Wow. This black metal album comes off with more noise than Training for Utopia on a system without bass boost (that's a lot of noise by the way). There is a whole lot of heaviness here that is accompanied by a whole lot of treble on the guitars, mixing to create a very melodic, yet dissonant package of music. Some very good and talented music on this album with some faith affirming lyrics that are written in a similar style to the NIV translation of the Bible. There is a lot of sophistication on this album that is so commonly neglected in other Christian releases. Yet I cannot help but feel that this album may not reach out as intended to the Norwegian black metal scene. I do not doubt God's power or sovereignty but I do doubt man's acceptance of outright gospel preaching. In any case, this album has some very straight forward lyrics that give some problems and God as a solution. Very good music, very good Christ centered lyrics... but I find that once a month is about all I can take of this ever-popular Norwegian black metal style. Get this if you love the style, or have ever loved any style of black metal or extreme death.
7/10
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestOriginally released by Endtime Productions, this CD came out through Solid State Records because of a license deal. There is reason to welcome this deal because now it's available more easily. And there is no reason for discussion about that because this album is top notch. With Burial Solid State moves farther away from the hardcore/metalcore beginnings. This is a very technical deathmetal band…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Glenn HarperIn the past three or four years, Christian metal really has had a hard time of it, as many of its more prominent practitioners (Believer, Circle of Dust, The Crucified, Deliverance, Living Sacrifice) have either disbanded or gone on hiatus. The return of Living Sacrifice and Tourniquet's release of Crawl to China have done much to staunch the decay, but, for the most part, metal has taken a…HM Magazine #73Reviewed by Doug Van PeltOne of the most talked-about bands in Christian metal today, rightfully so, is Extol. True metal power with amazing musical skill is presented here in sonic balance. While some of the drum sounds lack fullness, the churning guitars and wicked-sounding vocals fill things out a bit. Just as Believer demanded respect for its ability to maintain such technical brilliance at supersonic speeds, so…HM Magazine #72Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovernThis band, featured on the Northern Lights comp., have recently added guitarist Ole Børud (ex-Schaliach), and are one downright heavy band. The usual lightning speed is added to a variety conscious unblack vocal, and the two come together with decent production to bang your head inside and out. The title track, "Home Journey," has some great grooves, and even a medieval flute interlude.Dead Zine 1998Reviewed by MuchI can now hear why Extol took so long to release their first LP. The guitar work from Ole Borud (Schaliach) can only be described as EPIC!! A frigid blast of arctic black metal from Norway. Technical and intense, this journey in sound is near impossible to burn out. Even if you played this 100 times you still will find undiscovered sounds in a revelation of profound art. Melodic, atmospheric, and…Dead Zine 1998Reviewed by HadeSlayeRThis album was quite a disappointment for me, don't misunderstand this is a very good album. I'm disappointed because I was looking for some other things when I gotten this album. I was hoping to get materials like their songs on Northern Lights. The CD insert is printed in gold text which looks great but some pages have a yellowish background so it's quite hard to decipher. "Into Another…Similar sounding releases
1999MortificationHammer of God
1998OpethMy Arms, Your Hearse
1999OutcryHope for the Torn Heart
2002System FailureHome Theatres
2002Officer NegativeControl Is an Illusion
2004Society's FinestLove, Murder, and a Three-Letter Word
