| Musical Style: Heavy Metal | Produced By: Josh DeHaan |
| Record Label: Roxx Records | Country Of Origin: USA, Italy & Greece |
| Year Released: 2020 | Artist Website: True Strength |
| Tracks: 9 | Rating: 80% |
| Running Time: |
Roxx Records fall of 2020 fourth True Strength album The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh trends similar non-commercial heavy metal territory as its predecessors, comes with the raw but crisp production to go in hand and represents the second conceptual work from the group in a row. Whereas third True Strength album Sanguinary Vivification from 2019 depicts the parallel between the Prophecy of the Suffering Servant in the Book of Isaiah and the life of Jesus Christ, TMHOY takes a Wagnerian rock opera approach in basing around the Old Testament book of Joshua from beginning to end in staying faithful to scripture as possible. Angelic Warlord readers know I have a soft spot in my heart for concept albums, and even more so those that are unique, and such is the case with TMHOY. Credit True Strength for branching out in this capacity in that it could easily have gone the predictable route by recording yet another concept album drawing upon the Exodus or Book of Revelation, topics that while relevant also have a somewhat flavor of the month feel due to their preponderance.
It might be somewhat limiting to describe True Strength as ‘non-commercial heavy metal’ when there is so much more to the group in the form of classic US power metal, epic and melodic metal and even the doom-like. Where True Strength breaks from the past - and accept this as a neutral observation and not critique - is how it backs from some of the progressive tendencies to previous releases. First three albums, also encompassing The Cross Will Always Prevail (2014) and Steel Evangelist (2017), had average track times in the seven to eight minute range, but TMHOY finds the group abbreviating its songwriting with most songs between four to five minutes instead. Also of note is how TMHOY is the first True Strength album not to have an epic in excess of ten minutes. Regardless of track times, the True Strength material remains technical as ever - this is not your basic verse-chorus-verse stuff - in that the group has not completely abandoned its progressive ways, noting how the TMHOY material (similar to previous efforts) takes several listens to grow on you.
Further change comes with the True Strength newfound use of keyboards, crediting the work of newcomer Marc Bravi. Perhaps it is the subject matter at hand, but I find keyboards lend perfectly to the True Strength sound, whether it be Hammond B3 providing a seventies hard rock feel or church organ making a Gothic statement. It is a classic case of a band not afraid to branch out and attempt something new and add another dimension to its sound, although it deserves note TMHOY is not quite consistently heavy as its predecessors, a particular I cannot help but think comes by design in light of the subject at hand.
Band turnover represents another area of change. Departed are lead guitarist Josh Cirbo and drummer Ryan Mey, replaced by Takis Koroneos and Chris Lee Faulkenberry on lead guitar and drums, respectively. Returning from the Sanguinary Vivification roster is founding member and rhythm guitarist and bassist Ryan ‘the Archangel’ Darnell and vocalist GeorgeTsalikis. What has not changed is the True Strength mission to ‘honor God, spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and donate 100% of their sales to charity’ (as taken from the groups press material).
Opening interlude piece “Vision Of The Commander Of Yahweh’s Army” helps set the stage for the albums storyline as church organ and violin are joined by narration from Joshua 5:13-15.
“Joshua” is one of several album cuts that is every bit heavy metal as it is hard rock. In terms of the former, song storms out of the gate to bounding rhythm guitars and hammering rhythm section in maintaining the upbeat vibe its span; from standpoint of latter, complimentary organ decorating the back end (accenting but not dominating) allows a fitting seventies allure. Lyric snippet:
No one will be able to stand against you!
As in the desert with Moses, I will be with you
Be strong and courageous, and you will lead them to their land!
The land that I had sworn that I would give to them!
Is “Sounding Of The Shofar At Jericho” the best metal song depicting the renowned Battle of Jericho? If not at the very least it is up there with aptly entitled Fearless magnum opus “Joshua” (off Chronicles Of Ancient Wisdom from 2019). Musically, it carries over the agile bearing in roaring its five and a half minutes to heightened energy as burnished vocal melodies decorate the astute (and quite catchy) refrain and classic tenor vocalist Tsalikis lowers his register to allow a darker resonance. Lyric snippet:
On the Seventh Day they marched around the city
At the seventh circuit ‘round the priest sounded the blast
Throughout the sky the sound of the shofar
Was heard by all who returned with their battle-cry
The walls collapsed around, they charged into the breach
True Strength demonstrates its progressive side on “Burning Of Ai”. Song revels in intricate time signatures, strategically shifting between powerfully driven moments to divulge a frenetic form and others that at moments notice brake to a plow-like doom-ish romp. Instrumentally, Koroneos combines lush harmonies with brisk lead guitar. Lyric snippet:
Black smoke rising on the horizon
As Ai burns from Israel’s rage
The javelin pointed towards the city
Ambushed, attacked and now it’s in flames
Album takes its first turn towards mid-tempo territory on “The Sun Stands Still Upon Gibeon”. What we have is a melodic piece within an epic context, not heavy as some (an almost ballad like quality comes to the forefront) but direct and forthright nonetheless (a gallant if not astute aura projects). Particularly impressive is the manner in which Lee Faulkenberry’s expansive drumming stands out. Lyric snippet:
Gibeon pled Joshua to protect them from attack
After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua struck them in the back
On the road down from Beth Horan to Azekah they began to flee
The Lord hurled large hail down upon the armies of the kings
“Five Kings Are Put To The Sword” impresses of pensive mid-paced metal. It starts to ominous bass with a doom vestige, exuding a dramatic veneer moving forward in line with the assertive title but also progressive to uphold a convoluted instrumental run in which an exquisite organ solo gives way to more plodding bass. Perhaps it is the disconsolate feel, but Biogenesis comes to mind. Lyric snippet:
After all of the stragglers from the battle were killed
The guards then reopened the mouth of the cave
They brought out the five kings as captives to Joshua
By the sword of his judgment he sent each to their grave
There is no place they can hide
The five kings are going to die
“The Southern Cities Fall” is this reviewer’s choice track. Song elevates energy exponentially, made plain in the high-intensity riff that refuses to quit with its churlish form but also the varied vocal approach ranging from projection filled to an occasional spoken word feel. Extended run of lead guitar is every bit brash. This one brings all the qualities that make up a great metal number: catchy, exciting and moving as all get out. Lyric snippet:
The armies of Israel press the attack and march down into the vale
Over the rocky hills, like a wave, they lay claim over every stone!
Iron Age warriors clash for every Tel, on their way to destroy Hebron
With the power of God on their side, outnumbered but not alone
“Blood Soaked Waters Of Merom” does a choice job embodying those newfound True Strength hard rock nuances. A merging of guitars and organ carries its span, with upshot a victorious and uplifting demeaning in addition to a composite form with another tasteful keyboard and lead guitar trade off. Seventies classic rock is almost touched upon. Lyric snippet:
Near the blood-soaked Waters of Meron
Where the Northern Kings went to die!
The spring runs red with their blood
At the Valley of Hula’s west side!
I identify with closer “Rest From War” as one of albums more power metal influenced cuts. With clashing symbols to start, it moves ahead to slowly played guitar and bass in gradually building until rhythm guitar cuts in to solidify the staunch mid-tempo scene. “Rest From War” otherwise echoes of the anthem-like, with catchy hooks (refrain literally refuses to go away) and even tighter vocal melodies (verse sections revel every bit much) playing prevalent roles. Early Jacobs Dream comes to mind. Lyric snippet:
There was rest from war, a long time had passed
Joshua gave each tribe their piece of the land
After the nation was born, Israel’s the Promised Land
He called all the Leaders to bid them farewell. He said:
‘Now fear the Lord and serve Him, throw away the gods of your past
If serving God doesn’t suit you, choose this day whom you’ll serve’
True Strength exhibits its versatility on TMHOY from heading in similar but also slightly different musical territory. No doubt, the old school heavy metal vibe of previous efforts still resonates but with a reduced emphasis on the progressive while allowing keyboards to play an added role. Upshot is a newfound classic hard rock side to the group. As for TMHOY, I appreciate the outside the box thinking as it pertains to the Old Testament themed concept (not to mention eye-catching cover art and historically detailed lyrics) in addition to the same musical consistency of prior releases, noting eight solid full-length cuts. Therein also lies the lone constructive commentary regarding the album: it is a bit short, particularly in light of reduced track times, which while not a bad thing (I am always supportive of an artist willing to branch out and change) potentially lends to another song or two to better round things out. At the very least, a couple more interlude pieces that play a role in concept album by tying individual tracks together and helping the storyline flow. Still, if a fan of True Strength or any type of old school metal and hard rock, then make TMHOY a priority purchase.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Vision Of The Commander Of Yahweh's Army (Intro)” (1:34), “Joshua” (3:42), “Sounding Of The Shofar At Jericho” (5:29), “Burning Of Ai” (5:23), “The Sun Stands Still Upon Gibeon” (4:46), “Five Kings Are Put To The Sword” (4:40), "The Southern Cities Fall” (4:27), “Blood-soaked Waters Of Merom” (5:10), “Rest From War” (4:20)
Musicians
GeorgeTsalikis - Lead Vocals
Ryan ‘the Archangel’ Darnell - Guitars & Bass
Takis Koroneos - Guitars
Marco "Mark" Bravi - Keyboards
Chris Lee Faulkenberry - Drums
