In 1996, with the release of Eric Champion's album, Transformation, the advertisement taglines were always "Forget What You Know." Well, with 1999's new June release of deliriou5?'s Mezzamorphis, ironically, the same tagline could apply. So, basically... forget what you know. 1998 saw a tremendous stage entry for this British-based band. You couldn't be at Creation without seeing something with their name on it. Signs were everywhere, "The British are Coming." And, they did. In fact, our Creation bracelets bore their name next to the Creation logo. Deliriou5? couldn't be missed. However, to be honest, I found this to be overkill. The radio airplay was too much, the advertising was gagging, but it worked for most people. Not me, though. It did the exact opposite. I became anti-deliriou5?, so to speak. But when I had a chance to acquire their newest project, Mezzamorphis, I jumped at the chance to hear this band's newest musical helping. I was pleasantly surprised. Like they say in their interview on the pre-release of the album, the album can't be compared to either of their previous works. It's a new step, but still not where they want to be. "Huh?" you may think. Enter the first song, "The Mezzanine Floor," which is partially inspired by that very observation. They realize they have more growing, musically, to do. But the growth is evident . . . and appreciated. "Heaven" follows, a song that starts out aggressive and moves into a chorus hauntingly similar to the previous track. Not really a fault, but sorta ties the message of the two songs together, however, you're liable to have to look at your player to figure out exactly which song you're hearing. Another album highlight comes next, "Follow," a melodic slow-rocker that simply talks about following God. Probably the hardest track on the album comes next, "Bliss," a song that most bands write as they get popular to reassure people that they're not going to lose their Christian message or "back down," like the song says. The oddest, yet catchiest song on the album is the Bleach-esque "Gravity," which should be a great live concert song. But this album, while venturing into some more electric tunes, has its share of ballads. Well-crafted ones at that, too, like in the tremendous "Jesus Blood" and personal (to the band) praise song "Kiss Your Feet." Take part in the evolution of this growing band and pick up a copy of Mezzamorphis when it releases.
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 1999Reviewed by Timothy Paul YenterMezzamorphis is the best album Delirious? has made to date. It worships through lyrics that are insightful, prophetic, encouraging, and honest. They probe into themes essential to the Christian faith--communion, salvation, social responsibility, hope, and love--with a sincerity that gives substance to their work. The album is noticeably focused on the topic of heaven. From the opening songs 'The…Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by Joel ThomasForget what you know about Deliriou5?; drop any preconceived notions you may have about their new album, entitled Mezzamorphis. Martin Smith, lead singer, says in the press release accompanying the album, "A lot of you have been asking, 'Well, is it like Cutting Edge, is it like King of Fools?' Well, I don't think it's like any of them really. It's a big step for us as a band. It still definitely…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Keith Giles"I'm on the mezzanine floor, never been here before...but I'll get to heaven," sings Martin Smith on the opening track of the long-anticipated Mezzamorphis, the band's third collection of all-new songs. While Martin readily admits that this is an album exploring musical territories which the band has never visited before, the problem is that most listeners have been here before. Delirious may…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by James StewartCrashing into the UK album charts at the much-lower-than-expected position of 25, Mezzamorphis should assure most listeners that delirious? are still very much faith-inspired in their songwriting. The theme of heaven dominates from the very start. Musically, the sound is much richer than on the disappointingly dry King of Fools, and the fuller soundscape moves away from the strong U2 feel,…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Eric DaamsFor weeks I'd been reading rave reports of Delirious?'s latest offering. I expected a dramatic change from their previous work, something that would absolutely blow me away. It didn't. To tell you the truth, I was a bit disappointed but the change that I'd read all the reports about wasn't as radical as I expected. Take King of Fools, add a few distorted guitars and synths, and you get…Similar sounding releases
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1996Live & in the Can
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