Theocracy is a metal band from Athens, Ga. Characterized by huge choruses, epic arrangements and progressive elements, Theocracy s music is both immediate and deep, managing to be instantly catchy and memorable, yet reveal... more »ing new levels of intricacy and depth with each subsequent listen. Theocracy was released at the end of 2003 on MetalAges Records, to fantastic reviews and worldwide acclaim within the metal community. In the time since that album s release, drummer Shawn Benson and guitarist Jon Hinds joined the ranks, and the band started playing shows locally (including the prestigious ProgPower USA Showcase) and working on new material. And now, after years of hard work, Theocracy is proud to finally unveil their sophomore album, Mirror of Souls, released on Ulterium Records. The material on Mirror of Souls makes it abundantly clear that instead of succumbing to the infamous sophomore slump, the band has actually taken everything to another level. Theocracy is now a full band firing on all cylinders, and the new material features the same high-quality songwriting that made the debut album so memorable. The album s anchor and grand finale is Smith s magnum opus, the 23-minute Mirror of Souls title track. It s the best thing I ve ever written, and the song I m most proud of, he says. The track features the same kind of memorable melodies and smart pacing that made epics like The Serpent s Kiss and Twist of Fate fan favourites. It is an epic in the truest sense of the word, with massive choirs and bombastic orchestral passages. Mirror of Souls was mixed by Smith at the band s Theocracized Studios and mastered by Mikka Jussila [Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Stratovarius] at Finnvox, and the muscular, clear production is a perfect complement to the songs. The cover art was created by Robert Wilson and the booklet was made by Felipe Machado Franco [Iced Earth, At Vance, Ayreon]. Theocracy and Ulterium Records are very excited about working together and supporting this long-awaited album, which is sure to be a hit with fans and critics alike.« less
Theocracy is a metal band from Athens, Ga. Characterized by huge choruses, epic arrangements and progressive elements, Theocracy s music is both immediate and deep, managing to be instantly catchy and memorable, yet revealing new levels of intricacy and depth with each subsequent listen. Theocracy was released at the end of 2003 on MetalAges Records, to fantastic reviews and worldwide acclaim within the metal community. In the time since that album s release, drummer Shawn Benson and guitarist Jon Hinds joined the ranks, and the band started playing shows locally (including the prestigious ProgPower USA Showcase) and working on new material. And now, after years of hard work, Theocracy is proud to finally unveil their sophomore album, Mirror of Souls, released on Ulterium Records. The material on Mirror of Souls makes it abundantly clear that instead of succumbing to the infamous sophomore slump, the band has actually taken everything to another level. Theocracy is now a full band firing on all cylinders, and the new material features the same high-quality songwriting that made the debut album so memorable. The album s anchor and grand finale is Smith s magnum opus, the 23-minute Mirror of Souls title track. It s the best thing I ve ever written, and the song I m most proud of, he says. The track features the same kind of memorable melodies and smart pacing that made epics like The Serpent s Kiss and Twist of Fate fan favourites. It is an epic in the truest sense of the word, with massive choirs and bombastic orchestral passages. Mirror of Souls was mixed by Smith at the band s Theocracized Studios and mastered by Mikka Jussila [Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Stratovarius] at Finnvox, and the muscular, clear production is a perfect complement to the songs. The cover art was created by Robert Wilson and the booklet was made by Felipe Machado Franco [Iced Earth, At Vance, Ayreon]. Theocracy and Ulterium Records are very excited about working together and supporting this long-awaited album, which is sure to be a hit with fans and critics alike.
"I have been burning up this disc in my car since I got it, I LOVE this band, soaring melodic vocals, great guitar work, all around pretty close to flawless and the lyrics very clearly glorify the Savior. I would compare these guys to the likes of Dream Theatre, mostly Progressive Metal with an edge and very heavy in parts, every song is very good. This is the best Christian Metal Band to come along in a while in my opinion."
Best metal album of 2008!!!!!
Richard Davis | 09/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't usually gravitate towards Christian metal, because quite frankly, it's usually not very well written. This on the other hand is a heavy metal MASTERPIECE!!! Someone above compared them to Dream Theater, but they are far and away more closely related to the older Symphony X and Shadow Gallery style of metal. Regardless, the songs are unbelievably excellent!! In a genre that has become stale as of late, this is (no pun intended) a blessing!!"
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.
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Great album!
Khyron | 08/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a great album! Produced excelent. One of ten best album of melodic metal in Germany."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
