“Once Upon the Cross” (1995), Deicide’s third blasphemous blast, slices through 28 minutes of ferocious death metal. Known for its controversial cover and unapologetically anti-religious lyrics, the album’s unrefined sound and graphic themes embody the raw essence of mid-90s metal. A true relic for extremists, but perhaps too savage for the faint-hearted.
Album length: 28:09
Death metal
April 17, 1995
Roadrunner Records
1994
Morrisound Recording (Tampa, Florida)
Scott Burns and Deicide
Blasphemy and Anti-Christianity: This is the core of Deicide’s lyrical content, and it’s cranked up to 11 on this album. The lyrics are a full-frontal assault on Christianity, with explicit attacks on Jesus Christ and the church. Think of it as the sonic equivalent of a middle finger raised high against organized religion.
Satanism and the Occult: While not as overtly Satanic as some other Deicide albums, there’s still a strong undercurrent of devil worship and occult imagery here. You’ll find references to demons, hell, and the rejection of Christian morality. This is the kind of stuff that’ll make your black candles burn brighter.
Violence and Gore: Deicide never shied away from graphic lyrics, and “Once Upon the Cross” is no exception. Expect plenty of blood, guts, and descriptions of brutal acts. It’s the kind of stuff that might make even the most hardened horror fan squirm.
Nihilism and Despair: Beyond the overt shock value, there’s a sense of nihilistic despair that permeates the album. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a world ruled by darkness and evil, where hope is a fleeting illusion. This is the kind of stuff that’ll make you contemplate the meaninglessness of existence while headbanging.
Dark and Blasphemous: The album dives deep into themes of anti-religion and blasphemy. It’s confrontational and designed to provoke, using vivid and graphic lyrics that challenge religious beliefs. The overall tone is dark, menacing, and steeped in satanic imagery.
Aggressive and Intense: From the opening title track to the very end, the album is characterized by its sheer intensity. The guitars are tuned low and played fast, the drumming is rapid and complex, and Glen Benton’s vocals are a guttural, demonic roar. This is music meant to energize and agitate, perfect for listeners who thrive on sonic brutality.
Technical and Precise: Despite its raw aggression, there’s a high level of technical skill evident in the musicianship. The guitar solos are intricate, and the drum patterns are meticulously executed. This aspect will appeal to metalheads who appreciate precision and complexity in their music.
Atmospheric and Immersive: The production on the album, while clear enough to distinguish individual instruments, also adds a layer of grim atmosphere that enhances the themes of the music. It feels as if one is descending into a darker, underworld realm, making the listening experience quite immersive.
Speed Adjustment in Studio: When recording “Once Upon the Cross”, the band initially played the tracks faster during practice sessions. However, this pace would have resulted in a significantly shorter album. To adjust, drummer Steve Asheim recorded the drum tracks at a slower pace to extend the length of the album to around 28 minutes, emphasizing the control needed in the studio to achieve the desired album length.
Controversial Samples: The album includes samples from the film “The Last Temptation of Christ,” specifically in the tracks “Once Upon the Cross” and “Trick or Betrayed.” These samples added to the album’s provocative and controversial nature.
Production Details: The album was produced by Deicide and Scott Burns, a notable figure in the production of death metal albums. It was recorded and mixed at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, a popular location for death metal recordings.
Shift in Musical Style: Following the more technically complex “Legion,” “Once Upon the Cross” marked a return to a more straightforward, aggressive style. This was part of Deicide’s broader strategy to maintain the raw energy and simplicity of their earlier work, even as the broader metal scene was evolving with bands experimenting with different styles.
Controversial Cover Art: The album cover, which depicts a bloodied Jesus Christ autopsy, was highly controversial and generated a significant amount of backlash. This imagery was aligned with the album’s anti-religious themes but sparked discussions and debates about the limits of artistic expression in heavy music.
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