RANDY ROSE: Sacrificium
Rose Doom
The debut Randy Rose solo album, Sacrificium, from Mad at the World brothers Randy and Roger Rose was a breakthrough in the Christian music scene circa early ‘90’s because there really weren’t many Christian artists at the time willing to delve into darker themes like pain, suffering, spiritual oppression and persecution. Interestingly, the musical style – influenced mostly by Sabbath, Trouble, Danzig and The Cult – was not being embraced by anyone else in the scene and hence these songs were able to reach/connect with a unique audience.
Mad at the Sin
However, most importantly, Sacrificium is the product of true artistic expression and fell outside the sometimes-smothering confines of the established Christian music industry. In other words, this album wasn’t written for the “church” per se, it was written to the down-trodden, outcasts, afflicted, addicted and abused. However, the message of hope and healing through Jesus Christ runs deep through these 10 riveting songs therefore this music can be appreciated/embraced by believers and non-believers alike – to this day!
Timeless Impact
Furthermore, these songs have musically held up well over the past 3 decades – they remain vital, visceral and impactful … oh yeah, and these riffs are as catchy/groove-riddled as ever! Unfortunately, 30 years have passed leaving this masterpiece in short supply for the next generation of youth.
Retroactive Resuscitation
In response, in 2024, as part of the Metal Icon Series, Retroactive Records has resurrected, remastered and reissued this gem on CD and vinyl (for the first time). The new version includes all 10 of the original tracks with a new 8-page booklet, including fresh liner notes from Randy Rose, and the (Amber Waves-colored) vinyl has a single two-sided lyric insert.
Sound Check
While the master volume on the CD reissue is louder compared to the original (you are going to get some listener fatigue with this up loud), the real money and praise with this reissue series goes to the beautiful Amber-Waves transparent vinyl. This thing sounds amazing. I mean, these sludgy/doomy songs were built for the analog environment and the warm bass tones coming off the surface are blissful for any fan of ‘70’s metal with an edgy, more contemporary punch.
Consequently, the balance in the original mix between treble/mid/bass is much better appreciated on the vinyl where I hear more mid-range compared to the CD where there is a larger separation between bass and treble. Wow. Sounds great at low and high volumes.
Credible Genius
The genius of the songs on Sacrificium lies in mixing these dark lyrical themes with incredibly catchy riffs, rock solid drum rhythms and memorable melodies. Randy sings here with a grittier harsh quality (aka Glenn Danzig) yet his words remain very discernible. And while he has adopted more clarity and smoothness to his singing with more recent releases, that vocal edge was necessary in 1991 to capture the attention and garner the credibility of critics and fans of this style.
The Problem of Pain
As a result, every song is solid, memorable and hook-laden which is why they remain so enjoyable and listenable this many years later. “Pain” is the perfect opener because it sets the tone for what is to follow both musically and lyrically – paced grooves, a struggle (pain in this case) and a remedy (“He’s giving you a reason to try again…”).
Oppressive Fire
The haunting “Oppression” follows with a similar sequence – huge gripping riffage, Satan’s affliction, the plea for deliverance. “Fire” takes this one step darker with Satan’s deceptive appeal – Randy’s Jim Morrison (The Doors) seductive-like vocal delivery fits perfectly with the “swinging” musical style – the lull into captivity.
Death Birth Sin Release
Subsequently, the pace quickens on “I Was Alive,” the urgency grows and the reality of the message hits to the heart, “There is no life before birth.” This leads perfectly into one of the strongest songs on Sacrificium, “Wicked Ways” where not only are we treated to the tambourine 4×4 beat, a killer guitar riff and lead solo but also the recognition of sin which awakens a desire to “please, release me from the ways of this world.”
Blackened Marshmallow
Probably the most notorious song here is the driving “Black Harvest” which when Sacrificium was released was the most played track from the album. The crushing guitar lead alone will make any headbanger’s dream list but the driving drums, replete with power flams, made this the most “metal” number in the collection. Additionally, the depiction of death’s harvest, “Satan laughs as they fry” represents the most depraved, visceral moment on the album.
The trippy “Marshmallow Land” – which refers to the insubstantial nature of our material world – features some of the most creative, Alice Cooper-like lyrics on the album.
“Picture yourself dancing on flames/Of eternal ignorance/Love paranoia takes you/Fakes you, and then it breaks you”
“Walls of Hate,” with massive Black Sabbath riffage, deals with spiritual denial the antithesis musically to “Sweat Leaf.”
Death Wish
Whereas much of the album deals with negative thoughts and situations, the final two tracks deal with victory. “Death” confronts “the sting” with 1 Corinthians conviction in a massive display of bass guitar that would make Geezer Butler proud, while the title track, “Sacrificium,” sings in triumph about the death and resurrection of Christ for our sins. Just from a musical standpoint, this has always been one of my favorite songs from this album (up there with “Black Harvest” and “Wicked Ways”) because of its doomy swing and Randy’s vocal delivery which is so unique. Also, the killer guitar solo noodling gives this such a metal vibe and that closing vocal line from Rose is so sweet.
“Sins gone/Pain is now gone/Death is now gone/You can live again”
It’s the perfect bookend and lyrical response to Sacrificium’s opening salvo of “dying from the pain of this world.”
Rose Doom Return
Incidentally, for those not aware, Randy Rose released The Masquerade in 2023, an album which not only invokes the “Randy Rose” moniker but similarly visits dark themes and marks a return to the doomy Sabbath style of rock/metal.
Thanks to Retroactive Records for resurrecting this gem and especially for the beautiful vinyl rendition.
1. Pain (4:06)
2. Oppression (3:46)
3. Fire (4:29)
4. I Was Alive (3:31)
5. Wicked Ways (3:40)
6. Black Harvest (5:31)
7. Marshmallow Land (4:09)
8. Wall of Hate (3:52)
9. Death (3:47)
10. Sacrificium (4:42)
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