Extreme doesn't begin to describe the tumultuous sounds captured on
Thou Art Lord's long-awaited third album, 2002's
DV8, which meshes the Greek outfit's legendary, ultra-violent offensive with seriously outré (some might say deviant, hence the title) sexual subject matter. Uncompromising black metal overtures like "Baphomet's Meteor," "Behind the Druid Walls," and "Eyes Wide Shut and Lips Wide Open" (with its lurid moans and screams of pleasure/pain) assault the listener with such force that repeated exposure isn't just required for full understanding, it's highly anticipated. Slightly less-inexorable tracks like "Crowning the Winged Skull" and "Desire, Lust and Incubus," on the other hand, are more typical
Rotting Christ fare -- melodic guitar runs, symphonic keyboard harmonies, and demonic, chorused vocals included. The closer, "Those We Guide," delivers the final kick in the head, brusquely slamming pretty much every major religion and those who follow them to the ground. An all-around shock-fest,
DV8 satisfies not only most musical urges, but a few unspeakable sexual ones as well. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia