Christs, Redeemers by The Body is one of the most haunting albums out today, debuting just in time for Halloween. Because of its complex, detailed sound and creative programming, you would never know that this sludge-metal band is made up of only two people: singer/guitarist Chip King and drummer Lee Buford.
The album has a distinct way of combining choir-like background harmonies with what can only be described as disturbed, howling vocals. Chip’s voice is unlike any other, adding almost too perfectly to the slow-tempo, mind numbing pounding of the drums along with the supernatural, drawn-out guitar riffs.
The album begins to hit its groove come the third song, “Melt Away,” creating a moon-lit graveyard atmosphere—layered with different sounds and noises. The sixth song opens with a soft, angelic violin and a female guest vocalist’s gorgeous voice singing grim, morose lyrics over the pulsating, battered instruments. One beautifully-sang lyric, “The pain of living holds no victory,” embodies the frightening feel of the entire album in one fell swoop. The next track switches gears entirely, with a Rob Zombie-esque sound and a heavy voice coming over the background that seems like it is about to tell a ghostly bedtime story. Add to that the guitar—sounding like a million lost souls screaming to be found—along with the heavy, clashing symbols and you get a song that encompasses every aspect of strong metal music to the ‘T.’
Listening to this album is like walking through a haunted house, feeling afraid that you will never get out, while loving the small thrill of being completely lost in darkness. I recommend everyone listen to this at some point because happy-go-lucky people will get a chance to experience the pain and darkness some carry around with them every day, while already tortured creatures may find bliss in the tracks that suck you in and threaten to never let you out. And if you don’t get either of those aspects out of it, you will at least be left with a new soundtrack to play at your next haunted house party.
Rating: B+
