Review by Anna on September 29, 2010.

Although I’ve never been drunk I would compare the effect of this album as, perhaps similar to being in an absinthe-induced state. This is simply… something else- something conscious-heightening yet warmly pleasurable and easy. It’s a melancholic journey with syrupy, trailing vocals and organ that carries on with a steady, strong pulse and palpable presence. If you’re unfamiliar with Jex Thoth’s sound, these over-used, cliché adjectives will help you out: hypnotic, psychedelic, “retro”, doomy…

Jex Thoth’s interpretation of Slapp Happy’s 'Mr. Rainbow' is just… monumental. I don’t know if that’s too great a word to describe it but it’s probably the closest one. Heavy, drowning, and utterly transformed… it hit the spot in a spot I never knew existed! These melodies taking form in Jex’s vocal style was pure magic! It is no doubt the “best” track on this three-song MCD, but that is not saying too, too much.

“Witness” made me go back and get their old stuff. I was psyched when I heard Jex’s vocals before, as I’m totally bored and SICKENED by what’s available in this massive genre of heavy music... for this chic can actually SING for fuck’s sake, not moan like a bitch that’s about to disintegrate into pieces at the hint of a breeze. This is so fucking refreshing and acutely relieving to me that I can say without shame that I have very naturally developed a well-deserved girl crush, which coming from me, says a fuckton.

“Witness” hints of the heavy, massive storm clouds that lie ahead as I eagerly welcome the drowning, purifying experience of the upcoming full-length. The accompanying visual intoxication is, once again by the lovely Sami Hynninen.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

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

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Felix on October 30, 2022.

That was quick! Hardly in office, Giorgia Meloni already receives a metal song dedicated to her. 'Reactionary Angel' must be dedicated to the blonde lady who has a very special relationship to fascism. What the hell, reactionary politics are booming right now. But wait... I just heard that the title was not chosen in her honour. It's better that way. Then we can concentrate on the music of Sold Under Sin.

'Cimmerian Dawn' kicks off the EP and indeed, dawn breaks immediately over the listener. Unfortunately, I cannot get rid of the feeling that a less dull production would have been a good idea. It seems to me that the opener cannot release its full potential. Nevertheless, the track marks a nice example of dark art. Furnished with a healthy portion of malice and driven by changing, atmosphere-creating guitar runs, the piece reaches out to you to follow it into deep abysses. There are no signs of progressive metal, although the number of breaks is remarkable. But Sacrilegia manage to present a song with homogeneous structure, no matter how many twists and turns show up.

The opener sets the course for the entire output which clocks in at 20 minutes. Not totally unleashed, but always filled to the brim with aggression, villainy and negativity, the Irish horde races through its self-created wasteland of horror. The dudes avoid stale riffing and bloodless sequences. Okay, 'Sarx And Blood' holds some slightly primitive sections, but the instrumental part at the end, seemingly influenced by Deströyer 666, makes up for a lot. Therefore, after listening to the EP, I sit back satisfied. There is nothing else to listen to but 20 minutes of bludgeoning. But that has never bothered me before. You can put on Rush, Dream Theatre or Sieges Even afterwards if you really want to (I don't).

Those who like sinister (Australian) music like Armoured Angel or the already mentioned D 666 will enjoy this work. Sacrilegia have taken some steps since their debut which already showed them in good shape. This does not mean that the music has become better (it’s more or less on the same quality level as before), but more various and maybe it holds ten percent more depth than the debut. By the way, Giorgia is also a debutant in her new job. But I don’t think that political observers will give her work a rating similar to mine for Sold Under Sin.

Rating: 8 out of 10