RC have been somewhat quiet since, until now. Sakis Tolis has released his first solo album, “Among the Fires of Hell,” which picks up right where he and his bandmates left off. It delivers the same mid-tempo, melodic, matte black, gleeful, triumphant atheism of his recent work with his primary band. Its impact is maybe not as immediate, but multiple plays draw out the many brilliant little moments. Even the album unto itself, though it starts solid with “My Salvation,” grows more interesting and more powerful as it progresses the slim 36 minutes of its total run time through to the epic finale, “The Silence.”
Its short length and the general composition make it a bit of an easier meal than his previous work, but still every bit as heavy, every bit as full of gravitas and existential self-empowerment. I’m not asking you to agree with his metaphysical views if you don’t - - but I think he’s making it clear that he sees his religious defiance as a source of strength and inspiration. This comes out in every gruff lyric, whether sung or spoken.
I don’t know the dynamics of the band or the circumstances around this record - - and frankly, it’s not relevant to your or my enjoyment of “AtFoH,” but I’m puzzled as to why this is a solo album, and not just the newest Rotting Christ release. Solo and side projects often explore different sounds or genres, but this is 100% from the pages of the Rotting Christ playbook - - at least the chapters relating to “The Heretics.” I mean. . . . it’s a tiny bit more accessible and catchy musically, but not enough that anyone would have cried foul. Anyway - - this is between Sakis and his bandmates. As someone who appreciates their recent work, I’ll just enjoy this one.
Highlight tracks: You know what. . . It’s too consistent of an album to single out any tracks. Every time I pass through, I want to name every song. Under duress, I'd go with "The Silence" or "We the Fallen Angels."
Incidentally, the album is available for free. Tolis made this statement on his bandcamp page: "This is a D.I.Y. release with songs that i did write during harrowing "Lock downs" and i felt like sharing with you these wild times free of charge. Hope you will enjoy."
