Search - Christian Death :: Insanus Ultio Prodito Misericordique

A Superb Collection For Any Gothic Fan

Ken | Youngsville, LA USA | 05/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD always seemed to be a mysterious anachronism - out of place and out of time with Valor's musical and thematic direction of the time. Granted, I was a huge fan of Christian Death when this came out in 1990, but since I wasn't yet in the "fan club", I knew very little of the behind-the-scene drama going on with the band. Thus, I was subsequently unaware of the circumstances surrounding this great body of work. First and foremost, I was confused as to why there was actually a track with Rozz singing, especially when I knew that the controversies between he and Valor were volatile at best. Anyway, to settle the confusion, this is a collection of sorts, containing unreleased tracks from the days when Rozz and Valor were actually working together mixed with new material that truly blows away anything else Valor put out for a number of years before OR after this CD's release. With that being said, each track is a definite highlight. Replete with slithering basslines, crushing drums, and haunting stringed passages, "Malus Amor" is a refreshingly straightforward and spiteful world view as expressed by Valor. Void of his usual cryptic, metaphorical expressions, and seasoned with sarcasm, abject humor, and a venomous tongue, this is likely the centerpiece of the album. "Somnium", a dizzying lyrical maze about the reality of dreams, sounds like it would have musically fit well on "The Scriptures" or even their early "Ashes" masterpiece. Knowing that Gitane had left after the "Sex & Drugs..." tour, it is refreshing and chilling to hear her voice complement Valor word for word in "Venenum". I can honestly say - with no exaggeration - that this song is so catchy and contagious (especially that to-die-for chorus) that it is still one of my top five Christian Death songs of all time. It's that good. Thank goodness, then, that it was finally rescued and released and not lost forever in a vault somewhere! Every time I hear "Venenum" I always find myself re-playing it at least three times in a row - with the hair on my arms standing on end each time... I kid you not. Finally, we are treated to a fitting end with "Mors - Voluntaria" and "Vita - Voluntaria". "Death" is convincingly portrayed with ominous, foreboding heavy metal riffs that have been sampled and twisted into nightmarish forms, while "Life", complete with its glorious and uplifting message, advocates living a triumphant life and overcoming the obstacles on your path to true happiness. It may stand to reason that one of Valor's greatest triumphs is simply a consequential collection of unreleased material. Whether that was by accident or by design, "Insanus, Ultio, Proditio, Misericordiaque" is a timeless classic and a must-have for fans of Christian Death, no matter which front-man you prefer. In a word: essential!!"

Insanity, Tragedy, Revenge and Pity

Nick | UK | 01/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded between 1985 and 1990, 'Insanus...' gathers together previosuly unreleased songs from Valor's archives, as well as several new numbers. Given this 'out-takes' status, it might come as a surprise to learn that this work stands up there with the best Christian Death have ever recorded. Valor's orchestral-classical influences are ever-present, whether it be on the operatic 'Sevan-Us-Rex' (his own rendering of Oedipus Rex, recorded with the assitance of the English Chamber Orchestra and the Abbey Choir) or on the soundtrack-like 'Tragicus Conatus'. Every piece here is a stand-out, and despite the amount of experimentation, all retain a pleasing sense of meoldy. 'Malus Amor' offers philosophical ruminations set to some of the darkest and most intriguing music ever written, 'Venenum' is poppy and upbeat, whilst 'Mors-Volunataria' combines samples and timpani with industrial style guitars. 'Vita-Voluntaria' reminds us hope is not lost, however, and urges us to overcome life's challenges. Similarly, whilst Valor continues carrying the torch, all is not lost for contemporary music."