Who says all Christian Metal has to be --- oh wait: I've said that, haven't I?
Artiste: Theocracy
Nationality: American
Album: As the world bleeds
Year: 2011
Label: Ulterium
Genre: Christian power progressive metal (it says here...)
Tracks
I am
The master storyteller
Nailed
Hide in the fairytale
The gift of music
30 pieces of silver
Drown
Altar to the unknown god
Light of the world
As the world bleeds
Chronological position: Third album
Familiarity: Zero.
Interesting Factoid:
Impression: Powerful, fast, dramatic, excellent.
Best track(s): I am, Nailed, The gift of music, Drown, As the world bleeds
Worst track(s): None. Nada. Nil. Zilch.
Intention: Become a convert...
Comments: As this album began I had to wait an agonising almost two minutes as the music powered up, orchestral and neo-classical metal merging with progressive influences, hoping that the vocals wouldn't be death, which would have spelled the end of this review before it began, as I will simply
not listen to death vocals or grunts: I want to be able to understand what's being sung. Happily, I was not disappointed, and the vocals are clear and powerful, with rather a lot of Iron Maiden in the music and style, perhaps faster and a bit more dramatic, but with an opener that runs for eleven minutes, Theocracy are not skimping on the songwriting!
It's great, energetic stuff, but with a real feel for form and structure in the songs, and the vocals though powerful are never overdone, with some great backing/choral vocals adding to the overall effect. Some fine shredding, though again this never threatens to take over with the sometimes overindulgence evinced by the likes of Malmsteen. Interesting to note that lead vocalist Matt Smith (no, not
that one!) also writes all the songs on this album: he certainly has some real talent. I think this album --- can't say the band, as I've only heard this one --- successfully straddles the divide between progressive and power metal without feeling it has to fall over on either side, and it works well. I fail however to see the Christian flavour in Theocracy's music, at least here: this is nothing like Narnia, who, though brilliant too, make sure their beliefs come across strongly in the lyrics of their songs. I don't see that here.
I'm particularly impressed with
The gift of music, which starts off as a power ballad anthem, but along the way metamorphoses into a whole different animal entirely. Sort of like someone starts singing you a lullaby as you drift off to sleep and then suddenly hits you over the head with a brick. In a good way. I also see strong elements of a heavier Millenium here, which is a compliment as I love that band. This album is just great from start to finish, and I'll be heading towards their discography as soon as I can. Great stuff!