YOU MUST BE CERTAIN OF THE DEVIL

One of the first Diamanda's releases on major label (Mute Records)."You Must Be Certain Of The Devil" is the third part of the trilogy "Masque Of The Red Death". The first part is "The Divine Punishment" , the second part is "Saint Of The Pit". Minimalistic electro-acoustic trio is on support of her voice ( which as usual is main instrument) and some keyboards.

They say avant-garde music is not for everyone taste. I agreed, but can add that Diamanda's music is not for everyone avant fan taste. But if you want to be shocked and hypnotized, just try this.

Album's opener is "Swing Low Sweet Chariot " - astonishing voice-only avant- gospel ."Double-Barrel Prayer" is nervous electronic/punk pulsation with some meditative spoken voices (and usual Diamanda's screaming vocals, for sure) and guest guitarist Kurt Schmidt.

"Let's Not Chat About Despair" is screaming-spoken word composition with some keyboards and strings samples. Minimalism in full form, including acoustic piano crazy blues."Birds Of Death" is album's central ( and longest) song. Electric guitar, unusual drumming and strong, almost attacking Diamanda's vocals. Mystic cult's atmosphere.

"You Must Be Certain Of The Devil " is funny anti-gospel, once again."Let My People Go " - acoustic nervous piano and voice ballade! "Malediction " is based on cold electronics rhythm, drumming, acoustic piano and half-spoken/half screaming vocals. Last album's song ( "The Lord Is My Shepherd ") is short (one and half minutes only) and contains whispering lyrics only.

If you're familiar with other Galas' works, this album is another interesting experience for you. For newcomers it is better to start with more accessible works.

You Must Be Certain of the Devil is the third instalment of Galas' Masque of the Red Death trilogy. But the music couldn't be more different then each of the preceding chapters.

While still dominated by Galas' vocal gymnastics, much of the terrifying intensity has been sacrificed for more regular singing and an accessible sound. After the piercing opening, Double-Barrel Prayer is an upbeat and catchy piece. A continuous avant-rock loop sets a grooving pace. Galas' operatic vocal is very dominant but somehow it's become more streamlined and polished, with more focus on bluesy hooks then on the chilling horror ambience of old.

Another aspect that makes the music more easy to digest is the choice for English vocals. Certainly the combination of English and the strong influences from new wave as well as from soul, blues and gospel might make it a good entry point into her music. At least it did for me. Double-Barrel Prayer, Birds of Death and Malediction might appeal to fans of Nick Cave, Coil, Einstürzende Neubauten and other good company from the 80's. By contrast, Let's Not Chat About Despair, You Must Be Certain and Let My People Go present a wicked take on classic R&B.

It's not Galas' most consistent or impressive album, but it's an original item in her catalogue and a recommended entry point for the uninitiated. 3.5 stars.