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Soterios is a technical metalcore dragon with phlegmy black metal rasps, death metal growls, gruff hardcore shouts, and even some spoken word every now and then.  Forsaking the typical low end for a scratchy trebly guitar tone, they kick up clouds of manic chaos.  Very capable musicianship, with each player in the pocket.  The guitars alternate between percussive, palm-muted stop and go riffing, layered leaking distortion runs, or normal death/thrash riffs.  No lead guitar, although you'd think they would have some with the obvious talent present.  With their song titles and lengthy tracks, they're obviously trying to capture an epic feel.  But despite their penchant for shifting tempos, the songs all melt together into one 45 minute explosion of friction and sparks.  Nothing too memorable, sadly. 

All the lyrics are personal ramblings and prayers of a broken, ever-failing spirit who can't get over their failures and can't seem to find the peace of God's presence...and yet they continue to grasp a thread of hope.  Unless you're in the same place yourself, it all gets a little overbearing and annoying -- and cliche' for the genre.

Josh Spencer              11/25/01