My connection to this cult Greek band is sporadic and doesn’t really make sense. In recent years, I have been a fan of their “Vanity” demo. I reviewed their 2004 album, “Lyssa – Rural Gods And Astonishing Punishments”, some twenty years ago, describing it as “an atmospheric, interesting and powerful album that has its ups and downs”. I never got into their classic nineties material, and the band’s resurgence in the 2010s was a better fit for me. See? A bit odd.

Fast forward to album eleven. Themes like depression, pain, anti-religion is the fuel. Eliran Kantor artwork. Jacob Hansen mix. Some lineup-changes. Big name-dropping. On paper this should be something I could enjoy the hell out of, but the novelty has worn off a long time ago, sad to say. There was a time when there was a bit of distinction, but these days, it all blends together, becoming all too faceless.

Prepare for hooks (and double bass drumming support), cause that’s the strongest asset that this band has. It is a letdown however, that the main vocals are monotonous, but the melodies balance things out quite a bit (along with some female vox).

I haven’t enjoyed anything from ROTTING CHRIST since “Aealo”. “The Great Mass” was my last cherished SEPTIC FLESH album. So I don’t know if the songwriting of these Greek “legacy bands” has become too streamlined. Thankfully NIGHTFALL do their best in order to not sound too stale. The epic opener “I Hate” is bold statement, even with some formulaic arrangements.

Gothic metal energy is channeled through “With Outlandish Desire To Disobey” (“In Requiem” era), while “The Cannibal” goes for the jugular with some hefty death metal riffage. Dark metal closer “Christian Svengali” is probably my favorite track, and overall I like the back end of the album better. The tracks in the middle need a mention as well. “Seeking Revenge” is probably the most unique track of the album with its grand opening and gothic overtones. “For The Expelled Ones” has some pretty interesting rhythmics but an way too repetitive chorus.

Looking at this from a rational point of view, this is a well crafted release, and I have to admit that there are more nuances to the songwriting, the more I’ve listened to the album. In a time when the output is as excessive as it is, it takes away from the listening experience in my opinion.

I might as well just paste my conclusion of the “Lyssa…” album into this review. An atmospheric, interesting and powerful album that has its ups and downs. As it stand, “Children Of Eve” is your common extreme metal album. Make of that what you will.