Theocracy - As the World Bleeds

Theocracy As the World Bleeds cover
Theocracy
As The World Bleeds
Ulterium Records
2011
8
As I have said many times in the past, the third album of a band is considered to be the most “important” in terms of showing what the future will bring (exceptions are always on the game). It also shows if a band can really make it in producing something good. Gratefully, Theocracy with “As The World Bleeds” have released their best work up to now.
 
The band has evolved through the years… It has become more of a band and less of Matt’s personal project that it used to be in the past. The guys have teamed up very well and they are delivering a very heavy and powerful album. The euro power metal of the band that’s embellished with heavy and progressive metal elements (as in the past) is more aggressive and harmonious at one go. Very smart heavy/power tunes are being blended with Christian thematology. Many fans may not like this religious approach from the band, but you must respect their beliefs. It’s the same thing (on the opposite side) with the extreme metal bands that have a satanic lyrical concept. No matter on what side you are (even if you are in the middle)… you must always respect the music and the philosophy of the musicians. Personally, I’m ok with the lyrics of the band… they are good indeed, and although they might be in contrast with metal music in general… it shows once more that this is a wrong thought. They are a White metal band… as the people used to call them back in the 80’s (Trouble was my beloved one), but the term White concerns the lyrics of a band, not the music.
 
Musically, the album has all those elements that made the specific genre so beloved by millions of fans around the world. The album is excellent from start to finish and if I was to separate some songs just for the sake of it… I would probably choose: “I Am” (an 11 minute long epic song that’s purely outstanding), the heavy anthem “Nailed” (great guitar riff and an excellent performance by Matt), the euro-heavy/power “Hide in the Fairytale” (nice lyrics and very smart bridge – chorus, great solos as well), the tuneful “The Gift of Music” (it’s true that music is a gift for all mankind – the guys have delivered a bewildering song), the powerful “30 Pieces of Silver” (very beautiful backing vocals on the chorus), the heavy melodic “Drown” (amazing refrain and guitar work – drums and bass are fantastic) and the epic hymn “As the World Bleeds” (an 8 minute long tune… melodic in the beginning but getting heavier right after). The smart use of keys, the use of choir with the beautiful backing vocals has made the band’s sound more splendid than before. Lastly, the album was mastered by Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Stratovarius, Children of Bodom) and features a superb artwork by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire, Iced Earth).
 
No reservations here… if you like European heavy/power metal… progressive metal… Christian thematology (or if you do not care in the least bit) then, “As the World Bleeds” is fully recommended… normally, this album will satisfy the fans of the specific genre…