I recall the critics laughing at the band as if they had wimped out. I remember the so-called fans throwing their Frost t-shirts to the ground in dismay, but no-one understood. Celtic Frost do what they like, and whatever they transform into or conjure up, you can guarantee it will still maintain that sinister edge and I for one see 'Cold Lake' as frightening experimentation. Sure, the titles are somehow 'glam rock', and the photo on the back of the band is truly shocking, but behind it all there's that Tom. G. Warrior sneer as if, despite the lipstick, hairspray and glitter, Celtic Frost still remain as that avant-garde combo capable of blowing out the most twisted of riffs, the most eerie of grunts and the most original of songs, and 'Cold Lake' doesn't fail, its just that its juicy facade scared many thrashers away, but it was their loss. 'Cold Lake' sounded like New York Dolls and Marc Bolan put through a doom-black metal grinder. Sure, the band's image was now bereft of grim make-up, and spikes, but the lipstick, powder and paint was somehow still as mesmerising, check out the warp factor of 'Cherry Orchards', and Warrior's almost lustful cavorting throughout, it's scary stuff to see a band so comfortably slip into a different style yet maintain their freakish smile. Here, the band become the evil clowns behind the seemingly joyous fun-fair, and those of you who thought Celtic Frost had sold out, really should've had more faith, because even if CF did a hip-hop album, it would still be credible, and still be weird, however, with titles such as 'Dance Sleazy' and 'Downtown Hanoi', I can see why some were disturbed!
8/10
No comments:
Post a Comment