Review Summary: high octane progressive power metal.
Power metal is an often hated genre, and sometimes it deserves its hate. The music can be so blatantly cheesy and in-your-face that it’s almost painful to listen to at times. However, when employed in such a way that it retains its power, without forcing it, good power metal can be made. Take Theocracy’s new album,
As The World Bleeds, for example. It’s not based around a silly sci-fi concept or anything typical of power metal, its inspiration comes from God. Now while the atheist musical consumer might shudder at the thought of Christian lyrics, the truth is that this album is too good to ignore. In terms of musical quality and lyrical content, Theocracy are one of the greatest success stories in Christian music (yet they are severely underrated). Although playing balls out progressive power metal, their message is just as compelling as any worship music band out there, except with interesting music to back it up. This band makes Christian music seem more appealing.
As The World Bleeds picks up right where
Mirror Of Souls left off, with technical skills audible, heavy riffs, and catchy songs. As always, though, the highlight is the lead singer’s vocals which are some of the best I’ve heard in a metal band – his range is absolutely ridiculous. Add on to that Theocracy’s trademark tactic, vocal layering, so as to make the vocalist sound like a choir, and you get one powerful performance. You can bet your butt it’s a silly album, but it’s also a blast. The cheesiness level in this album makes it seem as if it’s the contemporary musical answer to Petra Praise’s classic praise album,
The Rock Cries Out. Basically,
As The World Bleeds rocks hard, and due to its old style, it feels like an instant classic. It’s hard not to like.
I’ve tried my best to find negative aspects to this album, but I failed. I’m not saying this because I am an insane, deluded fan boy who is too easily impressed, but rather because
As The World Bleeds is, objectively, an amazing album. In fact, I believe I’ve already said too much. Listen to this album and you’ll see what I mean.
