The Devil's Bris cover

The Devil's Bris

Aurelio Voltaire · 1998

45 min · 12 tracks · dark cabaret

Whimsical melodies and darkly humorous lyrics intertwine, creating a theatrical tapestry of gothic cabaret and macabre storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    When You're Evil — This track stands out with its catchy chorus and playful take on the concept of villainy, embodying the album's blend of humor and darkness.
  • →
    Anniversary — A poignant reflection on love and loss, this song features lush instrumentation that complements its emotional depth, showcasing Voltaire's songwriting prowess.
  • →
    Ravens Land — With haunting melodies and vivid imagery, this track exemplifies Voltaire’s ability to weave storytelling into music, enhancing his theatrical appeal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of dark humor and theatricality creates a unique sound within the dark cabaret genre.

What we noticed

  • Many tracks employ a narrative style, with lyrics that tell stories or convey humor in a macabre context.
  • The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some songs maintaining an upbeat pace while others slow down for dramatic effect.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • darkly whimsical storytelling experience
  • steady pacing with gradual resolution
  • cathartic moments of sharp wit
  • ideal for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat party atmosphere
  • prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, The Devil's Bris was Aurelio Voltaire's second studio album, following his debut, which established him as a key figure in the dark cabaret scene. At this point, Voltaire began to refine his unique blend of humor and horror, solidifying his artistic identity.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Ex Lover's Lover 4:51
  • 2 Anniversary 4:35
  • 3 Parade 3:58
  • 4 The Man Upstairs 4:21
  • 5 They Know Me 4:00
  • 6 Oweee 0:33
  • 7 Snakes 4:10
  • 8 Ravens Land 2:55
  • 9 The Chosen 4:46
  • 10 All the Way Down 3:45
  • 11 When You're Evil 4:36
  • 12 Shalom 2:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata