another one of your average run of the mill death metal releases.

Fleshcrawl's main problem lies within their songwriting. There just isn't anything that inspiring or entertaining about these songs at all. I can easily see myself headbanging to this at a show, but as far as giving Made of Flesh repeated listens, their music doesn't have that kind of staying power. As competent musicians as Fleshcrawl may be, it simply does not make up for the fact that this album is a bore.

I am hesitant to recommend Made of Flesh as it will probably only appeal to die hard death metal fans despite Fleshcrawl's attempt to add some melody to their sound. This is just too uninspired and tedious for my tastes, but if you like your death metal simple and unpolished, then this album is for you. Otherwise, I would stay away from this one.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 6
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 6
Originality: 4
Overall: 5

Rating: 5.4 out of 10