Reviewed by Greg Sammons

Ask any metal fan what their favourite Type O Negative album is and you're almost certain to get the response 'Bloody Kisses'. It's widely considered to be one of the best slabs of goth/doom metal ever. On it there's a song called "Christian Women" - which, erm, doesn't paint the sisters in a very wholesome way! Over a decade later and lead singer and lyricist Peter Steele, who had got himself rather a reputation for unlawful behaviour, has supposedly refound his Catholic Christian faith. The change is meant to be reflected in the lyrical content of this album. Well, there's an anti-abortion song (which surprised a lot of metal fans I can tell you!) and songs with strong Judgment Day connotations - warning us of Hellish consequences and the like. But such songs seem to come from a rather askew perspective with Peter still swearing, using dark lyrical content and even allowing himself to have a pop at British foreign policy (don't worry Peter, I've been guilty of the latter before). Musically, the album is pretty tasty - not outstanding but certainly worth a repeat listen. It's slow, dirgy, murky (but occasionally punky) Black Sabbath-esq metal at its near best. For a fan of this genre, it's worth a punt. For hardcore Type O Negative fans, it's not their best, nor is it their worst. For followers of regular Christian bands, prepare to be shocked!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.