Tokyo’s legendary doom outfit, Church of Misery, is back with a vengeance. After a seven-year hiatus, they’ve unleashed “Born Under a Mad Sign,” an album that’s arguably their heaviest and most disturbing yet.
The band’s signature style – crushing riffs, pummeling drums, and vocalist Kazuhiro Asaeda’s menacing growl – remains firmly intact. But “Born Under a Mad Sign” takes things a step further with its thematic focus on serial killers. Each song is inspired by a notorious murderer, from the Beltway Sniper to H.H. Holmes of the “Murder Castle.”
This isn’t just shock value, though. Church of Misery weaves a dark tapestry of violence and depravity through their music. The riffs are monolithic and oppressive, mirroring the twisted minds of the killers they explore. Asaeda’s vocals drip with sardonic malice, perfectly capturing the unsettling nature of these horrific crimes.
Despite the grim subject matter, “Born Under a Mad Sign” is undeniably catchy. The band injects bluesy grooves and psychedelic flourishes into their doom metal assault, creating a strangely addictive soundscape. Tracks like “Freeway Madness Boogie” and “Butcher Baker” showcase this perfectly, balancing brutality with a touch of swagger.
However, the album isn’t without its flaws. Some critics find the closing track to be a bit of a letdown, lacking the intensity of the preceding songs. Additionally, the band’s revolving door of guitarists means their sound can vary slightly from album to album.
Minor quibbles aside, “Born Under a Mad Sign” is a triumphant return for Church of Misery. It’s a masterclass in heavy music, showcasing the band’s ability to create atmosphere, groove, and pure sonic devastation. Fans of doom metal, true crime, or just plain heavy music will find something to worship here.
For those curious to delve into the album, you can find it on streaming platforms or from Rise Above Records [Rise Above Records Church of Misery Born Under a Mad Sign]. Be warned, though – “Born Under a Mad Sign” is not for the faint of heart. But for those who dare to enter its morbid world, it’s a truly rewarding experience.
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