World Against World

Item: Until the Day Breaks and the Shadows Flee Away
Author: Stacey Lee Feldman

Until the Day Breaks and the Shadows Flee Away

(1998)

Reviewed by Stacey Lee Feldman

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Label Bulletproof MusicThe LighthouseUnsorted 1999

doom metal hardcore punk metalcore punk

When Spudgun became World Against World, more changed than just their name. In fact, World Against World is a whole new ballgame. This band now has decidedly gothic tendencies. One look at the cover of their new album, Until The Day Breaks And The Shadows Flee Away, evidences this transformation. While mainstream gothic and hardcore bands are a dime a dozen, reveling in death, hatred, and the adoration of disillusioned youth in black makeup, the Christian goth scene is relatively small, limited to only a few bands, such as Saviour Machine and Wedding Party. Certainly then, World Against World is shedding light in area that desperately needs it.

Undeniably gothic is a broad classification, likewise Until The Day Breaks And The Shadows Flee Away can't be pinned into one clear category, exhibiting metal, hardcore, and punk elements. This album fits perfectly into the daring, far fringe of musical expression where gothic tends to hang out, yet still maintains a blatantly Christian message. World Against World celebrates the amazing gift of life in Christ and denounces the futility of drugs, alcohol, greed, and anything else that people try to use to take the place of God. Sonically, this band mixes metal guitars with punk rhythms, driving bass lines, and screamed-out vocals that seem to be deliberately unintelligible. Jason K. plows through the lyrics at breakneck speed, emphasizing odd words and skimming over others. Even with the lyric sheet, it is difficult to follow along, which may be a drawback since the words are an important part of what makes World Against World's music valuably illuminating. Still, the band has at least makes lyrics available for any who take the time to look. Musically, this outfit is tight and handles the fast, aggressive rhythms with ease. The guitars are nicely dark and not overly distorted, layering spooky riffs over dominant bass lines. Some tracks lean more towards hardcore, like "The Destruction Of The World In All Of Her Glorious Splendor" and "Scared Silent." On the whole, Until The Day Breaks And The Shadows Flee Away is well produced and not too raw - as is demonstrated by the mostly instrumental "We Dance With The Moment On The 2nd Story Of Finality, Unaware Of The Flames Slowly Spreading Up The Stairs" (yes, that is the title), which is by far one of the best tracks, offering solid rhythm and very cool guitar work.

Lyrically, World Against World testify to the truth about sin, forgiveness, and the struggle of the Christian life in a powerful and straightforward manner. Their themes range from escaping eternal death by being reborn in Christ ("Insomnia For The Dead"), to the world's rebellion against God ("The Hope Of The Wicked Has Become Despair"). "Scared Silent" is a critical rant against the punk scene's fake rebel attitude which declares:

Unnatural hair color doesn't train a rebel But disciplining yourself to earn favor in His eyes Is the only way to stand apart.

This band can be graphic and upfront at times, but their brutal treatment of hopelessness, greed, and hatred seems only to clarify the precious gift of God and the life that He offers. Each song also has plenty of Scripture references, in case you're not sure where they're coming from.

World Against World is not for the meek or faint of heart. Hardcore, gothic, and even the more sophisticated punk enthusiasts will dig this album, though fans of standard pop-punk may find it a bit much for their taste. Change has been a good move for this foursome, formerly known as Spudgun. With Until The Day Breaks And The Shadows Flee Away, and as World Against World, this band has the potential to awaken a new crowd of fans, elucidating the heavier side of things with a loud declaration of God's truth.