| Musical Style: Epic Power Metal | Produced By: Matt Smith |
| Record Label: Atomic Fire Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2023 | Artist Website: Theocracy |
| Tracks:10 | Rating: 100% |
| Running Time: 66:10 |
We like power metal. We like melodic metal. We like epic metal. We like progressive metal. So obviously we fell head over heels for the Metal Ages Records 2003 Theocracy self-titled debut full length with its embracing of ‘epic melodic power metal with progressive overtones’ (quoting founding member, vocalist and main songwriter Matt Smith in reference to the groups sound). Theocracy carried over similar musical aptitude to the trio of highly regarded albums it records over a nine-year span subsequent to signing with Ulterium Records: Mirror Of Souls (2008), As The World Bleeds (2011) and Ghost Ship (2016).
A change to a new label in Atomic Fire Records finds Theocracy expanding upon its sound even if slightly for its October of 2023 fifth full length offering Mosaic. No doubt, Theocracy stays true to its signature grandiose melodies, catchy Avantasia inspired choruses, layered texturing and compelling pomp and bombast. That said, and perhaps due to presence of new guitarist Taylor Washington of power/thrash act Paladin, Mosaic reveals a heavier, more aggressive and understated thrash side to Theocracy. Hence, manner in which the Mosaic material hits harder compared to that on previous releases but proves no less able.
I give the group full credit in this regard in light of how it could have recorded ‘As The World Bleeds (Again)’ or ‘(Another) Ghost Ship’ but rather exude the confidence to stretch and step outside its musical boundaries. In no way do I intend to denigrate ATWB and Ghost Ship - excellent albums in their own right when factoring respective 95% and 90% Angelic Warlord reviews - but rather point out the musical growth to Theocracy as it transitions to a heavier direction. An added element of heaviness does require a bit of patience, however, in that per my experience Mosaic takes a few extra listens to absorb as opposed to its predecessors, albeit I grew into it equally.
Opener “Flicker” represents a choice manifestation of the newfound heavier Theocracy heading. Fast, hitting like a ton of brick and catchy all the same, “Flicker” skirts power/speed metal territory but with light thrash leanings, noting the aggressive work of new timekeeper Ernie Topran. Of note is how the song ends abruptly with lyrics appropriately cutting off prior to the word ‘gone’: ‘Flicker for a moment, then we’re…’
Ensuing cut “Anonymous” is one of my favorites. It embraces the classic Theocracy sound, defined by a far-reaching progressiveness - noting the six-minute length - but intrinsic to the group’s trademark lush harmonies and as engaging a guitar riff you will find. Refrain finds the song smoothing as larger than life backing vocals canvas the lofty scene. Lyric snippet:
Not assigned our worth by words
Of men in changing flawed, morality
A sacrifice painted in blood
Recovered lost identity
It's not the things that we have done
Or other things that we have not
You turn the lost souls carved in stone
To sons and daughters
Welcome home
Albums title track is nothing less than a Theocracy classic. “Mosaic” opens its first minute calm and gentle ahead of launching into a full on gallop, storming its lively verse sections in ambitious fashion only to further break out upon acquiring the catchy double kick drum inspired refrain. Rhythm guitar crunches to the forefront for an extended instrumental run highlighted by Washington’s brazen leads.
Back to progressive territory for the seven minute “Sinsidious (The Dogs Of War)”. It ranks with albums heaviest, innate to a snarling mentality revealed in the thrash infused guitar assaults and periodic harsh (almost extreme) background voice to make periodic appearance. Yet, a contrasting accessible element prevails in the form of the undeniable melody and deep-seated vocal harmonies to even things out either way. Lone constructive comment is I find the ‘whoa-whoa-whoa’ backing vocals are a bit overdone. Lyric snippet:
Shall we sing a song while the world is burning
As they let the games begin?
Watch the modern Nero play his fiddle
While the teeth are sinking in
Father may we guard our hearts
From the overtly hideous
And the more sinsidious
Debut single “Return To Dust” touches upon a commercial element. Major factor in this regards is manner in which the song sweeps its distance to a draw you in at once guitar riff - commanding, persuasive and catchy as it gets - not to mention an upbeat proclivity that refuses to go away. Of note is how Jared Oldham’s presence filled bass rises to the front of the mix, particularly for the moving verse sections.
Another heavy hitting stomper ensues in “The Sixth Great Extinction”. Song begins in ominous, slow-paced fashion, not gaining force until hard charging rhythm guitar takes over after a minute and sets the irrefutable tone over a foundation of hammering double kick drum. The darker almost symphonic signatures bring to mind classic Theocracy track “Laying The Demon To Rest” (off Mirror Of Souls). The preciseness to the guitar team of Washington and Jonathan Hinds brings to mind Deliverance at its best. Lyric snippet:
All the wisdom of this world is foolishness
The history of man's opinions changing with the tide
Power to destroy the wisdom of the wise
The wise
Once upon the days of olden times gone by, the ancient stories told
Of great awakenings that shook the hearts of kings
Now we’ve forged a world where our will be done
Are we alive?
Or has the sixth great extinction come?
“Deified” represents a four-minute speed metal romp, setting an assaulting tone with its lightning like leads and every bit explosive low end but also trending the buoyant in terms of the plush vocal melodies to rise on occasion. Subsequent cut “The Greatest Hope” contrasts as a three-minute ballad with an even disposition to see acoustic guitar, piano and keyboards play lead roles. Former might be punchy and curt and latter the elegant and lavish, but the shared commonality is the versatile vocals of Matt Smith, who can soar and cut loose in expansive fashion but also mirror a calmer demeanor interwoven with wistful emotion.
Seven and half-minute “Liar, Fool, Or Messiah” is of two progressive epics to close Mosaic. Opening instrumental first minute touches upon a thrash like slugfest, which gives way to the smoother vibe to the appeasing verse sections with the same thrash guided riffs interspersed in between. Song culminates for the technical but melodically driven refrain (one of albums finest). Guitars move to the forefront for the instrumental moments. Lyric snippet:
Have no illusions
The only conclusions
We're left to draw
When we have heard it all
The arguments rise and fall
It’s either liar, fool, or Messiah
Not just the good moral teacher
Some say patronizingly
With who He claimed to be
The choices are one of three:
Liar, fool, or Messiah!
Theocracy has gained well deserved reputation for its penchant for ‘epics’, noting the 22 minutes Mirror Of Souls title track, eleven minute opener “I Am” off As The World Bleeds and then minute closer “Easter” from Ghost Ship. Nineteen-minute “Red Sea” fulfills such role on Mosaic. As its namesake implies, “Red Sea” tells the story of the Exodus but spread over three parts in impressing as one logical, cohesive song.
First “B.C.” takes a sweeping, theatrical turn in merging power/thrash metal elements and light Middle Eastern influences within contact of maze like time signatures, choir vocals and sublime refrains. Instrumental second further plays upon the Middle Easter elements while allowing Theocracy to highlight its outstanding musicianship. Third “A.D.” reinforces a modern application to the theme but in a lighter, more melodic context that borders on a semi-ballad form. Lyric snippet:
The children of Israel now lift up their eyes
The shadow's approaching their freedom at stake
Chaos and panic and fear for their lives
Death on both sides there is no escape
The angel of God, the cloud and the fire
It moves from the front to guard the behind
Unto the chosen, a life-giving pyre
A God of confusion unto the blind
And the Red Sea crashes down (And the Red Sea crashes down)
Destroying all my evil (Destroying all my evil)
I sleep beneath the endless waves of Grace (Sleep beneath the endless waves of Grace)
I float within the heart of Peace (Float within the heart of Peace)
At last my soul has found release (Found release, found release)
Within the sea of its eternal resting place (Sea of its eternal resting place)
Mosaic delivers everything you might expect in a Theocracy album with its emphasizing of epic melodic power metal joined with equal parts melody and heaviness. Former is a Theocracy staple in terms of catchy, choir-laden choruses (noting the emotional vocals and choice songwriting of Matt Smith) while latter elevates to new heights (attributing to newcomers Taylor Washington and Ernie Topran). Upshot is a plethora of great songs, with my favorites including “Anonymous”, “The Sixth Great Extinction”, “Liar, Fool, Or Messiah” and “Red Sea”, keeping in mind each is worthy of note. An ‘outside the box’ ballad such as “The Greatest Hope” cannot help but make me encourage Smith to record a solo album outside the musical boundaries of Theocracy. As always, I appreciate Theocracy’s efforts to make such high quality music, albeit moving forward I hope it is not another seven years for the group to record a follow up.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Flicker” (3:59), “Anonymous” (5:49), “Mosaic” (5:25), “Sinsidious (The Dogs Of War)” (6:46), “Return To Dust” (4:27), “The Sixth Great Extinction” (5:26), “Deified” (4:18), “The Greatest Hope” (3:14), “Liar, Fool, Or Messiah” (7:37), “Red Sea” (19:07)
Musicians
Matt Smith - Lead Vocals
Taylor Washington - Lead Guitar
Jonathan Hinds - Guitar
Jared Oldham - Bass
Ernie Topran - Drums
