I am not into Christian metal, being of more atheistic views when it comes to religious matters, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy some well-crafted power metal with biblical undertones every now and then. US-based progressive/power metal band THEOCRACY are a reliable source of such sounds and messages even if their latest release, “Ghost Ship,” came out in 2016. So it was quite a pleasant surprise for me when the band dropped new music and announced a new album, “Mosaic,” with a release date set for October 13th, 2023, via the band’s new label Atomic Fire Records.
For those of you who don’t know about this band, they have been around since 2002 and have put out four excellent records over the course of their career, including their superb sophomore effort “Mirror of Souls” (2008) as well as exquisite “As the World Bleeds” (2011) and top-notch “Ghost Ship” (2016). There is nothing overly cheesy about their guitar-driven high-octane progressive power metal as Matt Smith and his band take the best from both genres to create interesting melodies, driving rhythms, and layered soundscapes. For the consistent quality of their albums, THEOCRACY are one of the USA’s best-kept secret. Their newest album, “Mosaic,” continues to deliver on the same technical level as previous albums, and I wouldn’t expect anything else from these top musicians.
If you are put off by the idea that, as a Christian metal band, THEOCRACY could be preachy and moralizing in their lyrical content, fear not since their songs have more depth and nuance than that. Sure, they have tracks that deal with biblical themes, like the almost 10-minute epic “Easter” from their previous album or the 19-minute centerpiece “Red Sea” on this album, but many of their songs deal with current societal issues or feelings of not belonging. Both the opening track, speedy and dynamic “Flicker,” and the follow-up, power metal anthem “Anonymous,” hit hard both musically as well as lyrically and will speak volumes to outcasts everywhere while the headbanging rhythms, soaring vocals, and pounding drums will please metalheads. The beautiful and pensive title track starts off softy on acoustic guitars and delicate singing that give way to galloping riffs and singalong melodies as THEOCRACY show off their melodic side and tight songwriting skills. This is hands down my favorite track of the album since I love not just its melody and dramatic vibe but also the message of how everything is interconnected in this world and how our lives are a small part of a bigger picture we can’t see entirely; so yes, I agree that “we are mosaic,” both on an individual level as well as part of a collective.
One of the heavier and darker cuts on the record is definitely “Sinsidious (The Dogs of War)” as chugging guitars and barreling drums create a massive wall of sound perfect for headbanging or even moshing if the band ever plays this one live. Halfway through it breaks into a melodic part with a soaring yet haunting line that asks simply “Shall we sing a song while the world is burning” and while the juxtaposition between the aggressiveness of the sound and the beauty of this vocal melody is a bit jarring it also adds nuance and depth to the song’s ominous lyrical content. The first single released, the mid-tempo anthem “Return to Dust,” is a wonderfully written rumination on the fact that life is not eternal and that “no matter how hard we rage against the dying of the light / It comes for everyone,” as Matt Smith serenely sings in the track’s melodic chorus. Otherwise, it is a straightforward and catchy track with a killer main riff and a great guitar solo from new band member Taylor Washington that is sure to go down well when played live. Balancing a fiery lead guitar melody and a rather sugary chorus, “The Sixth Great Extinction” treads the fine line between power metal and progressive metal as the instrumentals are dynamic and thrashy while the storytelling aspect is captivating and intriguing.
The final section of the album is just as relentless and varied as the first couple of tracks. As such, “Deified” is a fast-paced rocker with a classic heavy metal vibe infused in its intro melody that gives way to a speedy riff and rapid drumming while the vocals soar, especially around the melodic yet frantic chorus. Generally, the trio of guitars, drums, and vocals are the main sonic foundation of the THEOCRACY sound and, by extension, of this album, and the drum power on this track alone is a great sign of what an agile player Ernie Topran is, adding density and warmth to the sound. Equally impressive is lead guitarist Taylor Washington whose solos and riffs are technically precise and intense, on par with the smooth and emotionally charged vocal performances. Speaking of Matt Smith’s delivery, both “Deified” and the delicate but brief acoustic ballad “The Greatest Hope” are great showcases of his register, vocal power, and emotive skill. The penultimate track, “Liar, Fool, or Messiah” is a fast-paced, thrash-infused monster of a song whose energetic delivery and upbeat pace don’t slow down for a little over 7 minutes. The epic “Red Sea” is the progressive moment of the album merging together power metal elements with some sparse Middle Eastern influences into one cohesive song that runs through many different tempos and moods, closing the album in fantastic fashion.
All-in-all, “Mosaic” is the long-awaited return from THEOCRACY that delivers on all accounts. The clean and crisp production allows for the guitars to steal the show with their tone and thick sound while the nuanced keys and percussive flourishes add texture and depth to the tracks. Channeling the idea of a musical mosaic, this album is equal parts power metal yet thrashy, with introspective lyrics, plenty of melodies, progressive intricacies, and straightforward but well-crafted songs. It’s one of the better albums I’ve listened to recently in the genre and definitely one of THEOCRACY’s best albums to date. Highly recommended to fans of progressive/power metal, or as a good starting point for those new to this band.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
01. Flicker
02. Anonymous
03. Mosaic
04. Sinsidious (The Dogs of War)
05. Return to Dust
06. The Sixth Great Extinction
07. Deified
08. The Greatest Hope
09. Liar, Fool, or Messiah
10. Red Sea
Lineup
Matt Smith | vocals
Jonathan Hinds | guitars
Taylor Washington | guitars
Jared Oldham | bass
Ernie Topran | drums
Label
Atomic Fire Records
