Hollowed metal champions CELTIC FROST return after a 13 year absence to reclaim their throne. In the aim of keeping their vision pure, this disc was self funded and produced by founding members Tom Gabriel Fischer(guitars/voice) and Martin Eric Ain(bass). The music hasn't been diluted by other hands (unless you count co-producer Peter Tagtgren.) The gothic and orchestral leanings of the band has honestly never made a fan of this straight-up metal purist, but I respect them for not mindlessly putting out product just to cash in on their name, as well as their ability to maintain a firm grip on all creative aspects of this most recent album.

Many of the tracks on "Monotheist" are of the creepy and slow variety. The guitar riffs are able to maintain their crunchy heaviness even when touches like female backing vocals ("Os Abysmi Vel Daath" and "Drown in Ashes", for example) threaten to gay up the proceedings. The nigh 15 minute epic "Syngaga Satanae" is the centerpiece of the disc. It opens with a long passage of nasty guitar feedback and pseudo-industrial noisescapes before launching into another monolithic mid-tempo skullcrusher. Drummer Fanco Sesa lays down an strong, unwavering backbeat throughout the disc, with sudden double bass flourishes coming through just to ensure that everyone is paying attention.

If you were ever a fan of this band, you should probably check this out. These guys have not lost an inch, and they are ready to compete with all the newer FROST influenced bands who have sprung up in their absence. So to all the DIMMU BORGIRs and OPETHs of the world: take heed! CELTIC FROST is out for blood!

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OFFICIAL SITE: www.celticfrost.com

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