Description

Christian Death – Ashes – Cassette

Ashes is the third studio album by the American gothic rock band Christian Death. It was released in 1985 and marked a significant shift in the band’s sound and lineup.

Christian Death’s Ashes showcases a departure from their earlier deathrock sound and a move towards a more atmospheric and ethereal style. The album incorporates elements of gothic rock, post-punk, and darkwave, with a focus on haunting melodies and introspective lyrics.

Ashes features the distinct vocals of Valor Kand, who took over as the band’s primary songwriter and vocalist after the departure of Rozz Williams. The album explores themes of death, spirituality, and existential contemplation, creating a somber and introspective atmosphere throughout.

The second and final studio album made as a full collaboration between Rozz Williams and Valor Kand, Ashes finds Christian Death at what might have been simply the beginning of a long-term partnership of quality rather than a final break.

Williams’ vocals are much more controlled and immediately powerful than in the band’s overwrought early days. Kand’s lyrics aren’t any less laden with images of religion, twisted sex, insanity, and mystic rites, but feels much more considered and focused here.

Kand brings a much more consciously artistic edge to his music than Rikk Agnew did on Only Theatre of Pain, the aggressive power is tempered by a huge theatricality that still works.

Notable tracks from Ashes include ‘Ashes,’ ‘When I Was Bed,’ and ‘The Luxury of Tears.’ The album received positive reviews from critics and further established Christian Death as a prominent band within the gothic rock genre.

Christian Death went through several lineup changes and stylistic shifts throughout their career, with various albums and incarnations. ‘Ashes’ remains a notable release within their discography, showcasing their evolution and contribution to the gothic rock movement.

Nostradamus / Dutch East Records

Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic

Track Listing
1. Ashes
2. Ashes Part II
3. When I Was Bed
4. Lament-Over The Shadows
5. Face
6. The Luxury Of Tears
7. Of The Wound