Temporary Artist: Heaven's Rage Label: Independent (available through Rugged Cross ) Time: 53:39, 16 Tracks "Mmmmmm....BEEFY!" Man, I haven't heard heavy METAL grooves like this in awhile, Heaven's Rage start with a mid-tempo thrash foundation and slam on tons of big 90's power and aggression. The production is very scratchy and organic, but suits the music by providing a rough, textured guitar tone (the same on every track). Most fans of Leaderdogs for the Blind, Jesus Freaks, Erase, Eternal Decision, and Tourniquet (old) will turn this up with a fat grin. Not a lot of lead guitar, but some. The vocals are ocassionally distorted ala Leaderdogs or mid-period Tourniquet, but the words are usually understandable. Actually, some of the songs remind me of "Among the Dead" from Vengeance Rising's Once Dead album, especially the chorus of "Mad Cow" (almost a direct lift). There's no great songwriting to speak of on this album, and most of the riffs have been heard before, but there's plenty of good 'ole churning crunch that I found very satisfying in this metal-starved age. The lyrics are totally open about Christ, leaning heavily on traditional Christian metal themes (so there's nothing too creative or deep going on). The first track is just an honest spoken-word proclamation of the gospel, for those of you who are into giving-CDs-to-your-friends evangelism and want something really direct. By Josh Spencer
Heaven's Rage has a lot going for it -- great heavy riffs, some thrash, an overall heavy sound. On the thrashier songs, there's definite Six Feet Deep influence, but for the most part this is standard-fare, hardcore metal that might do well against the likes of Tourniquet or the secular band Skid Row. The big problems here are the flat vocals and the average lyrics. The vocals aren't bad, but the lead singer doesn't have a wide vocal range. There's a lot of fuzz, and there are deep, throaty, almost-blues vocals to cover for this, but by the end of the album you start to wonder if all the songs were done in the same key. They lyrics, while not deep or particularly exciting, are filled with the message of Christ. The production quality of Temporary is above average for the independent market. As is typical with independents, the recording level is low, but only rarely is the sound muddy. Heaven's Rage are not just about music, they're also about ministry, and Temporary reflects this. In the liner notes, the number for the Sanctuary Prayer Line is listed and, before the first track starts, there's an altar call. This may help give an idea of how dedicated these guys are. The songs address such themes as drugs, anger, and other modern-day problems. Taken as a package, Temporary is a great album to put in the hands of lost or struggling friends. By Mark Aylor (8/12/98)
|
