Search - Christian Death :: Scriptures

The Fires of Faith

Nick | UK | 01/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This vastly ambitious recording effectively constitutes a 'translation of world beliefs' - that is, Valor's thoughts on various religions and their effects. The first part of the album relates to the past, and offers an accesible, melodic brand of alternative rock. The toe-tapping 'Song of Songs' (aka 'Sick of Love') should have been one of the biggest hits of the 1980's, whilst the piledriving 'Vanity' proves that Valor can turn his hand to punk and instantly produce a classic of the genre. An interesting cover of Jimi Hendrix's '1983' brings this opening section to its terminus. Part two (side two of the original vinyl version) is far more experimental, and showcases some of Christian Death's most intriguing yet consistently under-rated material. 'Alpha Sunset' has a symphonic feel and arrangement. 'Spilt Blood', meanwhile, exhibits a martial approach, while 'A Ringing in their Ears' strays into NON or Current '93' like territory. This is tenebrous, avant-garde classical music at its best. Also included are two exclusive compositions originally featured on a free 7" single. Don't miss out."

Falls so short of " Wind Kissed Pictures " and "Atrocities"

Kaenan | Norman, OK | 03/28/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Although I have always and will always confess to ROZZ WILLIAMS
being the true Christian Death, the Sin and Scarifice of Christian Death released two REALLY wonderful albums after Rozz's departure. The third album " Scriptures ", however, is the beginning of the end. Don't get me wrong, " Song of Songs "
( also known as " Sick of Love " ) is a great Death rock anthem, despite the fact Valor's voice is buried so low in the mix that you can't make out anything he's saying or if he's there! As I've said before, if Valor had made Gitane Demone the sole singer of S&SOCD, things would have faired much better at this point! Gitane shines as usual on " Golden Age ", " Raw War ",
and a Jimi Hendrix cover " 1983 " as lead vocalist. " Four Horsemen " is a good rocker with both Valor AND Gitane singing.
Valor's voice was actually pretty cool on " Wind Kissed.." and " Atrocities " when he just blatently tried to imitate Rozz Williams and his lyrics were good. What the hell happened? David Glass, of course, is a phenomonal drummer and is as always a highlight. ( Also, I THINK, this is the last studio album featuring Glass ). But most of this album is just a platfrom for Valor's often hilarious war against Christianity, clearly indicating that he IS NOT the man to articulate this concept.
Therefore the music suffers as a consequense. Rozz Williams was SO MUCH BETTER at the analyzing of spirtual belifs. The next album after this is absolutely wretched, save for the songs Gitane Demone sings on; which convinces me she wrote far more material than Valor wants to admit. It's also the last studio album with Gitane. The live " Tales of Innocence " which chronicles this line-up during the " Wind Kissed "/" Atrocites"
era ( along with a studio gem with Rozz Williams who sings on three other tracks [this album not being put together by Valor obviously ]) is a FAR BETTER INVESTMENT. " Sex Drugs Jesus Christ" ? That , my friends is another VERY LONG story...Kaenan James"

One of my xian death favorites

Nick | 10/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is one of my favourite christian death recordings. It is sort of like a concept album but not so much in the bowie-esque sense, but as in that it has a theme and definite flow. The album starts out with some of the catchiest deathrock I've ever heard(song of songs, vanity, four horsemen) and slowly grows more and more experimental and haunting. It seems to tell a somewhat biblical story. Includes a beautiful vocal performance by Gitane in the form of GOLDEN AGE. I highly reccomend this album to any xian death fan."