Deicide - Once Upon the Cross (1995)

Information

Artist – Deicide

Album – Once Upon the Cross

Label – Roadrunner Records

Released – April 17th, 1995

Type – Full-length

Genre – Death Metal

Additional

Notes

Overview

Once upon the Cross is the third studio album by American death metal band Deicide, released on April 17, 1995, through Roadrunner Records. Featuring nine tracks characterized by aggressive riffing, blast beats, and overtly blasphemous lyrics targeting Christianity, the album solidified Deicide's reputation for Satanic themes and confrontational style within the death metal genre. Produced by Jim Morris at Morrisound Recording, it includes standout songs such as the title track "Once upon the Cross," which mocks the crucifixion of Jesus, and "Kill the Christian," emphasizing anti-religious sentiments. The album received mixed reviews, with some critics and fans praising its intensity and others critiquing deviations from the band's earlier raw sound, though it remains a benchmark for extremity in extreme metal.

Production History

Background and Context
Deicide, formed in Tampa, Florida, in 1987 by vocalist/bassist Glen Benton alongside guitarists Eric and Brian Hoffman and drummer Steve Asheim, had solidified its core lineup following the release of their second album, Legion, in 1992. This stability allowed the band to build on the technical and aggressive style established in their self-titled debut, positioning them as key players in the burgeoning Florida death metal scene.

Roadrunner Records sought to capitalize on the band's momentum during the mid-1990s surge in death metal's underground appeal, retaining the unchanged lineup to ensure continuity.

Recording Process
Recorded and mixed at Morrisound Recording during 1994, production credits were shared between the band and engineer Scott Burns, who oversaw the sessions to achieve a dense, aggressive sound through precise layering of distorted guitars and percussion.

Key to the recording's intensity were Asheim's double-bass drumming patterns and structural stability despite budgetary and timeline limits. This allowed them to complete principal tracking and mixing in a compressed period without significant technical accidents, allowing iterative riff refinement over extensive overdubs.

Musical and Thematic Elements

Style and Instrumentation
The album adheres to core guitar-centric instrumentation. The production exhibits enhanced clarity in guitar tones and drum separation relative to their debut, resulting in empirically heavier riff stacking.

Lyrics and Blasphemous Content
Authored primarily by Benton, the lyrics form a cohesive assault on Christian theology, systematically inverting scriptural narratives to elevate satanic rebellion. Motifs of crucifixion mockery and divine betrayal intensify the stance against Christianity, viewing moral hierarchies as antithetical to individual sovereignty and rooted in historical fabrications.

Release and Commercial Aspects

Promotion and Distribution
Released on April 18, 1995, primarily in CD format for distribution within the underground death metal scene via specialty retailers. Promotion emphasized Satanic controversy and leveraged the band's uncompromising stance.

Chart Performance and Sales
The album debuted on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, reaching position 23 in early May 1995. It sold approximately 1,000 copies in its first week, reflecting the niche appeal of underground markets. By March 2004, SoundScan reported total U.S. sales of 86,895 units. The release solidified the band's position, evidenced by modern reissues.

Critical Reception
Some listeners compared it unfavorably to Legion, dismissing repetitive riff patterns and short track lengths as monotonous. Initial listeners expecting technical evolution expressed disappointment in the simplified, groove-oriented approach.

Long-Term Evaluations
Retrospective analyses reveal polarized opinions. Enthusiasts credit its role in solidifying the Florida scene's raw sound, while detractors view it as an early harbinger of mid-tempo repetition. Platforms like Encyclopaedia Metallum show an average 80% approval, praising heavy riffs as an entry point with enduring playback value amid lineup instability.

Controversies and Backlash

Religious and Cultural Objections
The release intensified criticisms from Christian organizations, who viewed the cover art and lyrics as deliberate desecrations promoting Satanism. Groups like the American Family Association condemned the record for allegedly inciting public denunciations.

Benton and bandmates maintained the content constituted artistic expression and a critique of historical abuses by organized religion, emphasizing First Amendment protections. Benton later clarified the inverted cross represented rebellion against perceived hypocrisy.

Intra-Metal Community Disputes
The album exacerbated ideological tensions between death metal and the Norwegian black metal contingent, who prioritized atmospheric occultism over technical precision. Figures like Euronymous critiqued the genre's polished production and major label associations as compromising death metal.

Reissues and Enduring Appeal
In January 2023, Once Upon the Cross was reissued as a two-disc set paired with Serpents of the Light, featuring remastered tracks that improved audio clarity. This edition, released by Snapper Music, catered to collectors. The album's enduring appeal stems from its status as a live staple, demonstrating sustained fan demand for its blistering riffs and anti-religious themes into modern tours.

Videos

Once Upon the Cross (Live at Rescoue Rooms, 2002)
Interview + Once Upon the Cross, Australia 1995
They Are The Children Of The Underworld (When London Burns, 2004)
Trick or Betrayed (Live Montreal, 1995)
Kill the Christian (When London Burns, 2004)

Trivia

- The intro samples in tracks 1 & 5 were taken from the 1988 film The Last Temptation of Christ.

Recording

Produced by Deicide and Scott Burns.
Recorded and mixed at Morrisound Recording, Tampa, FL.
Mastered at Sterling Sound, New York, NY.
All music written by Deicide.

Identifiers

Barcode: 016861894924
Matrix / Runout (variant 1): SONOPRESS K-5562/ RR89492 A DS3
Mastering SID Code (variant 1): IFPI L023
Mould SID Code (variant 1): IFPI 0776
Matrix / Runout (variant 2): SONOPRESS K-5562/ RR89492 A DS3
Mastering SID Code (variant 2): IFPI L023
Mould SID Code (variant 2): IFPI 0710
Matrix / Runout (variant 3): SONOPRESS K-5562/ RR89492 A DS3
Mastering SID Code (variant 3): IFPI L023
Mould SID Code (variant 3): IFPI 0736
Matrix / Runout (variant 4): SONOPRESS K-5562/ RR89492 A DS3
Mastering SID Code (variant 4): IFPI L023
Mould SID Code (variant 4): IFPI 0709
Label Code: LC 9231
Rights Society: STEMRA

Tracklist

1. Once upon the Cross – 03:35 >

Once upon the cross Fear him, fear him, fear him.... Satan Nazarene in the valley of persuasion To receive last temptation from Lord Satan "Take a bite" said the serpent, "eat of it" Without no choice to do so, you cannot resist Impaled crucifixion Compassion forgot Enternal damnation Once upon the cross Blashpemy laughs at thee Jesus you've been deceived Struggling on the cross Gagging to breathe Despise you god, question why You were retrieved by the angel of light Once upon the cross Kill him, kill him, kill him.... Satan Nazarene screaming on his crucifixion Prophecy in it's final contradiction When you die is when the lie will be believed Upon the cross, before the world to see Once upon the cross

2. Christ Denied – 03:39 >

Congregation congregated in his house of god Entombed by their almighty savior Revelations misinterpreted ignite his flame Removed from the human equation Retreat to death in burning flesh His dead disciples and their son of god Incineration of their prophecy Destroyed in failure You're unannounced and you're unobserved No longer worshipped in his world Apocalypse on insanity Self destruction of hypocrisy Suffering is yours, no tomorrow Killed with reason, unbelieved in In conception, you were warned Resurrection, christ denied Congregation immolated with his bastard son Confused by the rules of engagement Impregnating you defamated your grace with god Refused are the gates to salvation

3. When Satan Rules His World – 02:55 >

Open the door Jehovah you whore I am the servant of who rules this world Archnemesis of your light One look at me and you know he is I Run away when confronted with Satan Always here and forever will be Your concern for my Lord is becoming Defecate on your book of belief Door to door soliciting war Feeble man with salvation as sword Disturb and see you will die For I am of Him in his world you're confined Why try? World dies, christ hides When Satan rules his world Disease, run free, killing When Satan rules his world Religion, infliction, obscene When Satan rules his world Witness, dismissed, executed When Satan rules his world

4. Kill the Christian – 02:58 >

You are the one we despise Day in day out your words compromise lives I will love watching you die Soon it will be and by your own demise Buried in hypocrisy Lacerate your faith in god Morally diseased On the cross of Calvary your body bashed, defeated, stabbed Blessing as you hate Loyal to your enemies Monetary faith As him you'll pay for the lies of your prophecy Satan wants you dead Kill the christian, kill the christian Kill the christian, kill the christian Kill the christian, kill the christian Kill the christian Armies of darkness unite Destroy their temples and churches with fire Where in his world will you hide Sentenced to death, the anointment of christ In due time your path leads to me Put you out of your misery The death of prediction Kill the christian Kill the christian...dead!

5. Trick or Betrayed – 02:24 >

They will say that he loves you, he don't From their bible they're controlled His descent they expect in our life They'll be waiting till they die Disembark from their path of belief If in turn will set you free Cannot live with the fact that they're wrong That there is no truth in god Trick or betrayed Their faith ends in pain Rip up their bible before is too late Time we undo unity For it is for fools In this world we don't need Trick or betrayed I think you should know They know it's true That their book is a hoax Join us to see through the light Christ is a scheme and will ruin your life Trick or betrayed Why insist on the cross died for us His infliction never was They assume that his death brought them life To be dead will change their minds When you see what you feel is not real Disappointment is revealed Cannot live with the fact that they're wrong There is no such thing as god

6. They Are the Children of the Underworld – 03:09 >

In the creation of Anu were spawned Born Of the Earth before the age of god With word unwrit, nowhere they're known Evade destruction in their world below Their hands reach for our place outside Bestow their suffering on human life Nothing will stop them from re-entering Return to hatred in the heart of man They are the children of the underworld Before the heavens they were on the Earth To desolation and were never heard "Cry rebirth" Lords of the plague, seven are they Born in the mountain Of Mashu's magic Spirits of hate, they have no name Withered and wicked, the liars in wait In the creation of Anu were spawned With deadly vengeance from the ancient gods Their place on Earth, their race unknown Beyond the knowledge of the elder ones Provoking with our blood to rise The seven offspring for the sacrifice Reclaim the power of the crown of death Enter the body from the temple dead

7. Behind the Light Thou Shall Rise – 02:57 >

Disemboweled on the altar jesus christ Entrails in the pentagram circle Spill his blood and reversing catholic hymn Invocate the onslaught of Satan Master Lord Lucifer From behind the light thou shall rise Drink ourselves as you feed His offering of purity Bible bleed, hell on Earth has been achieved Thou will fail before Lord Satan Casting sin, pissing on their crucifix Stepping forth into his creation Master Lord Lucifer From behind the light thou shall rise Walk His Earth, invade in pain His christians become the enslaved What was once is never more Infernal Lord Father restored Blinding priest in disbelief Revenge onto god he has sworn

8. To Be Dead – 02:39 >

Destroy the corpse and release my mind The secrets contemplate the other side It won't be long until the death of me A spirit conscious of reality To be dead is to always be Close my eyes and retun to sand To be dead is to always dream Coherent thought but unseen by man Invisible to human sight The consequences in his afterlife Across the line from the ignorant Inside my mind I do not know sin To be dead is to always be Open-eyed in a sleeping mind To be dead is to always dream I'm prepared for my turn to die Inflicting sorrow on the enemy And to everyone who doubted me My constant presence will torment the soul As I stand watching in the other world To be dead is to always be Untied from the living flesh To be dead is to always dream Unforgiven when I meet with death

9. Confessional Rape – 03:53 >

Father integrity, perverted secrecy Molesting innocent children you're trusted with What is vowed you cannot live, unbound by celibence Indulge in sacrilege, to serve unto Satan Manipulate through threats of god's hate Abhorrently extorted Molest the faith, confessional rape Denial is aborted Exploit the flesh of chreistian descent Incesting consent Alter your life from behind the light Master Lord Satan decides Father hypocrisy, exerting fantasy Persuading innocent children to where you live What is vowed does not exist, you are in debt to sin Apologize and plead, begging god for mercy

Total length: 28:09

Lineup

Band Members

    Glen Benton – Vocals, Bass, Lyrics

    Eric Hoffman – Guitars

    Brian Hoffman – Guitars

    Steve Asheim – Drums

Miscellaneous Staff

    George Marino (R.I.P. 2012) – Mastering

    Alex McKnight – Photography (photos)

    Glen Benton – Art direction

    Scott Burns – Producer, Engineering, Mixing

    Eric Hoffman – Logo

    Trevor Brown – Illustrations

Links

Download (.zip) Download (.zip)

Power Trip - The Armageddon Blues Sessions (2014)

Power Trip — Acid

Information

Artist – Power Trip

Album – The Armageddon Blues Sessions

Label – Triple-B Records

Released – February 2014

Type – EP

Genre – Crossover; Thrash Metal

Additional

Notes

The Armageddon Blues Sessions, released November 6th, 2013 via Triple-B Records, is an EP compiling all six tracks from the sessions for Power Trip's debut 7". It is the third entry in the Dallas, Texas band's discography. The five-piece lineup featured Riley Gale (R.I.P. 2020) on vocals, Blake Ibanez on lead guitars, Nick Stewart on rhythm guitars, Chris Whetzel on bass, and Marcus Johnson on drums. Tracks were recorded with Daniel Schmuck handling recording, mixing, and mastering. The release expands on the original four-track 7" with "Questions" and "Vultures". Stylistically rooted in crossover thrash, it aligns with bands such as D.R.I., Iron Reagan, and Enforced. Lyrical themes center on death, politics, and world conflict. It appeared primarily in digital and 12" vinyl formats (including etched B-side variants). Reception in underground circles was positive, with the original sessions praised for energetic crossover execution.

Videos

- Armageddon Blues (Live @ SXSW 2014)

Additional

A repackaged/retitled edition on 12" vinyl of the Armageddon Blues EP containing all 6 tracks recorded during that album's sessions (the original only contained 4 due to the time constraints of the 7" vinyl format).

Single-sided LP with an etched graphic B-side.

First Pressing:
Weed Green/Purple Drank / 326
Solid Red / 500
Black / 700

Second Pressing:
White / 300
Yellow / 700

Tracklist

1. Armageddon Blues – 04:34 >

Progression has ceased! We've doomed ourselves Armageddon blues cause I can't fool myself And though we'd like to pretend that we have the choice To shape the world without paying the price Petty obsessions are the least of our transgressions We've raped the land for power and possession Two thousand years and all we'll have Is a planetary toxic deathbed We're not blind, we just lost the vision As the sun remains unrisen Sewn seeds can never come to fruition And so the soul remains undriven The soul remains undriven! You cannot stop the hands of time You can't break its wrists because we ignored the signs In the final hour I'll do what I can Despite the futile attempts to stop a violent end After all, in all that we've done Do you really think we deserve forgiveness? No! Light for humanity is looking dim If there's a God, we've surely displaced him Existence unfiltered We took the gift of life only to burn it in return Haunting reality, apocalyptic end is guaranteed! Chemical dawn, come on and bring it on! Find solace in the warmth of nuclear fog And let your armageddon blues turn to bliss!

2. Lake of Fire – 02:56 >

My pulse is pounding I'm weighed down by doubt's persistence I'm wondering if I'm headed anywhere I've got no sense of direction, but that's my burden to bare I've spent my whole life chasing images out on the horizon But the image I chase is the one that always seems to fade But you won't see me crumbling under Under the weight of what I can't escape! Now I feel my finger around the trigger I'm out of touch with the common man I'm pounding pavement, yeah I'm on a mission! To put the world in the palm of my hand What's the sense in purpose, if I loathe all I see? Put my hands up, blot them out Peace is distance from my surroundings But you won't see me running backwards Or begging for a clean slate! If you spoke to me, I'd whisper words so heavy They'd crush your dreams Just as quick as they had come to be Because after you've done all that you can You'll be God damned and just stand In the lake of fire! In the lake of fire!

3. The Evil Beat – 03:26 >

Born of the most evil breed, before cain, the original bad seed. I am remorseless, usurper of the righteous. What is it about man that draws him to the flame? They see the gates of hell, but can't help but cross the plane into the realm where demons are made. Once left alone, now i'm free to roam. The orchestrator of a wicked song. Buried it deep inside, war drums in the back of their minds. Driving their influence, to give in to the violence. How could they defeat what only feels like instinct? Bow to my feet and turn your back on man. Evolve from him into the beast, the king of deceit. I am the focus in your hate, i am the rhythm to your rage. In this symphony of life there is only death, and baphomet leads the band. Now i guide the reaper's hand, upon earth we shall descend. Virtue is dead, your soul wastes away. I am complete. Your choice is made, one with destroyer, a ruler enslaved. And in the symphony of life there is only death, and baphomet leads the band. There is only death. March to the evil beat. Holy light won't save me. March to the evil beat. Death of the lamb, reign of the beast.

4. Acid – 02:41 >

How can I expect to read between the lines When the story is changing all the time? Pages torn from every book If you want the truth you've got to know where to look This taste on my tongue is as bitter as the sun Shining through in these darkest of time Depression's rot is burning through my mind I've got to get a grip, but can a man reverse the tide? What can I do? Where can I go? I'm fighting off the demons, is this all I'll know? What can I do? Where can I go? I've got to face my demons, got to regain control My mind is racing and it doesn't stop Because my twisted mind has got me watching the clock And as the hands go tick and tock The burning in my brain just won't stop As realities blur I become paralyzed By visions of my own demise But if I hold no trust in fate Then all I have to lose are these restraint

5. Questions – 01:09 >

What the hell are we supposed to do if this world is dead, with nothing left to lose? How could anyone carry us over this wall? Can we stop the gears in motion? Will we find a cure for this poison? or has this generation buried itself alive?

6. Vultures – 03:32 >

I went face to face with death and I escaped with my life Returned from hell to see black vultures in the skies They have familiar faces And they sing familiar lies They want what little I have left They want to take me for my insides These cowards prey on the wounded and the weak When did this struggle to survive become so bleak? Their instincts speak Feast on the flesh, take all you can, and leave nothing left Bastard beasts of mindless indulgence Have wrapped their claws of influence upon us But if death refuses to ride Than those God damn vultures won't be taking me alive I see their black wings overhead They want to take me for all that I have I see them circling around again But they'll never get me unless I am dead

Total length: 18:18

Lineup

Band Members

    Blake Ibanez – Guitars (lead)

    Nick Stewart – Guitars (rhythm)

    Riley Gale (R.I.P. 2020) – Vocals

    Chris Whetzel – Bass

    Marcus Johnson – Drums

Links

Download (.zip) Download (.zip)