This album has taken the title for the most freakish death metal known to man. Most of us know how many bands use the last track on the LP to experiment with noise and alternative sound styles, well Metanoia has mastered incorporating this through an entire LP. Don't get me wrong though, this album is full death metal with tons of groove. Cannibal Corpse, Sepultura, and Crimson Thorn would be the best bands to compare this to. There are 13 tracks delivered by Rowe productions. The first 4 songs are just flat out grueling death with the first song having some hardcore background singing. Overall the vocals are old Cannibal Corpse style and includes the "high pitched wounded beast" sound we all have grown to adore. On "The Blame" we have some female gothic singing in sync with grinding background vocals. "Can you feel it" sounds like a cover tune hinting in the surf-punk style with distortion. "Reflections" is full of violin and acoustic guitar work. The vocals on this song are light John Denver style with (of course) background growls. "Grave beyond a slave" (rippin name huh?) starts with violins as well, but breaks into heavy rhythms and has some tweekin kinda native instrument overshadowing the background. "Kneeling at the throne" starts and ends with an exceptional church symphony choir (A+ Goth) with "patriotic" sounding death metal centered within.
"Never"-this song is NOT a song that will be appreciated by Catholics. It pays respect to Mary, but calls the Catholic church a false religion, centered in greed, and full of man made idols that has contributed to the death of millions.
The song "Bonus Track" is summed up in the phrase "circus freak show!" The chorus starts with guttural growls, followed by a FART noise (the sound is PLPLPLPLPL on the lyric sheet) then breaks into chaotic screaming and yelling. This sequence is repeated a few times then is taken into a filling slice of brutal, death/doom-metal pie. Let me not forget to mention the drumming on this CD is a masterpiece. I would give this an 8.5 rating, but I have to take off 1 point because of the bash to Catholics. I am not Catholic and I do disagree with some of the Catholic beliefs, but I believe they are our brothers and sisters in Christ body.
7.5/10
Other Staff Member Ratings
Grindboy: 10/10
HadeSlayeR: 9/10
D_Lister: 7/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by FletchBrutal, Brutal, Brutal !!! Any Metanoia fans will not be disappointed with their latest release. The growls are still as deep as ever and the Christian message has been much more glorified than in their first releases. For fourteen tracks, you certainly get your money's worth out of this CD. There is also a surprising bonus track which is innovative to say the least. Overall, Don't Walk Dead…Similar sounding releases
1996Frank's EnemyNeoblasphemies
1990Seventh AngelHeed the Warning
2005Living SacrificeIn Memoriam
2002Acoustic TormentSchwarzwald
2004Royal AnguishThe Chronicles of Autumn Sorrow
1999Embodyment1993-1996
