Whilst it would be nice to play down the Christian nature of Mortification’s music and slip it conveniently in the last paragraph to deceive the haters, it’s pretty difficult to avoid (If you notice the muscled angel destroying evil demons on the artwork, or read the outrageous album title, you‘ll see what I mean). Yes indeed, on the surface, this is highly charged with religious zeal, and if you listen out for the lyrics, some are of unashamedly Biblical proportions (see ‘Alexander The Metalworker’ - ‘The Lord stood by my side and gave me strength So that the Message May be proclaimed’. Ahem). However, anyone familiar with these Australian legends will know, whether devout or the opposite, that this threepiece can knock out a tune and a half, with absolutely no compromise when it comes to catchy melodies and sheer abrasiveness.

This is thrash / death of the Sepultura ilk; not as tribal as some of Mortification’s previous outings, but with strong melodies and production that packs a holy punch. Dominating the sound is the well-tuned bass of Steve Rowe, which carries the fairly stripped down sound along, with Michael Jelinic’s guitars providing a backing element. Drums are of the simple mid-tempo variety, slowing down or blasting at will, but the real blessing in disguise are the vocals of Rowe, which might be reciting cheesy (or should I say, Jeez-y) lyrics, but in a weird but wonderful way have a gruff charm about them that sets the band apart from others in the genre.

Considering the barebones nature of these Aussies’ sound, it’s a bit of a surprise that this album was three years in the making, but it was certainly time well spent. No doubt they will get some flak from the Christian detractors out there, but regardless, those who don’t like the excellence on display here can, for want of a better phrase, go to hell.

http://www.myspace.com/mortification1
http://www.roweproductions.com

James Young

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