Mortification continue down the evangelical metal road with the latest installment to their ever growing library of music. My count has this as the 15th cd Mortification have released in their 10+ year career. Definitely making them one of the hardest working bands in metal! The Silver Cord Is Severed is one of their best efforts to date. Steve Rowe has made an even more marked return to his "power metal" roots by continuing in the style set forth on cd's like Hammer of God and EnVision EvAngelene, and this time they have went a step even further by changing the now famous Mortification logo, making it to have a more "metallic" appearance.
Yes, gone are the days of brutal death metal but fans of that style should still be able to find something to enjoy here also as Steve utilizes a few of his old growling techniques at times. For the most part this is mid-paced, thrash influenced, classic metal. There are a few speed parts here and there and also a couple of slower doom segments (which I just love!) in songs like the Black Sabbath inspired "Hardware" and the title track. New drummer, 15 year old Adam Zafferese brings some new blood into the mix and occasionally whips up a few tribal beats, all the while showing he can more than compete with the big boys! Adams playing is nothing short of amazing. It seems that Lincoln's guitar playing is more diverse and technical than on previous Mort recordings as he is using more styles and sounds than before making each song on this album stand out on its own. The true sound of Mortification is hard to describe in words as there is a blending of many metal styles, but to use just one word I would simply say "metal". This was recorded in Steve's "Hammer of God" studio and the production is great! There is one thing I miss however from the cd Hammer of God, and that is the use of the keyboards. I really enjoyed that extra atmosphere that was produced by the keys (but then again I am a big fan of power metal with keys!). As always the lyrics are bold and Christ centered. This, in my opinion, is a must have cd!
9/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #87Reviewed by Bryan RutherfordLike an out-of-control horse these guys have found a way to harness their overwhelming form of metal/thrashcore power, and fit it into what's 'acceptable' in today's society -- using intro melodies that are reminiscent of almost any and every classic rock band featured on VH1's Behind The Music (i.e. Lynard Skynard, The Doors). But before you jot them down as a good cover band for your Uncle…Art for the Ears 2001Reviewed by Marco PovervestWhen I heard the new song Dead Man Walking on the 10 Years Live Not Dead album, I was afraid Mortification was heading for a Hammer Of God part II. The Silver Cord Is Severed is in my CD-player now to prove whether my fear was justified or not. The album also features the drumming of newcomer Adam Zaffarese. I think the first dozen seconds surprised me. It starts with processed sounds, dark but…Dead Zine 2001Reviewed by D_ListerLet me start by saying that over time I've been one of Mortification's biggest fans. There was a time when nothing excited me more than the thought of a new Morty album. I hung in there when everyone else was badgering the band about their direction change in Bloodworld. I appreciated EnVision EvAngelene for exactly what it was. I love this band for basically BEING this band. Their last effort…Similar sounding releases
2005Living SacrificeIn Memoriam
1997Unleashed PowerMindfailure
2005Mercury SwitchTime to Shine
1998NecromanicideHate Regime
1999Eternal DecisionGhost in the Machine
2003TourniquetWhere Moth And Rust DestroyMore from Mortification
1991Mortification
2003Power, Pain & Passion
1994Grind Planets (Video)
1990Break The Curse 1990
1996EnVideon (Video)
1996The Best Of... Five Years
