The 2010 release Aealo, arguably one of the most prominent pieces in Rotting Christ‘s extensive discography, just got a revamp. The RMR crew will never understand why they did not cover stellar pieces such as Sanctus Diavolos, but here we are. Yet, it is also true that this olde record may fit best in RC’s current narrative, which they tried to push since Rituals hit our turntables.
So, here, in 2026, the RMR crew went on a rampage, comparing the original record with this rerecorded one. And we have two main takeaways. The first is that Aealo (rerecorded) is a pretty faithful recreation of the old version, cleared of clutter and much more powerful than its suddenly quite puny-sounding older brother. The second one is – well – this tendency to install a heavy stomp. A bonanza of snarky rhythms and dark, ominous, and slightly raspy clears and endless wails. And thus, RC wrap everything around this newfound, battle-ready, and throaty firestorm all at once. Somewhat of a confirmation that the original sound neatly predicted what would come from this band in the future.
And this may explain why Rotting Christ chose Aealo over any other of their former works of the dark art. That said, all the shiny droplets of wisdom that the RMR crew freely dispensed on its original review still hold true to this day. You see, in many ways, Aealo was a predecessor of what was to come in 2016. A change of tack that didn’t sit all too well with parts of the fan base and – for sure – with portions of the review community.
Thus, RMR here won’t be doing a renewed full review of this piece. Look at it this way: The record’s 2010 version already was a thunderclap of a record. This new blurb combines the powers of modern technology and a knack for projecting clear, full-throated, ferocious metal. And it reinstates an old album in the somewhat martial light of the Tolis brothers’ current take on today’s contemporary style of their band.
The outcome is a transformation into Rotting Christ 2.0, if you will. A tasty renovation of oldish tropes, projected onto the modern, rhythmically-challenged canvas that this band currently uses. Put differently, if you don’t already have Aealo in your collection, go for this new version. Otherwise, keep the old one and give this new blurb a few spins just for added fun. If anything, you’ll get more shock and awe and full-throated power than before.
Go for MOAR. You won’t regret it.
Label: Season of Mist | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 23 January 2026