While perhaps not as internationally well-known as other European Electronic Metal bands, Jesus on Extasy certainly had quite a buzz surrounding them in their home country of Germany. Almost two decades ago, the band formed in 2005 and earned numerous high accolades, including being dubbed Newcomer of the Year for their 2007 debut album, Holy Beauty. An album featuring memorable songs like “Assassinate Me,” Jesus on Extasy showcased that they had a unique sound, situated somewhere between Industrial Metal and Gothic Metal.
Centered around the voice of Dorian Deveraux, back then, they toured with bands like Letzte Instanz, Dope Stars Inc., Entwine, and even played with Nightwish. Going on to release albums like 2008’s Beloved Enemy, featuring an exceptional title track, they also put out No Gods in 2010, before The Clock in 2011. Established, essentially, Jesus on Extasy was also found at every goth festival at the time, until 2014, when they opted to part ways.
Seeming as if this was the end, around the fall of 2020, it was announced that Jesus on Extasy was plotting a return, which would include touring with KMFDM, but that was postponed and eventually cancelled due to COVID. Fast-forward to September 2025, Jesus on Extasy is back entirely in effect after the release of their brand new album, Between Despair and Disbelief. Released through Metropolis Records on September 12, 2025, it marks their first studio album in fourteen long years. Led by founding member Dorian Deveraux, Jesus on Extasy picks up right where they left off.
Consisting of eleven tracks and led by pre-released singles like “Soul Crusher, the album has a lot to offer. Beginning with “Ghosts,” it has soft vocals and rhythms that sway back and forth between mellow arrangements. This is while “Days Gone By” continues with a catchy beat and electronic vibe, before “Soul Crusher” comes along harsh and strong.
From here, songs like“Wide Awake” continue the strong and intense streak, shaking you awake and getting you going along. Quite the opposite, “A Hard Goodbye” is a melancholic, carrying a heartbreaking sound that will dig deep and stick. “Something Far Away” comes crawling up behind you with vocals that grow from a gentle to a growl, “Somewhat Happy” brings back the electronic dance feel, before “Where Did We Go Wrong” sounds intense and chaotic, trying to find the answer and correct a wrong.
Overall, the album is a mix of electronic textures, Metal, and dark undertones. Filled with Industrial tunes, wandering back and forth between harsh and seductive, each creates its very own world you can get lost in while listening. So, if you liked what you heard from the band back in the day, you will also be pleased with their new efforts.
Beyond the comeback record, if you want to see Jesus on Extasy live, they are out on select tour dates with Die Krupps in September around Europe. Then, in early 2026, they will revisit a European tour with KMFDM, not to be missed. All worth checking out and long overdue, CrypticRock gives Between Despair and Disbelief 4 out of 5 stars.
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