Christian Thrash & Tourniquet ,Deliverance thread
Printed From: MetalMusicArchives.com
Category: Metal Music Lounges
Forum Name: Metal Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific metal bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.MetalMusicArchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=624
Printed Date: 22 Dec 2024 at 10:21am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.16 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Christian Thrash & Tourniquet ,Deliverance thread
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Subject: Christian Thrash & Tourniquet ,Deliverance thread
Date Posted: 21 May 2010 at 1:25pm
|
There's a lot of Christian metal missing and as a spokesperson for this niche genre
 i have to at least draw your attention to them. this thread will feature every Christian Metal band in history - nothing controversial but this will be the thread to come to for Christian metal. This is not being negative that the bands are missing below, but they deserve recognition as they were undisputedly metal! Enjoy discovering them...First on the positive; i am pleased to see heaps of Christian metal here on the MAA such as among the best of them - Bride
 , Bloodgood, Barren Cross, The Crucified, Deliverance, Demon Hunter, Die Happy, Kings X, Lightforce, Living Sacrifice, Mortification , Shout, sacred warrior, Stryper, Tourniquet, Underoath, Vebgeance rising, Whitecross , Zao.... bands that deserve recognition who are missing at this point:
Barnabus
http://enhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnabas_%28band%29 - http://enhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnabas_(band)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barren_Cross -
Guardian
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardian_%28band - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guardian_(band )
Leviticus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus_%28band - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leviticus_(band )
Once Dead
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Dead - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Dead
Resurrection Band
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection_Band - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection_Band
Seventh Angel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Angel - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh_Angel
Warrior
Valor
Latest Christian metal.......
1994 - P.O.D. � Snuff the Punk
1996 - P.O.D. � Brown 1997 - Living Sacrifice � Reborn 1997 - Blindside � Self-Titled 1998 - Eso-Charis � Self-Titled 1998 - Project 86 � Self-Titled 1999 - Hopesfall � The Frailty of Words 1999 - P.O.D. � The Fundamental Elements of Southtown 1999 - Disciple � This Might Sting A Little 1999 - Stavesacre � Speakeasy 2000 - Living Sacrifice � The Hammering Process 2000 - Embodyment � The Narrow Scope of Things 2000 - Blindside � A Thought Crushed My Mind 2000 - Project 86 � Drawing Black Lines 2000 - Society�s Finest � The Journey�So Far 2001 - Embodyment � Hold Your Breath 2001 - Luti-Kriss � Throwing Myself 2001 - P.O.D. � Satellite 2001 - As I Lay Dying � Beneath the Encasing of Ashes 2001 - Disciple � By God 2001 - East West � The Light In Guinevere�s Garden 2001 - Sinai Beach � Wolves in Sheep�s Clothing 2001 - Skillet � Alien Youth 2001 - Thousand Foot Krutch � Set It Off 2002 - Living Sacrifice � Conceived In Fire 2002 - Demon Hunter � Self-Titled 2002 - Dead Poetic � Four Wall Blackmail 2002 - Stavesacre � (stavzaker) 2003 - P.O.D. � Payable On Death 2003 - Extol � Synergy 2003 - Disciple � Back Again 2003 - East West � Vintage 2003 - Sinai Beach � When Breath Escapes 2003 - Soul Embraced � Immune 2003 - Thousand Foot Krutch � Phenomenon 2004 - Demon Hunter � Summer of Darkness 2004 - Emery � The Weak�s End 2004 - Mortal Treason � A Call to the Martyrs 2006 - P.O.D. � Testify 2010 � Living Sacrifice � The Infinite Order This could take forever so i will just post the list from the sebsite
Tourniquet and Deliverance are two of the best speed metal Christain bands ever and i am into them big time. i have all their music and videos and want to talk to anyone about them who are interested.
Hope we can have some interesting discussions about them.
  -------------  GLAM METAL!
|
Replies:
Posted By: MAVIIIVAM
Date Posted: 22 May 2010 at 6:19pm
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD FOR THE TOPIC!!!!  I had suggested at your other thread that you do a "Christain Metal Appreciation" thread, so maybe this topic will be a little more broader. Plus, gear it toward people who don't really listen or look for a "certain" type of Metal based on a Belief, but may be open to hear some suggestions purely on the music. Most Metalheads think its a Oxymoron (Christian Metal, Christian Death Metal) but, good music is good music, even better if it has a positive light to it (okay okay, I'm sure theres arguments for Black and Satanic Bands . . . depending on you p.o.v. Though I see "Pagan/Folk" Metal having more positives). I really like Deliverance, but I think (for me) "Weapons of Warfare" is my fave and the strongest of their releases. I like Tournaquet because they get really Technical (The Drummer is awesome and I believe is on "Weapons of Warfare", and he has played with other Christian Thrash Bands), but the "Vocals" kind of get to me, but I havent heard their latter/newer Albums for the past . . . 7 years? As far as quote "Christian Metal" goes . . . My fave of recent Years was Extol from Sweden, Super Technical to the point of Math Metal but are considered a Death Metal Band, though the vocalist has 3 to 4 "different sounds" and that includes a REALLY good clean melodic voice. A great album to listen to is "Undecieved". Its too bad there last album, they tried a different a different syle of Metal, and that just put the nail in the coffin for this once great band  .The latest Demon Hunter sounds more Death Metal (very "Soilwork"-like) than "Core" and I have been enjoying it alot. Give a listen to the new one "The World is a Thorn". Though they say they are not a "Christian Band" but talk about the spiritual struggles is probably my fave Spiritual Band - Kings X, as just as a "band" they are a very talented power trio and really awesome vocal arrangements. You got an awesome Bass player (plays 4 and 8-string Alembic Bass guitars) that sings like a Gospel and Rythem and Blues vocalist, an incredible Guitarist that sings like John Lennon, and a Drummer with a 7 piece Kit that pounds them into submission and sings like George Harrison  . But they sing of secular topics as well.A band that started as a Thrash Band in the Thrash Explosion Viking (find the album "Man of Straw"), went on to form the Christian Band Oil which I still have not heard, I'll have to do a YOUtube search, I've heard they were very good. Stryper I have not heard the latest 2 (I believe) albums, I really liked their 1st 2, but after those, I really got tired of hearing their "ballads" and the rest of the music got commercialized, it lost its Heavy Metal edge. I really want to hear their latest albums. Other Bands that are spiritually influenced (Christian/Judeo) that I've heard: Vengeance Rising (Death Metal) Mortification (Death Metal) The Crucified (Crossover/Thrash). Jacobs Dream (Prog Metal) Saviour Machine (Heavy Metal) Atomic Opera (Heavy Metal/Prog Metal - a combo of Galactic Cowboys and Kings X in sound) Galactic Cowboys (Prog-Heavy Metal/Thrash) Trouble (Great Doom Metal turned Heavy "Groove" Metal, awesome Guitarists!). Believer (Another great Tech-Thrash/Death Metal band that were ahead of the time, though I was very dissapointed with their latest). Theocracy (Prog Metal) Living Sacrifice (Thrash/Death Metal) Balance of Power (Prog-Powermetal) Narnia (Prog-Power Metal) Prymary (Prog Metal) Also, Wiki has a list of Bands that I'd love to get into and their "Christian Metal" Articleis very good (though again, I think misses out on a handful of Bands). Heres the list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_metal_bands - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_metal_bands Here are some Bands I've heard with Hindu/Bhuddist themes: Cynic (Tech-Thrash/Fusion/Death Metal - One of my all time faves) Cro-Mags (Thrash/Crossover) Aghora (Tech-Thrash/Fusion/Math Metal - a new fave of recent years, incredible musicians). Fredrik Thodendals Special Deffects (Math Metal - Guitarist from Meshuggah only solo album, the "Concept" of the album is very Bhuddist in its philosophy and the "inner turmoil" and Spiritual Awakening) I know there are more but I've forgotten . . . Hebrew/Judeo Influenced: Orphaned Land (Prog Metal/Death Metal - Really excellent!) Amaseffer (Prog Metal) Melechesh (Death Metal) Daniel J (Solo Guitarist/Prog Metal) Edgend (Tech-Prog Metal) Muslim Influenced: Myrath (Tech-Prog Metal) Acrassicauda (Heavy Metal/Thrash - Was once the ONLY Metal Band from Iraq featured in the Documentary "Heavy Metal in Baghdad". Though they are not a "Religious" Band. They just released a 4 song EP called "Only the Dead see the end of the War"). I'd love to hear more from the Middle East and surrounding Areas/Religions .------------- "If you're happy to be an Ant in the Sand Box, you're welcome to it!" -Forbidden For Progressive Metal and Prog Rock, come visit, request songs and explore at PrOgulus.com |
Posted By: lucas
Date Posted: 22 May 2010 at 6:22pm
|
^ Hey Antonio, your knowledge of metal is incredible. Is there a metal band you never heard of ? ------------- Dorosłe dzieci mają żal, za kiepski przepis na ten świat. |
Posted By: MAVIIIVAM
Date Posted: 22 May 2010 at 6:36pm
|
!!!!! I'm an OLD fart! I've lived though EVERY incarnation of Metal . . . I LOVE it so   I have a great InternetStation to listen to Prog Metal/Math Metal and 2 great Record Stores in LA to find new stuff. I really do live for Metal  But hey, there are TONS of Metal I missed out on from the NWOBHMand other eras, always looking for stuff from the past and present  .------------- "If you're happy to be an Ant in the Sand Box, you're welcome to it!" -Forbidden For Progressive Metal and Prog Rock, come visit, request songs and explore at PrOgulus.com |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 12:12am
hi thx 4 the enthusiasm
Love all those metal bands you mentioned - i will be reviewing every single Christian metal album here i can asure you. i could be a special christian thrash collaborator
Actually i am more into glam metal than anything I feel as I grew up with it and know everyhing about it. I prefer to review than make treads here at the moment because i am like a fish out of water with all this black metal and dark music that i have gotten rid of out of my life years ago. i usaed to be a Slayer addict - I know everything they did from Show No Mercy to Seasons of Abyss and then I gave it up becoming a Christian everything they did conflicted with me - i still loved the music and still think Hanneman and Araya are incredible nmusicians but it just totally conflicted with me - i couldnt listen to them at all. The same with Morbid Angle and the same with Mercyful fate - i had them all but Christian Metal filled the void.it began with Stryper and Rez band and then Believer and Seventh Angel and then the awesome Tourniquet and Deliverance and even the extreme Mortification. I used to hang out wth head bangers and saw many bands such as Psycroptic, Blood Duster and other death metal/ gore metal bands performing live in my early Christian years.
Now i am more into prog rock and some prog metal so it is all a matter of taste - tastes change and one can not help this as you get older and your life chnages. It is not a crime to like a certain type of music but it has to work for you. Christian thrash is as good as anythig I have heard including Megadeth or Kreator. ------------- GLAM METAL!
|
MAVIIIVAM wrote:Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 1:48am
Here are some awesome websites on Christian Metal!!!
http://www.12stones.com - I got this from somewhere - its the best Christian Metal websites12 StonesOn the bands official web site you will find a message board, news, merchandise, full length Real Audio or Windows Media sound clips, lyrics, video and tour information.http://www.asilaydying.com/ - As I Lay DyingOn this hardcore metal band's official site you can see their extensive tour schedule, find out some little known facts about the band members and check out a ton of photos.http://www.blindsideonline.com/welcome.shtml - BlindsideBlindside's official site offers a complete discography, an MP3 shop, a concert schedule, the latest Blindside news, plenty of music and pics.http://www.myspace.com/children183 - Children 18:3On the band's official MySpace you can listen to their music, see pics and check out where they're going to be playing.http://www.demonhunter.net/ - Demon HunterThe Demon Hunter site is the place to find video and audio clips, tour info and news.http://www.disciplerocks.com/ - DiscipleDisciple's official site includes music clips, news, a biography, show dates, and photos.http://www.doubledgerock.com/live/ - DoubledgeOn this New York City band's official site, you can find out more about the band, hear their music, see pics and videos and find out where they're playing.http://www.emerymusic.com/ - EmeryOn Emery's official site you can find tons of goodies like videos, photos, music, buddy icons and wallpaper.http://www.eowynmusic.com - EowynSuccessful on radio and on stage, this indie artist is making noise ... and it's good noise. On her site, you can hear full length songs, check out photos, keep up with recent news and find out where she's going to be playing next.http://www.everstaysred.com/ - Ever Stays RedTour news, photos, music and more about the band can be found on Ever Stays Red's official web site./od/artistsaz/p/fallingup.htm - Falling UpLearn more about this popular rock band.http://www.fireflightrock.com/ - FireflightBlend a little bit of progressive metal, modern rock and emo-core and a lot of talent and you've got Fireflight. On their official site you can learn more about them and hear their awesome brand of music./od/flyleaf/Flyleaf_Profile.htm - FlyleafLearn more about Lacey and Flyleaf.http://www.harmonymetal.net - HarmonyThis Swedish metal band offers great music, pics, wallpapers, tab for their music, tour dates and news./od/interviewsal/p/prjonah33.htm - Jonah33Jonah33 in review, with the bands bio, a listing of their songs, with links to lyrics and their official site.http://www.joshuaperahia.com - Joshua Perahia The BandOn the bands official site you'll find lyrics, gigs, reveiws, downloads and more.http://www.kronicles.com/ - KroniclesFind tour news, photos and videos on Kronicles' official site./od/alprofiles/a/aakutlessprofil.htm - KutlessThe Kutless profile has info on the band, a complete discography and links to their official site, interviews, lyrics and tab.http://www.metalforjesus.org/ - Metal For JesusJohannes Jonsson has one of the best Christian Metal sites on the internet today. He features info on Christian metal bands from all over the world as well as plenty of stuff on metal music in Christianity.http://www.mxpx.com/ - MxPxOn this popular punk rock band's official site, you will can meet the guys, get free stuff like wallpapers and icons and hear their music.http://www.narniaworld.com - NarniaNarnia is a Christian metal band from Sweden. On their site you can find sound clips, videos, news, info and more./od/metalandhardrock/a/aaneviahnevi.htm - Neviah NeviNeviah Nevi is an indie band who has played with Overflow and has joined the Extreme Tour this spring which will be hitting the East Coast.http://www.normajeannoise.com/ - Norma JeanLooking for more info on Norma Jean? Their official site is the best place to start. Check out the latest news, the band's discography and tour news while you're listening to their music.http://www.payableondeath.com - P.O.D. (Payable on Death)The official web site for this 2003 Echo award winner. Includes a store, video footage, pics, an email list and more.http://www.pillarmusic.com - PillarOfficial site. This is the place to find great resources for the MCA band, Pillar.http://www.project86.com - Project 86On the band's official site you can find the latest news, a discography, a journal and, of course, music.http://www.redmusiconline.com - REDRED's official site offers merchandise, music and much, much more./od/mzprofiles/a/aarelientkprof.htm - Relient KThe profile of the Canton, OH band offers bios, touring info and a whole lot more.http://www.road-to-revelation.com - Road to RevelationThis band, which happens to be your Guide's band, has an official website that offers sound clips, pics, in depth bios, daily bible verses and more.http://www.sevensystemmusic.com/ - Seven SystemThis band, which was nominated as "Breakout Artist of the Year" by The American Christian Music Exchange in 2005, blends old school metal with an almost "grunge" sound. On their official site you'll find videos, sound clips, pics and more./od/mzprofiles/p/prstellarkart.htm - Stellar KartLearn more about Stellar Kart through their profile./od/mzprofiles/p/prstryper.htm - StryperLearn more about these legends of Christian hard rock.http://www.thousandfootkrutch.com/ - Thousand Foot KrutchThe bands official site is being revamped and isn't quite finished as of mid-November, but what they have so far is great. Sections of the site include news, downloads, message boards, photos, tour info and an online journal.http://www.underoath777.com - UnderoathOn this extreme band's website you'll find a journal, photos, a store, the latest news, tour info, and of course, music.http://www.whitecrossmusic.com/ - WhitecrossWhitecross is back with a new album coming out in August of 2005. On their site you can check out some of their history, order merchandise or get to know other Whitecross fans.http://www.wrenchmetal.com/ - WrenchThe heavy metal band Wrench has sound clips, a message board, news and more on their new web site.------------- GLAM METAL!
|
Posted By: MAVIIIVAM
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 2:01am
|
You know I'm a Christian as well, But I really truely believe, "If you know youre heart and its in the right place, and are righteous in spirit, as well as a good person who does not JUDGE anyone, then any dark forces should not be feared". I listen to all kinds of Death Metal and other extreme music, I do get turned off by "Dark" lyrics, and I never did like "Gore Metal" (though I do like Carcass because they were pioneers and did "it" differently, but I like the post-"Tools of the Trade" era the best). But I'm VERY picky with my Death Metal and Black Metal. I too are more into the "Progressive" Metal (and Rock) because its more diverse, but I've kept all my loves from the past as well as the new. By the way, Psycroptic are awesome! Love that Math/Death Metal. But hey, I have to ask, one of the reasons (But mostly because of the Music)I don't like Glam Metal/ Hard Rock, doesnt Glam glorify the "Sex, over excessive lifestyles, and Rock n' Roll"? The ones that are of a "True" Glam Rock I've witnessed anyway. I'd have to think Death, Thrash and Black Metal may have better values (isnt that weird) instead of pretentious ones. And sometimes I get a bit bothered some bands that are called "Glam" and "Hair Bands" (God I hate that, that would mean ALL Metal are Hair Bands  ). But forgive, I'm not a big Glam fan  .By the way, I'm a "Dave Mustaine" kind of Christian, I may cuss once in awhile and "hate" (Hey, there are some hard-core Evils out there), but I refuse to judge anyone who does no harm and are just decent folk . I'm not here on Earth to add to the [%&*@]s that think they are holier than thou. As I am fond of saying, many people I have met that wear crosses around their neck "Becomes an Albatross around their neck , more like a Tournaquet" (Which I wrote in a Song lyric years ago). Or listen to "One Foot in Hell" by Forbidden, thats how I see it (By the way, singer Russ Anderson is a Christian and has a band called "Parking Lot Prophets"): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZ7s0_lPRc - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dZ7s0_lPRc But to each his own Thanks for the reply! And look forward to more Spiritual Bands! I've missed out on alot from back in the day. ------------- "If you're happy to be an Ant in the Sand Box, you're welcome to it!" -Forbidden For Progressive Metal and Prog Rock, come visit, request songs and explore at PrOgulus.com |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 3:26am
Hey there thats encouraging and I think its great to get into other types of metal as long as it doesnt effect you in a negative way. i certainly cant listen to bands like cannibal Corpse anymore tho i loved that 'hammer Smashed Face;' riffing they do.
I have heard Carcas' 'Been Caught Buttering' - the lyrics were atrocious
 nI WAS KIND OF DISTURBED BUT THERE YOU GO. I still love Kreator 'Some Pain Will Last' and Napalm Death's 'Suffer the Children' and Bolt Throwers 'Cenotaph' are all classic in speed thrashs death. <My Christian buddie swould not agree but hey I am a music connosieur.... Metallica and Megadeth are awesome IMHO and Iron Maiden esp 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner'
Nice talking
------------- GLAM METAL!
|
Posted By: MAVIIIVAM
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 4:02am
|
If i'm not mistaken . . . "Been caught buttering" is Pungent Stench, and those guys need Psychiatric help .I'm a big fan of Maiden, I love that theyre are History buffs Napalm has always had great lyrics and itsalways about the World and self integrity  .------------- "If you're happy to be an Ant in the Sand Box, you're welcome to it!" -Forbidden For Progressive Metal and Prog Rock, come visit, request songs and explore at PrOgulus.com |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: 23 May 2010 at 5:26am
|
^
Hey you are right that was Pungent Stench and they do need PH LOL
heres another great new Christian prog metal and that are not on the MAA YET!
 MY REVIEW (from PA)
http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=20315 -  Godly prog metal piercing the darkness with incredible musicianship!
Menahem are a prog metal band from Brazil that have a similar style to Pain Of Salvation, Riverside and especially Dream Theater. The vocal talents of Van Ranna are akin to Ronnie James Dio; he does not resort to the caustic gravel tones of so many extreme metal acts churning out of the metal machine of recent years. Instead we get a selection of songs with heartfelt lyrics and emotion that is quite surprising. Another disarming aspect of the group is that they are full on Christians, evidenced by the thought provoking Christian lyrics that are based on devoting a life to Jesus and the trials that we all experience, from suicide to redemption, and how to overcome these tribulations. I noticed live they like to boldly yell things out to their audience such as "Satan is a liar!" There may be a section of prog addicts who will be turned away by this revelation, but that would be a great shame as the band are fantastic musicians and the lyrics enhance the sound rather than detract from it. My feeling is that the Christian content makes for a welcome relief to the plethora of dark prog that is emerging these days. As for the musicianship it is quite extraordinary, particularly the way that Marc and Aires' guitars duel in extended lead breaks using inventive time signatures that switch from fast to slow with technical precision; the drums by Murilo Marc are well executed and he leads from the front with powerful beats and cymbal crashes, a true virtuoso drummer and a lot of these tracks can be seen on youtube with just Marc drumming along to the tracks and one must admit that his skill is on a par with Bruford or Portnoy. This debut album is a follow up to their three track CD demo, with Brazillian language tracks, released in 2005, and their Promo CD released in 2008 with three tracks that are all featured on 'Angels and Shadows'. The album begins with 'Angels and Shadows' that kicks things off with a brutal riff backed by a fabulous keyboard motif from Oliviera. The bass of Scates motorvates along and then Van Ranna's powerful vocals present the message of hope: 'Angels and Shadows fight in the skies, Light and darkness show their power, The King will return in the end.' There are definite influences of James La Brie and it is indeed exceptional metal vocals. The riffs chug along at strange tempos, missing rhythmic beats and juxtaposing unusual time changes integrated to form some very dynamic prog metal riffs. The lead break is a showcase of string bending and hammering with speed picking, fret melting metal. The track slows down to give room for some accomplished guitar screams firing off harmonics off the scale. 'Escape' features another very choppy riff and some strong verses. The drums by Marc are a real feature on this with tricky fills and heavy bashing on timpani and lightning fast double kicks. The lyrics involve escaping from the destructive chaos of the world: 'I live in a world of illusions looking for a way out, Wars, death, destruction is what I feel inside of me, I feel the fear attacking my soul, Agony dominates me, I am standing still with fear of death, The time goes away, Taking away my breath of life.' A strong rocking track with a superb instrumental break showcasing the skill of the musicians. 'New Chance' is a melodic metal track with an infectious chorus about starting again from scratch after waking from a nightmare. The opening riff is quite pretty, the piano accompanies the motif. The chorus cries out from the depths: 'Wake up from this nightmare, See the sun shining in the horizon, Don't listen to the echo of your past, Get the chance to start again'. I really like the lead break with squeals and arpeggio licks, whammy bar stretches and intricate picking. The bell tolls as a brutal riff crunches heralding the beginning of a new lease in life. Van Ranna screeches a bit at the end, and then the opening riff chimes in again. It ends with disturbing screaming voices who are apparently calling out from hell. Another highlight of the album. 'Promise' is all about the end times and how Jesus will return to take back those who believe to reign eternal with Him as the lyrics profess: 'The shadows don't let you see, They take away the certainty of what will happen, Hiding the announced words, Hiding the prophecy and the return of the king.' The riff on this is slow with heavy distorted power chords, the drums blaze away in a free form style and the keyboard is ferociously trying to keep up. A cool rocker that builds speed and rips along at a roaring pace. 'Prisons Without Walls' spreads a strong message about how to escape the prison of being without hope: 'How does it feel stuck inside your mind? And being stuck in a prison without walls? You sleep tormented by your secret feelings, Hope goes away, with every dusk.' Once again the music seems to enhance the message of discovering a way out of despair as the guitars lift the mood and the bass is relentlessly keeping rhythm. Marc's drumming is like the sound of heralding a battle with militaristic drum rolls and timpani flourishes. A majestic sound is created throughout; a triumphant optimistic atmosphere. 'Freedom' continues the trend with melodic vocals and some inspired power metal with intricate fills. The message is as strong as the other tracks: 'Evil and fear follow you, doubt is rising again, Your mind is totally shut, You need to be free.' 'Ocean of Tears' begins with sounds of the waves crashing and a lulling acoustic melody. There is a flute sound hovering over the top and a melancholy sound is created. Ambient and uplifting lyrics contain some heartfelt content: 'God show me the path, If you are, give me one more chance, God show me the path, If you are, forgive me.' The time sig is still very much broken into odd meters but this is more accessible to the average listener. A lovely lead break using wah wah pedals and whammy bar resounds. The piano plays fortissimo scales and vibrant hooks while a heavy slow distorted guitar crashes in at the end verse. 'Trip Beyond The Mind' is a brilliant track and was the one that introduced me to Menahem, after hearing it on prog radio, and I am so glad I made the effort to check the band out further. The third track absolutely kicks with amazing riffs that break and chug into intricate melodies. Once again the lyrics are about knowing God and following him, based on Revelation, the second coming of Christ: 'But now I can hear, The sound of the trumpet, It is Your voice that I go after, They can even try to hold me, I can fly with the angels, I know that my destiny is in the hands of God'. The riff continues to crunch along with some odd timing that surprises the ear. There is an excellent half time feel at 2:53 where Marc's double kick drums pummel and a slow riff merges into a Dream Theaterish hammering riff. The wah wah lead guitar trades off masterfully with the keyboard wizardry of Oliveira. Marc and Aires duel guitar lead solos are freakish and this continues for a while until an energetic strange little riff blazes forth and then we return to the original riff. It is all killer, no filler with virtuoso playing and metronome swinging riffs. Awesome! The slowest track on the album is 'Creed' and it is really a worship song in the same vein as what Neal Morse plays on his solo albums where he dedicates his life to Jesus. Perhaps this is as blatant as the band gets lyrically: 'I believe in God, the Father, Creator of heaven and earth, I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, Birthing of a Virgin, Was crucified, and died On the third Day He rose again, He ascended to heaven, And is seated at the right Father's hand.' The whole thing is based on Biblical scripture, and there is nothing wrong with that when you consider how much satanic bands promote their message of death and destruction; here we have the light side of metal without apology. As for the music, this is quiet, melancholy soft metal with some exquisite guitar breaks. 'Your Pain' is a slow tempo intricate track with some atmospheric keyboard breaks and a very odd drumming metrical pattern. The lyrics are once again directed to Christians, and in this case to Jesus Himself: 'In the day of your pain, When the veil was torn, Death consumed you, But on the third day you rose again.' The star on this track is Oliveira on those electric piano arpeggios, tinkling up and down the keys as a lead guitar grinds out the melody. Van Ranna screams at the end of this with high octave range and then a lengthy instrumental break takes the track to its conclusion. Simply wonderful musicianship. 'Suicidal Trend' has very strong lyrics about a man with suicidal tendencies who is about to put a bullet in his skull when he hears the voice of Jesus calling Him and sees the figure in white: 'I feel the cold dominating me, The blood boils in my veins, time passes by in one second, I point the weapon to my own head, I wish I could see the sun once more, wake up with no pain in my soul, feel the wind touching me, find a reason to live.' The reason to live is turning to Christ and finding the reason to live. The message is that there is hope found in Jesus, and hopefully this song will cause listeners to think twice before the ultimate end. The musical interchanges of light and dark are compelling. The main riff is a choppy angular tricky cruncher with almost Eastern keyboards complimenting it. A phased vocoder effect changes the second section and the mood gets darker as the man attempts suicide. Very fast little keyboard and twin guitar riffs chop and change throughout the instrumental, dynamically dueling against each another. This track has some of the most complex time signature shifts and there are very intricate multi chord speed licks. The band are absolutely compelling when they are in full flight. The track changes to a slower pace to end on the final verse where the man changes his mind and chooses life over death. Another excellent track worth listening to as an example of this fine band, no doubt. In conclusion, it is a pleasure to discover how great this band can play and the message of hop is so refreshing. I give kudos for the Christian content that I always welcome as it is so rare these days to get a good Christian band with decent musicianship. Neal Morse is an exception but there are few with this type of talent; full blown prog with a Christian message. Of course you don't need to be a believer to get into this as Menaham are highly skilled virtuosos along the lines of Dream Theater and their sound is rich with creativity and innovation. I give 4.5 stars for a stunning debut and hopefully Menahem will present more great music on future albums. ------------- GLAM METAL!
|
Posted By: Citizen Erased
Date Posted: 25 May 2010 at 3:00pm
|
I'm Christian, and like Metal, but I don't tend to consider 'Christian' a genre unless it is worship music. It's just lyrics, the music isn't played differently. We don't call it atheist metal after all. |
Posted By: Any Colour You Like
Date Posted: 25 May 2010 at 5:05pm
|
As an athiest (with a small a ) I've always wondered what makes Christian music (in this case metal) different from 'normal' secular metal. Obviously, there are religious themes, but is there something else in the style or inclusion/exclusion of certain elements? For example, I'd consider Agalloch to be 'heathen themed' metal, but I would not consider them as an 'atheist' band as a sole denonym. |
Posted By: MAVIIIVAM
Date Posted: 25 May 2010 at 9:10pm
|
I would not WANT to "sub-catagorize" it. Its kind of useless "Preaching to the Choir". This gives many of these Metal Acts an opportunity to spread/talk/sing about the Ministry to a wider audience. Or . . . you can just enjoy the music Oh by the way, Menahem are awesome! I have followed them since their release as my fave Internet Station has many that have suggested it and "contacted" the Band to send the CD .The singer is definately a Dio fan! But I had no idea they were Christian (I dont own the CDyet), thats great! But I suggest to anyone who likes Technical Prog Metal, take a listen to it, on the Internet Station in my "Sig" or on YOUtube, really good stuff! ------------- "If you're happy to be an Ant in the Sand Box, you're welcome to it!" -Forbidden For Progressive Metal and Prog Rock, come visit, request songs and explore at PrOgulus.com |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2010 at 10:10am
|
Great to hear you know about them as i think they are incredible band.
Thx for all the posts here - its just getting this thing going that counts at the moment - tho I sense a few darkened attitudes out there
i am certainly not here to argue with anyone. And I wont... ------------- GLAM METAL!
|
Posted By: Time Signature
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2010 at 12:53pm
Feel free to suggest any missing band in the "Suggest artist"-thread. We'd appreciate that a lot :-) ------------- 
|
Posted By: FusionKing
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2010 at 12:11pm
| I'm an atheist myself but I must say, Stryper's 'To Hell With The Devil' has some really nice riffage on it! |
Posted By: MAVIIIVAM
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2010 at 1:11pm
|
I have mentioned these guys on my list, But hearing it is another matter This will change some minds of what "Christian Metal"can be (should be, not be, you get the picture...). Awesome musicianship, heartfelt Lyrics, but still brutal in getting a "message" across. EXTOL - Undeceived: My fave album by them, The vocalist also has 3 to 4 different vocal styles as well! Synergy is the last album to have the true sound of the Band, when they tried to be a bit more commercial on the Next album - that pretty much put the nail in the coffin for them (Drummer has played on the Math Metal Album by Twisted Into Form. And Extol members are in the Prog-Tech/Death Metal Band Mantric). Excellent vocals and Math/Death Metal compositions on both these albums (Undeceived and Synergy that is). The clean vocals make more appearances here, but they are one of the 1st to do so along with Opeth. Grace for Succession: (One of my fave "Hugh Syme" Paintings for this album). New Band "Mantric": Havent purchased yet or read lyrics so I dont know if they are a Spiritual band, but the cuts I've heard-the music is all over the place! Good stuff .By the way, I goofed, Extol are from Norgvey No-wonder they know Spiral Architect,which is ironic that most members/if not all are "skeptics" and athiests (SA). ------------- "If you're happy to be an Ant in the Sand Box, you're welcome to it!" -Forbidden For Progressive Metal and Prog Rock, come visit, request songs and explore at PrOgulus.com |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2010 at 10:25am
|
Sounding good here! ------------- GLAM METAL!
|