"Just heavy, not metal", says the ad. That pretty much does sum it up for this disc. Now, whether or not that's a good thing is, of course, up to you. One thing that a bit of metal might have here though, is melody. But hey, if your main concern is how heavy your, uh, rock is, about the only place you'll find it heavier is with a metal band like, say, Entombed. But then, this disc actually probably goes lower in the sub-levels than most rock albums out there. Now there is melody in each song, but it's melody like all the Alice in Clutch Garden's out there. Especially in songs like "React" & "Swim". Actually much of this sounds like what I would think Metallica might sound like if they were inclined to "sound modern". Especially "The Mystery" & "Hate". Eric could even almost pass for Hetfield. So anyway, we've got Jesus Lizard, Jesus Jones, & Jesus Freaks. You might know that these guys aren't trying to drag Jesus' name down, but instead trying to make a bold statement. They do so more tactfully within the lyrics, this ain't Stryper (or D.C. Talk!) & this ain't metal, just heavy.
Other coverage for this album
Critical Mass #0Reviewed by Tom EdmondsonIt appears that the 3 years between recording projects have been fertile ones for Eric Peterson and co. One may be inclined to ask the question: Can a band go through changes in personnel and musical style and still maintain their intensity? Well, despite line-up changes Jesus Freaks sound stronger on this full-length album than on their debut E.P. Gone is the thrash style, in is a more…Similar sounding releases
2005CastanetsFirst Light's Freeze
1999EmpressEmpress
2003Woven HandBlush Music
1999Piano MagicLow Birth Weight
2000Ten in the Swear JarMy Very Private Map
2004WovenhandConsider the Birds
