The Christian underground metal scene seems to be at its strongest point ever these days, with the likes of Deuteronomium, Extol, Necromanicide, and Teramaze on the foreign front and Eternal Decision, Lucid, Death List, and Faithbomb on the U.S. side. Mortal Immunity joins the latter group, working from an aggressive '80s thrash foundation and adding on more modern vocals and varied song structures, as well as different tones, riffs, and leads. The vocals are very similar to Heaven's Rage--mid-range singing with some slightly higher quavering-voice moments.
The band members have been musicians for some time, and it shows in their diverse playing. They mix faster with slower parts, rhythms with long solos, atmospheric touches with straight-out moshing, all resulting in nothing new or terribly creative, but far from dull and repetitive. The production, although mixed clearly, sounds a tad too warehouse-ish and dated (a weakness noticed especially during the soloing).
The lyrics are decent, mostly dealing with the things that bring men down and weary the soul. A lot of them are overtly evangelical and cliche-ridden, like this plea not to commit suicide (from "Under Pressure"):
His love is so real
His love it will stay
You're better off alive
God loves you today
Death ain't your choice, but God's alone
Call out to God
He's always home.
And some are a little more poetic (from "The Depth of Time"):
In the depths of time
I find that I see one solution
No more wondering
Coming to conclusion
All are joined by His word
Fellowship of man
Mortal now we may be
Eternal by His hand.
The delivery is generally competent enough to please listeners of either preference, however.
Mortal Immunity gives us a generous fifteen songs, but their sound grows a little tired (what band's wouldn't?!) by the end, and they fall into the trap of so many metal bands: none of the songs really stand out once the album is over. They would do much better with fewer tracks, spending the extra money and time on production and on crafting their many ideas into more memorable songs. Still, some fans of bands like Heaven's Rage, Eternal Decision, Corrosion of Conformity, Dearly Beheaded, Cronic, and maybe even Betrayal may find some pleasing potential here.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestThis is a 1997 release of this American thrash-metal band. You might wonder why I review it now. Well, because I received it recently! Life Machine contains fifteen songs with some solid playing, and sounding heavy. The album starts with a grunting voice quoting a Biblical verse. Don't get off-track by this because this is not death-metal at all. Music-wise this is thrash, though not very fast…HM Magazine #74Reviewed by Chad OlsonCheck these guys out on issue #73's sampler cd. Pretty much thrash-like technical stuff with various vocal effects thrown in for good measure. Also some good grooves from time to time.Similar sounding releases
1999EloiMold
1999Narcissus...And Forthwith Came Out Blood and Water
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1995ReleaseEnd of the Light
2005Global WarningEnemy Within
