Metal Bear Reviews: Theocracy - As The World Bleeds

I promised to write reviews on this blog, this is the first!

As some of you will know, Theocracy released their eagerly awaited album 'As The World Bleeds' a few weeks ago and having played it to death on Spotify I thought I would share with you a few thoughts I had. This is one of those albums that had been eagerly anticipated for a fair bit of time from Theocracy fans all over the globe, with their previous album 'Mirror of Souls' being released in 2008 to critical acclaim, everyone was rather excited to see what Matt Smith and co had to offer this time round. The reactions to the single '30 Pieces of Silver' were unsurprising, people were now just hoping desperately that this wasn't just a fluke and that once again Theocracy would exceed expectations. For me, 'As The World Bleeds' had a lot to live up to; 'Mirror of Souls' was one of my favourite albums in the 'clean-vocals metal' department ever since I reviewed it back in 2009 for Cross Rhythms (10/10).

This latest release did not disappoint, from the outset I was hooked. I remember sitting in the Moorlands library on the day it was released and not quite knowing what to do first, pause it after opening track 'I Am' and run to tell everyone I knew how glorious it was or keep listening. I decided on a mixture of the two, I told the five other people using the study carells and kept going. Actually that's a lie, I listened to the first track again.

Opening with 'I Am', Theocracy state their case both musically and lyrically from the outset. This track is close to progressive power-metal perfection, at least it is in my book. At precisely 11 minutes long it is a bold move to place the longest track at the beginning but it works. Holding my attention throughout I just had to go back over it; with it's epic build, driving rhythms, powerful melodies and soaring, incredibly emotive vocals there is virtually nothing I can fault. It is clear that the band gel beautifully; being the first Theocracy album using a full band on the studio recording ('Theocracy' was entirely Matt Smith's creation and 'Mirror of Souls' only brought in a bass player and drummer) the heart which unites them is evident. Blistering solos and some quirky little progressive sections are the icing on the cake to this brilliant album opener.

Other noteworthy songs include 'Nailed' where they continue to demonstrate their superb songwriting ability. You know you're going to divide a Christian audience when you write a song about the Reformation (the YouTube comments prove this...) but even if you disagree with the theology behind it you cannot fault it's musicality or its epic vocal melody; I even find myself singing 'Nail it to the doooooooooooooorrrrr!!!!' at random occasions! 'The Gift of Music' changes the dynamic tone significantly while refusing to detract from the overall content of the album. However, there is one heck of a solo here with such simple melody and such brilliant control that I cannot help but smile when I hear it. 'Altar to the Unknown God' has some sterling guitar work and is another one of those tracks that you just want to rewind and listen to over and over again.

Something I've spoken little about is Matt Smith's singing on this album, that's because there's little that needs saying. Once again he puts in a stunning performance with some (worryingly) high vocal parts and a voice that portrays the passion and emotion which is explicitly and, as a result of his exocution, implicity present in the music. There are some great choral parts as well which truly kick the album into the next gear, and from what I know Matt performed them all himself. Unsurprisingly, this is a brilliantly produced album. Matt seems to be something of a perfectionist in this regard, everything is just so tight that I dread to think how many takes it took and, as a result, how many tracks he had to sift through. The musicianship on this album is clearly top notch though, I mean these guys can really play. Too often with metal that is this melodic I think, '........meh.' but never with this album, while some of the melodies feel familiar I don't find myself wanting to turn it off.

 Overall this is a fantastic album, infact I wouldn't be surprised if in 10 years time people are pointing to 'As The World Bleeds' and saying, 'See kids, THIS is how it is done!'. The main reason I have chosen this as the first of my Metal Bear Reviews is that it is also my favourite album to be released in 2011 and is a contender for favourite album of the Moorlands era. If any of you care about my opinion this is a stunning release, well worth buying. It isn't only for prog-power metal fans and it isn't only for metallers either, the melodies will leave you smiling and the epic nature will leave you wanting to throw your fists into the area and screech along as we all wish we could. I really think that if you are serious about your music and you don't mind something a little heavier than you might listen to, if you don't think this is for you just give it a shot.

In conclusion I feel it is fitting that an album which I (and many I know) consider to be both a masterpiece and a gift to their music collection contains a song with the lyrics:

Music is Your masterpiece, Your signature and smile
The glorious crown jewel of all Creation
Gave a voice and sense of wonder to this lonely child
Whose melodies ring forth Your coronation now

Buy it.

Metal Bear

5/5

Theocracy - Nailed