Here is a record I was waiting for, waiting for, doing press for and
waiting for. I thought it was on its way around release time. One e
mail and it was in my hands. I did pride myself of reviewing many of
this bands records ahead of time. Enough of my petty bullshit and lets
get to it. I gave myself some time to let this record sink in. It took
over my CD play with the new Soulfly record for weeks. I can’t find one
flaw with this record. It is everything I wanted to hear and more.
It all starts with “Born” throwing some death metal sounds and
just hit the floor heavy riffing and backbone. O Lord!, why so heavy! I
am floored by this greatness that I’m hearing on the first song alone.
“Final Product” picks up the more bouncing jam like stuff that
Nevermore know how to offer. This is super catchy without losing its
heaviness. The drums are just firing away and Warrel Dane unleashes all
of his vocal faces on this song.
“My Acid Words” supplies some deep lyrics that burn deep and thrash out
like crazy. Heavy as hell!!!! “Bittersweet Feast” builds up and up as
the riffs and metal sprays all over you. Another that has some nice and
catchy jamming with progressive and awesome technicality thrown into
the whole mix. “Sentient 6” pulls out some piano play and cool
percussion. This kinda reminds me of the band Sanctuary (where it all
started). This is when the let their Queensryche like sides show but
somehow keep it heavier that those Seattle boys. More great lyrics are
showcased on that song.
“Medicated Nation” pulls out just in your face heavy metal riffs that
just go. This one concentrates on more dynamics of the heavy riff and
is more mid-paced with some sick vocals layered in the mix, awesome,
awesome sounds. A prelude is played and some short and sweet shred is
laid down almost like a tribute to the sounds Jason Becker. I think I
say this in every review and I will again. Jeff Loomis is the best
guitars player out there and many more need to hear this prodigy. The
addition of Steve Smyth just rounds out his great play.
“Sell My Heart For Stones” has a bit of a Euro sounds and has more of
that really heavy power ballad approach that this band can get away
with because they know how to present it. “The Psalm Of Lydia” shows
tinges of Judas Priest and then the cacophony of shred lays you out.
Another song that is just as jumpy and hits you like a heavyweight
prize fighter. Listen close for the twisted guitar play. “A Future
Uncertain” has a title alone that I wonder every day. This track offers
up a bit of a different vocalizing. And sorta sums up the whole concept
of the way us human where different masks and live in a sheltered word.
Another song to sit down with and listen to the lyrics and let the
music flow all over you. Set your mind free.
“The Godless Endeavor” is a near nine minute track that closes out this
record at the crossroads. This is a record that serves up some
different views of the way we live life in this great big world. This
track starts a bit bleak and then the hard play kicks in and plays on
going very technical. I must again say that this tops their last
record. I just can’t believe how much greatness this band released
already and it is not over kids.
