| Musical Style: Power/Progressive Metal | Produced By: Simon Kok |
| Record Label: Roxx Records | Country Of Origin: Finland & Sweden |
| Year Released: 2023 | Artist Website: Preterist |
| Tracks: 12 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 62:13 |
The Preterist August of 2022 independent debut full length Blood Moon Rising is an all new choice for hard music fans seeking an option in the European power/progressive metal segments that comes loaded with catchy songwriting, expert musicianship and choice vocals. The solo project of Finnish front man, keyboardist and drummer Simon J. Kok, Blood Moon Rising traces to the literal dozens of songs Kok had composed over the years and corresponding accumulation of unfinished demo tracks. He later developed the goal to get his music in the listener’s hands and take his demo recordings to the next level, but it was first necessary to recruit additional musicians to bring the project to fruition. Enter guitarist extraordinaire Carl Johan Grimmark (Narnia) and bassist Egon Veevo (Hilastherion) to round out the Peterist lineup.
Initially an independent digital release, Blood Moon Rising was re-released on CD by Roxx Records in May of 2023 (limited to 300 jewel case copies). Cover art attributes to Rafael Tavares and layout and design to Simon Kok.
What is behind the Preterist name? Specifically, ‘preterist’ derives from the Latin word meaning ‘past’ and refers to a Christian belief system that Biblical prophecy concerning the ‘end times’ has already been fulfilled. Artist offers further detail in a recent online interview1:
“Christian eschatology (i.e. the doctrine of the last things) can be divided into four main branches, which are futurism, preterism, historicism and idealism. Futurism is the mainstream viewpoint, with the future antichrist and tribulation and rapture and all that. The rest are minority viewpoints. Preterism asserts that rather than describing events in our future, the Book of Revelation serves as a sort of a final chapter in the saga of Old-Covenant Israel, culminating in the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem in AD 70.”
He succinctly sums things up by suggesting, “I chose this name because it is unique and reflects my beliefs. Coming up with a catchy and unique band name isn't easy, so I'm happy with this one.”
Please note I do not necessarily subscribe to ‘preterist eschatology’, but rather it is my intent to allow the artist to provide his point of view for readers that might have questions regarding the meaning behind the Preterist name.
Regardless of the prophetic system in which you subscribe, if into Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Northern Flame, Reflection Of Glory and Theocracy, then I can see Preterist being of interest. Hence, opening cut “To The Holy Mountain”, a short instrumental that reminds of the first song of the self-titled Theocracy debut, “Prelude”, from how it runs its span to keyboards that give way to a drum solo to launch albums first full-length vocal piece.
“They Are Already Here”, one of albums shortest at just four minutes, highlights albums smooth production with its mix of crisp guitars, effervescent keyboards and concentrated low end. it otherwise proves quintessential Preterist in revealing an elevated tempo and immediate hooks to go alongside artists every bit fitting classic tenor albeit not high pitched vocal style.
Seven minute “Higher” is first of albums three progressive based pieces. It maintains the expeditious form if not elevating it, with Kok’s accelerated drumming leading through nimble verse sections and every bit fleet but recognizable refrain that has Theocracy written all over it. Atmosphere darkens instrumentally as Grimmark’s signature soloing joins with swarthy keyboards ahead of impetus decelerating to a near crawl. Additional guitar and keyboard solos close things out. Lyric snippet:
When all the noise of battle has faded
Fog of war has dissipated
Then comes the day we've awaited for so long
The meek will claim the earth
Inherit the kingdom
And rule with Christ
Rule with Christ
There's no more crying, no more pain
All their tears wiped away
God himself is their sun
And they shall fear no one
Christ the king on His throne
In righteousness forever and ever and ever
“Blood Moon Rising” reflects the diversity to the Preterist songwriting with its bluesy vestiges. Offbeat keyboards get things going prior to song lending a mid-paced focus, the earthy nuances upheld from the grit and gravel artists lends to his vocals and commanding guitars with a hard rock edge. Moments prior to the instrumental run are eerie as vocals take an ominous turn and keyboards point to the chilling.
“This Body Of Death” separates as albums at eight and half minutes. It impresses as a progressive ballad, lightening from a guitar standpoint while smoothing momentum as keyboards and piano play lead roles to the point Shadow Gallery comes to mind. Eminent and stately is the allure as emotion elevates, particularly for the momentous refrain and ennobled instrumental moments transitioning between atmospheric keyboards and bluesy guitar. Lyric snippet:
Flesh and the spirit
Two laws inside of me
But who the Son gives freedom
Shall be free indeed
So if I stumble
Will I keep serving sin?
No!
So I plead rescue me
From this body of death
Wretched man that I am in my sin
Intervene and set me free
From this pain that no one knows
And no one feels
I'm begging You, please
I'm on my knees
Back to up-tempo power metal for “Free People Of The World”, a melodic stomper with equal parts invigorating riffs and accelerated double bass accented by keyboards to taste (I cannot say enough good things about artists keyboard work). Piano briefly takes over for a tranquil passage subsequent to a ripping instrumental interlude.
“Power Of My Mind” tempers initiative to the mid-tempos with its joining of the lighter and heavier. Former finds Veevo’s bass elevating to front of the mix over a bedrock of gentle guitar, while latter allows Grimmark to impress with riffs and harmonies bringing to mind fifth Narnia album Enter The Gate from 2006. Not unlike many cuts here, keyboards and guitar trade off instrumentally. Lyric snippet:
See the truth before my eyes unfolding
Leave the flames of Babylon behind
Hope and faith guide me in my calling
To love the Lord with all the power of my mind
Spirit calls, the winds of change are blowing
The old is gone and new must take its place
Never stall and never stop reforming
Prove my worth, be a workman unashamed
The mid-tempo sentiments carry over to “No More Rebellion”, albeit not quite as progressive and with a dramatic allure found in the ‘there is no more rebellion in rock & roll’ refrain. Go beneath the surface, however, and you will realize some melodic hard rock to AOR undercurrents that point to manner in which there is more to Preterist than power and progressive metal. Also of note is how artist’s falsettos bring to mind Matt Smith (Theocracy).
Galloping power metal to “Fire” draws upon bountiful energy in raising heaviness (vocals mirror an aggressive edge) and tempo (silky smooth refrain soars with the best of them) to give prominence to a flowing effect. I particularly take to the minute and half-instrumental run allowing Grimmark to exhibit his abilities. This one would sound at home on any mid-period Narnia album. Lyric snippet:
What do you know about it
Why do you say it loud
What is so cool about it
Tell me now, show me how
Myth or superstition
Or a real and frightening place
Fiery furnace
Evil burns before God's face
A place the devil must know well
It's where the demons dwell
There's not many I can tell
Who like burning in the fire
Forever in the lake of fire
Minute long keyboard instrumental “Anomaly” gives way to one of albums top tracks in “Dying Star”. Song revisits progressive territory found in how half its seven and half minutes is instrumental - Kok and Grimmark have a unique keyboard and guitar synergy - but it also fails to forsake the accessible, as another ornate melody cannot help but entice. What we have is a strong contender for song of the year.
Closer “More Than This” is another favorite. It trends slower but melodic territory, propelled by concentrated bass for its composed verse sections only to gain force for its sweeping refrain as rhythm guitar cuts in to make a more cogent statement. All the while Kok commands the low end with his prodigious drum rolls and fills. Lyric snippet:
Put on your armor and take up your sword
Righteousness, faith and the Word of the Lord
A beacon of truth and a bastion of light
We are His soldiers
So stand up and fight
When doctrines of demons and traditions of men
Collide with what's written again and again
When evil is rising and love grows cold
It's time to rise and take a stand
European power and progressive would not be an inaccurate label to place on Preterist but might not be encompassing either when factoring the aspects of AOR, melodic hard rock and even the blues to influence its sound. Regardless of style, Kok’s songwriting helps tie everything together in that Blood Mood Rising does not present with a single weak track. Cohorts Grimmark and Veevo play no lesser roles in the success at hand. Overall, Blood Moon Rising serves to wet my appetite and leaves me anticipating any follow up release, which I hope arrives sooner rather than later. In the meantime, if like me you are waiting with bated breath for the next European metal sensation to hit the scene, Post Millennialist…
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “To The Holy Mountain” (1:17), “They Are Already Here” (4:07), “Higher” (6:56), “Blood Moon Rising” (6:10), “This Body Of Death” (8:20), “Free People Of The World” (4:17), “Power Of My Mind” (5:59), “No More Rebellion” (5:19), “Fire” (5:42), “Anomaly” (:48), “Dying Star” (7:26), “More Than This” (5:54)
Musicians
Simon Kok - Lead Vocals, Keyboards & Drums
Carl Johan Grimmark - Guitars
Egon Veevo – Bass
