Only Theatre of Pain [Original recording reissued]

Christian Death | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 11, 1997)
• Original Release Date: 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Epitaph / Ada
• ASIN: B000001IMU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #312,954 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Cavity - First Communion

2. Figurative Theatre

3. Burnt Offerings

4. Mysterium Iniquitatis

5. Dream for Mother

6. Stairs - Uncertain Journey

7. Spiritual Cramp

8. Romeo's Distress

9. Resurrection - Sixth Communion

10. Prayer

11. Deathwish

12. Romeo's Distress

13. Dogs

14. Desperate Hell

15. Spiritual Cramp

16. Cavity

Editorial Reviews

Limited vinyl LP pressing includes bonus seven inch single. Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this landmark 1982 debut from the Goth legends. Only Theatre Of Pain has had an enormous influence on Goth, Death Rock, Dark-Wave, Metal and even Industrial music scenes all over the world. This reissue features Rozz Williams' original hand-drawn art and calligraphy, and additional period photos by Ed Colver, all set against a parchment-like background. --This text refers to the Vinyl edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing work of art., March 4, 2003

By 

Crypt "thecrypt777" (Arkham) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Only Theatre of Pain (Audio CD)

... In the 80's it was called Deathrock or Deathpunk. Listening to this album, you'll hear the punk influence clearly, yet this album is as weird and as experimental as rock & roll gets. Not to mention about as dark. The sounds that come from this disk can be best described as pure depression. From Rozz's sickening moans, to the bizarre guitar playing of Rick, and of course the gloom drenched lyrics. (Not as blasphemous as people say when you really look at them) .... ... Christian Death was a big influence on Mr. Manson and were infinitely cooler than he could ever hope to be. And PLEASE, for the love of heaven DO NOT buy a Christian Death cd without Rozz on vocals! You'll be supporting someone who stole the name of Rozz Williams' band and is currently capitalizing on his death. Also try Catastrophe Ballet, Ashes, The Iron Mask, Path Of Sorrows, and Rage Of Angels.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm Using My Fingers Instead Of Words, January 26, 2005

By 

Justin R. Harris "rodentdp" (Flagstaff, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Only Theatre of Pain (Audio CD)

This album came out the same year that I was born, making it 23 years old now. Yet, 23 years on, it still sounds as fresh as anything out there now. No, it sounds BETTER than anything coming out now.

I got this when I was 16 or so, making a transition from old school punk (Crass, Dead Kennedys, et al) into more "goth" music and culture, like Bauhaus, The Sisters, The Cure, etc.
Quite simply, it blew me away. The perfect blend of both styles, in my opinion. The lyrics are darkly violent, sexual, blasphemous, and above all, intelligent. The music is loud, and punky, but at the same time, noisy and often changes pace, something most punk and goth cannot claim. For all the fast, punkish songs, there are still dirgy, synth-laden ones, and tracks of pure noise collage hell. It does not give the impression of being dark and morbid simply for the sake of being dark and morbid-far from being contrived, it feels like this is the only way that Rozz and Rikk could have sounded at this point in time. Fluid yet dischorant all at once. I cannot recommend this album nearly enough.

While the production is not Pro-Tools perfect, it's still excellent, and really does not sound dated like a lot of albums of that time.

This is where the make-up set got their sound, make no mistake. None have done it better, and likely, none ever will. Rozz was a true original...I only wish that he and Boyd Rice had been able to do the long talked about project they talked about. Now that would have been an amazing recording...

The original Christian Death with Rozz Williams-accept NO immitations.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Death Rock At Its Finest, April 22, 2004

By 

scott c "scottc23" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Only Theatre of Pain (Audio CD)

I first heard this when I was 15, back in 1985. At the time I was into Black Sabbath and moving into punk like Rudimentary Peni. I had always been moved by heavy, dark sounds. At the moment the needle hit the vinyl, I knew my destiny was right on course. This is by far the best death rock album of all time. There is nothing that sounds like it or even comes close to the beautiful gloom that Rozz created at a mere 16 years old. Maybe that is the charm. Part of it. Without Rikk Agnew, this would be a different record entirely. He only played on this one and Christian Death never had the same sound again.

Even now, in my 30's, I still find the musicianship on this record amazing. And not just for its time but for all time. I highly recommend this album for teenagers who like darker music. You know who you are. Marilyn Manson is not enough. The religious overtones, the creepy, mortuary vibe and the punk energy make for the perfect mix. I can't really compare them to Bauhaus, Joy Division, Sisters, Misfits, Rudimentary Peni, etc.. because they simply don't sound alike. There are so many genres or labels given to music but I feel this is the quintessential Death Rock album. Sometimes the stars do align, the graves are just the right depth and miracles do happen. This is one of them.