Search - Theocracy :: Mirror of Souls

Great Religious Metal

D. Greenly | Texas | 03/26/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion, much better than the first effort. Matt Smith has definitely become a better singer on this Sophmore effort because he does not have to worry about playing other instruments. I LOVE this CD."

What it sounds like when all the pieces come together

Khyron | 04/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mirror of Souls, the follow-up to Theocracy's eponymous debut (which is to say Matt Smith's debut as the record was a one-man show), escapes every trapping of the so-called "Sophomore slump". From the opening synth intro of "Tower of Ashes" to the trailing piano at the end of the album's opus, the record is in every sense a leap forward for this band.



Though they hail from Georgia, Theocracy is often mistaken for one of the myriad of European power metal acts, due largely to the fact that they simply don't sound like an American metal band. Outside of a few chorus shouts reminiscent of old-school hardcore, Smith's archetypal power metal vocals blend seamlessly with heavy guitars, intricate percussion work and synths that Geddy Lee would certainly recognize. While naming influences (and in an effort to infuriate someone for drawing the comparison), Axl Rose's perfectionism and desire to create visuals with music are felt here as well.



"Souls" compels listeners to not simply listen but to absorb the way in which Smith weaves lyrics with sound to pull an otherwise casual listener into the music. This is beautifully illustrated in the startling dichotomy of "Laying the Demon to Rest" which begins with a wall of guitars, double bass and Smith's over-the-top vocals which then abruptly give way to haunting piano and bells that lay the foundation for the rest of this 9 minute long gem.



While other tracks like the uplifting "On Eagles' Wings" or the lyrically charged "Absolution Day" shine, there are no throw-away songs on this record. There is a sense that every track has been laid into place to provide the proper context for the album's culmination: the 22 plus minute title track. Call it a mini-rock opera if you like, if Theocracy never records another song they will be remembered for this one; a poignant and vulnerable tale of selfishness and absolution, helplessness and redemption. The words "movement" or "piece of music" come to mind as song or track simply are insufficient to describe what has been created here. Smith lays out a theme on acoustic guitar to begin the song which he then expands upon and re-interprets as the protagonist begins to see who he truly is in a hall of mirrors. The track is a journey that, if anything, could have been expanded into an album of its own.



Perhaps the band's greatest achievement here is that they've managed to create an album that feels grand in its scope but is essentially a very personal, introspective look at adversity and the power of God to transform lives. The music, some of the most impressive progressive power metal in recent years, is not the least bit compromised for the message. Both are equally powerful and poignant, making this album very much deserving of your attention.

"

Finally! Some Christian Metal that isn't stupid and doesn't

Lyndon Unger | Waldheim, Saskatchewan | 08/16/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Epic. Face Melting. Spine Tingling. Volcanic. Dog-shaving. Choose your positive adjective, and it likely applies.



The music is great. Matt Smith has PIPES and can sing. The drummer has a double kick and he uses it. The guitar is loud and shred-tastic!



It's ACTUAL metal: European-style POWER metal, not the "Angry Justin Beiber meets a bulldog with tourettes" junk we've been forced to endure for so long. POWER metal means it's melodic, heavy, driving, and actually involves musicianship and song writing. Theocracy is the hot sauce in the mayonnaise isle of Christian metal.



It's about FREAKING time. I'm SO sick of "metal" being a bus load of ugly bearded dudes doing their best to look homeless, posing with their idiotic collar bone tatoos showing through their low cut metrosexual v-neck shirts, and putting out albumns that sound like an experiment in seeing how many songes can be written with 6 power chords and seeing how much abuse the human throat can take.



Theocracy is kung fu where other bands are simply clog dancing.



But, that's actually not why I love this album more than being forced to eat chocolate cream pie for a good cause.



Honestly, it's the lyrics.



This is, for the first time in a LONG while, a Christian band who sings about Christ and isn't hopelessly shallow. I don't follow the Christian scene much anymore because it's almost been entirely overrun by people who apparently slept through Sunday school.



I get frustrated reading lyrics that are so vague that they could be about processed cheese spread, or lyrics that suggest that the author thinks "theology" is the study of definite articles.



Before Theocracy, the only musical groups I knew of that had anything remotely close to edifying lyrics were bands like Majestic Vanguard, Narnia, Audiovision and Veni Domine. They're basically 'positive' and occasionally good, but nothing that's much better than bands like Ayreon, Angra or After Forever (i.e. stupid or maybe funny).



Theocracy though, is AMAZING lyrically. They sing about overcoming sin ("Lay the Demon to Rest"), the atonement of Christ ("Absolution Day"), the glory of God in suffering ("On Eagles Wings"), etc. If Grace Community Church EVER had a metal worship service (that thought in itself is hilarious), Pastor Matt Smith would be leading the congregational head-banging.



Theocracy brings back memories of Tourniquet and Whitecross, where I used to look up the lyrics in the liner notes and actually have the music turn my thoughts to Christ. That music actually edified me. Theocracy is the same. It is face meltingly awesome, but it's amazingly rare; it turns my thoughts to the Lord and is actually edifying.



If you're a Christian and love metal, you should have a bake sale and buy "Mirror of Souls". You won't regret it.



Thanks Matt."