Ah yes. The second helping of molten metal by our neighbors from Little Rock, Arkansas. I've been super anxious for this disc to come out. And my hopes were multiplied in hearing that this one is so brutal some major "secular" labels are looking to sign this deserving band.
Upon listening, the only thing to squelch my excitement was that it seemed each song sounded too much alike. Though this is probably due mostly to D.J.'s new vocal approach (is he really saying anything?) The comparison now moves from Slayer to brothers in Christ, Mortification, who's '92 release is a little more interesting & listenable. Having said that, Nonexistent is still a must buy. The album cover once again rules. Musically, these guys definitely do grind into a frenzy. Their rhythms, chops, & speed are better than ever. What I like about this kind of extreme metal is how it shows, in a big way, just some of the incredible power of God, the creator of music.
What is nonexistent on this disc, you ask. Mindless lyrics. An example from the title song: "...received the mercy, found the grace...spiritual extraction from hindrance. Existing through Christ there is transformation...foundation of power, a life indestructable. Abolished guilt...nonexistant forgiven wickedness, nonexistant sins...eternal redemption. Renewal of the mind without condemnation." There is power in the truth & truth is delivered here very powerfully by Living Sacrifice.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestIt's not a secret that Living Sacrifice's Reborn was a profitable release for Solid State Records. This must have led to requests for the re-release of older albums. One of LS's older albums is Nonexistent (1992), their second. Their first album was an absolute Slayer rip-off album, not bad though. Nonexistent proved that the band could go their own direction, away from Slayer. This album…The Lighthouse February 1993Reviewed by Brad MatternAre you ready to Die? The brutal new sound of Living Sacrifice is totally mind blowing. The vocals are so hard to understand, D.J. sounds like a monster from hell dying. As the album starts with "Emerge," you wouldn't think this album was so heavy, it starts off with an acoustic intro, like a lot of the other songs. "Haven Of Blasphemy," is a totally killer track. It comes off of their EP Not…Heaven's Metal #39Reviewed by Spiny NormanTotally brutal! One listen to cut #2, the title track, and you know you've got something special here, with lightning fast double rhythms. The leads on top of the rhythms here have that cool wah-wah effect. The lead-off cut, "Enthroned," features a flurry of sound interspersed with some very tasteful acoustic guitar picking. This acoustic touch welds the first two songs together (along with the…Similar sounding releases
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1990No Yielding to Ungodly
1993Metamorphosis
2000The Hammering Process
1994Inhabit
2005In Memoriam