God Dethroned – The Christhunt (Reissue)

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At the beginning of their career GOD DETHRONED was another of those Dutch Death Metal bands that wanted to hitch a ride on the train that PESTILENCE and GOREFEST started. Their success brought out more Death Metal bands that wanted  to make quite a mark with their brand of low guitars, grunts and full on blast beats. For GOD DETHRONED that came to fruition on their debut album “The Christhunt”, which saw the dark of the night some 30 years ago, in 1992. It was an instant hit, so much so that a lot f people have been looking for it in vinyl. In come Vic Records, who have taken up the gauntlet and are releasing it in just that format.

As I start playing “The Christhunt” I know what to expect, but still I am amazed that it can leave me in awe, even after all these years. This is bloody god stuff from my home country. The first thing that becomes apparent is that you immediately can recognise that this really is a debut album, as “The Christhunt” still has those little points that make you realise that we’re not dealing with an overly experienced band yet. GOD DETHRONED clearly had just outgrown the demo stages, but in recording “The Christhunt” still wished to remain as rough as possible. They wished to stay as they were before they got their act together completely. You will hear that the guitars aren’t always in sync, that the drums are just that bit off, and even that the balance of the production isn’t picture perfect.

I think that is fine, as it adds to the experience of a truly undergro0und sound which actually and perfectly suits the brand of Death Metal that GOD DETHRONED plays. It gives you the feeling that you are in they have recorded all of this in one room and one take, without compromising on the sound or quality. Because even though this is rough, it does have a very good sound. You can hear every instrument, every hit, every tone that GOD DETHRONED intended to play.  Of course, after this one they released a whole lot more, developing and refining their sound without losing any of the heaviness that defines them. “The Christhunt” was the first o appear, and as they still are going strong, I wonder what other rereleases as well as new releases we can expect from these clogs wearing metallers.

Songwriting: 7
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 7
Production: 7