Band:	The Meads Of Asphodel
Album:	The Murder Of Jesus The Jew
Style:	Experimental black metal
Release date:	November 15, 2010
A review by:	X-Ray Rod

01. Boiled In Hell Broth And Grave Dust (Intro)
02. My Psychotic Sand Deity
03. Apocalypse Of Lazarus
04. Addicted To God
05. Stiller Of Tempests
06. Man From Kerioth
07. Dark Gethsemane
08. Jew Killer
09. Genesis Of Death
10. From Eagle To Cross
11. Apostle Of The Uncircumcised
12. A Canticle For The Lost Amputees Of Aelia Capitolina Who Have Been Trampled Under The Iron Shod Hooves Of Salivating Hell Rams And Impaled On The Shimmering Tusks Of Salvation Within The Abandoned Tabernacle Of A Bronze Age Myth

Blasphemous music is an intriguing artform. Sometimes it’s just disgusting, and brutish diatribes against organized religions with the simple aim to shock and offend. If you based your opinions solely on this album’s artwork and title you’d be excused from expecting that kind of work. But this, my friends, is something else entirely.

"On a cold spring morning around AD30, a man was hung on a tree upon a mound of dirt. This is his story, of a man made god."

The Meads Of Asphodel has been a beacon of innovation within the black metal cult since their humble beginnings at the end of the 90s. It’s also one of the very last black metal bands to still have an intriguing mystique around them. The group’s frontman, Metatron, remains an elusive figure as far as his true identity goes (although we did get a cool interview over here). The project’s very distinct lyrical take on religion and social issues is matched with some of the most avant-garde ideas black metal has to offer. And in my opinion, The Murder Of Jesus The Jew is the pinnacle of the band’s creativity.

“I am addicted to my god
I am Rabbi, follow me”

I remember vividly how I wasn’t too keen on the music of these British men when I first heard it. At first, I thought that the music was all over the place, with a puzzling production that doesn’t reveal its music in one go. But the hidden melodies were addictive, the vocal delivery charismatic in its odd approach, and the lyrical content was thought-provoking. The moment I realized The Meads Of Asphodel were basically the Monty Python of black metal was the day I embraced this very strange sound. Most of the out-there influences can be traced to James Tait and Alan Davey. With the former being responsible for most of the songwriting and the later being a former Hawkwind member, of course. There is a triumphant NWOBHM style of riffing and soloing running through the whole album. Now mix it with the psychedelic touches of a band like Hawkwind and you get some outstanding and emotionally engaging builds up like the last 90 seconds of “Addicted To God '' which are nothing short of breathtaking.

Aside from this very energetic take on black/heavy metal, there are numerous non-metal influences that further enrich this album. From middle eastern folk (which has always been a part of The Meads’ core sound) to electronic tunes, jazzy interludes and even musical numbers worthy of a deranged Queen. One could even describe it as “Jesus Christ Superstar for the kvlt ones”. This grandiose premise demands varied musicianship and The Meads Of Asphodel has recruited guests from other experimental powerhouses like Sigh, Space Mirrors and Ebonillumini but also from more straightforward black metal acts like Taake and Acheron.

The biggest strength behind The Meads Of Asphodel’s success is how nothing of this mix of styles seems nonsensical. It all finds a perfect time and place within the songwriting. The album keeps you entertained and guessing where the songs will go next. And if you are an ambitious fellow, then you will love to read the intricacies behind all the lyrics from this album. Metatron’s codex provides a fascinating and extremely detailed read on Jesus’ life.

Blasphemy is often described as the act of misusing what is regarded as sacred. In this case, to separate Jesus Christ from any godly connotations. To transform him into the man that he was and figuratively dissect him. Thus, The Murder Of Jesus The Jew, is truly one of the most blasphemous works in extreme metal today. And also one of the most intelligent. Do yourself a favor and dive into one of the most complex albums modern black metal has to offer.

“My Baptist beheaded, his disciples now my own
To take them with into the languor of death
To me my fate as a piece of raw meat before the dogs of Rome.”